Refueling Retainer Tapered Guide Claw Nozzle Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Variations in refueling gun types, nozzle lengths, and sensor positions lead to unstable fueling operations due to inconsistent nozzle insertion positions and directions, causing inefficiencies in fueling processes.
Innovation Solution
A refueling retainer with a tubular body featuring a tapered inner surface to guide the nozzle and inwardly bent claw portions to restrict insertion, ensuring stable direction and position regardless of nozzle length, along with an elliptical portion for diameter restriction and a sensor cutout for reliable auto-stop functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple refueling retainer structure is used, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but the ability to accommodate various refueling gun types and ensure stable fueling operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The refueling retainer is designed with a tapered inner peripheral surface and claw portions that can universally accommodate different refueling gun types, nozzle lengths, and sensor positions. The tapered guide portion directs nozzles of various lengths to the correct insertion position, while the claw portions provide consistent positioning regardless of gun configuration, enabling one retainer design to serve multiple refueling gun variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer incorporates geometric parameters such as the tapered angle of the inner peripheral surface and the positioning geometry of the claw portions to control nozzle insertion. By carefully designing these geometric parameters, the retainer can guide different nozzle types to the same functional position and orientation, ensuring stable fueling operation without requiring complex mechanical adjustments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If refueling guns with varying nozzle lengths are used, then adaptability to different refueling requirements is improved, but consistent nozzle insertion position and direction deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered inner peripheral surface of the retainer uses a conical (curved) geometry to guide nozzles of different lengths. The gradual taper allows nozzles to be directed along a converging path toward a common insertion position, compensating for length variations. This curved guiding surface ensures that regardless of nozzle length, the fueling operation achieves consistent precision.
3Ease of operation
If no restraint mechanism is used, then ease of nozzle insertion is improved, but excessive insertion and unstable fueling operation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The claw portions act as intermediary elements between the nozzle and the retainer body. These claws engage with the nozzle at a specific point to restrict insertion to the correct depth and orientation. The intermediary claw structure provides gentle guidance and positioning without requiring forceful restraint mechanisms, maintaining ease of insertion while ensuring stable fueling operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A refueling retainer comprises a body portion of a tubular shape inserted into and arranged at a fueling-side end portion of an inlet pipe through which fuel is introduced to a fuel tank. The body portion comprises at a leading end portion thereof: a tapered portion, which is an inner peripheral surface of the leading end portion inclined radially inward toward a leading end of the body portion; and a claw portion that projects from the leading end of the body portion in an inwardly bent manner.