Rotating Fuel Tank Locking for Secure Detachment and Refueling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel tanks for fuel-powered devices, such as vehicles, lack a simple and efficient mechanism for rendering them unremovable and removable from the device, which complicates operations like refueling and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A fuel tank design featuring a circular column-shaped body with a handle and a lock mechanism that can be switched between locked and lock-released states by rotating the tank in a circumferential direction, allowing for easy attachment and detachment, along with a recessed handle for secure grip and integrated design for enhanced strength and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fuel tank is designed to be detachably attached to a fuel-powered device, then it can be removed for refueling or maintenance, but it cannot remain securely fixed during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states through rotational movement. The tank body rotates relative to the housing, with the lock mechanism dynamically switching between engaged (locked) and disengaged (unlocked) positions based on the rotation angle, enabling both secure fixation and easy removal
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is nested within the housing structure, with the lock pin moving within a slot in the housing and engaging with corresponding features on the tank body. This nested arrangement allows the locking function to be integrated into the overall assembly without adding external complexity
2Ease of operation
If a handle is provided on the fuel tank for operation, then it enables easy gripping and rotation, but it may catch on objects around the fuel-powered device
Solution Approach 1:
The handle function is extracted from the main tank body and implemented as a separate operational interface. The operation portion extends from the tank body to provide leverage for rotation, while the design allows the handle to be retracted or positioned to minimize interference with surrounding components during normal operation
3Ease of operation
If the lock mechanism switches between locked and unlocked states through rotation, then it provides simple operation, but it requires sufficient rotational space around the tank
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism utilizes rotational movement in the circumferential direction rather than linear movement. This dimensional approach allows the lock pin to engage and disengage through rotation within a confined radial space, minimizing the area required compared to linear locking mechanisms that would require axial movement space
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel tank comprises a circular column-shaped fuel tank body, a handle, and a lock mechanism. The circular column-shaped fuel tank body is provided so as to be capable of being detachably attached to a fuel-powered device. The handle is formed on one end side in a length direction of the fuel tank body. The lock mechanism is capable of switching between a locked state in which the fuel tank body cannot be removed from the fuel-powered device, and a lock-released state in which the locked state has been released, due to the fuel tank body being rotated in a circumferential direction in a state of being installed to the fuel-powered device.