Segmented Funnel Assembly for Adjustable Oil Fill Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing funnel assemblies for pouring motor oil into cars and motorcycles face difficulties in being fixed and positioned at various oil fill hole locations, leading to spills due to flexible hoses and lack of positioning members, requiring users to hold the funnel manually for adjustment and pouring.
Innovation Solution
A funnel assembly comprising a main body, first and second sleeves, and a cover with adjustable extension tubes and positioning features, allowing for easy angle adjustments and secure positioning without shaking or rotation, enabling convenient pouring without spills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible hose is used as the stem of the funnel, then the funnel can be rotated to different directions, but the hose is difficult to be fixed and positioned, easy to twist and release, causing spills
Solution Approach 1:
The stem is divided into multiple detachable segments (first sleeve, extension tube, second sleeve) that can be connected at different angles. Each segment provides structural support while allowing angular adjustment, eliminating the need for flexible hoses while maintaining rotational adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between segments allows for dynamic angle adjustment during assembly, but once connected, the segments maintain a fixed rigid position. This provides both adaptability during setup and stability during use.
2Ease of operation
If the ball valve on the stem is connected to a cap for adjusting the vector of phase, then the funnel can be adjusted to different directions, but the funnel is unable to be fixed at the position after adjustment due to lack of positioning member
Solution Approach 1:
The stem is segmented into multiple detachable parts (first sleeve, extension tube, second sleeve) that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Each segment can be independently positioned and connected, providing simple angle adjustment without requiring complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented structure allows the funnel assembly to be self-positioning through simple connection of segments at desired angles, eliminating the need for manual holding during the pouring operation.
3Device complexity
If a linear stem is used for the funnel, then the structure is simple, but it cannot be applied to oil fill holes at various positions on different cars and motorcycles
Solution Approach 1:
The stem is divided into multiple straight segments that can be connected at different angles. This maintains the simplicity of individual components while providing the versatility to reach various oil fill hole positions through angular combinations of segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented stem structure serves multiple functions: it maintains structural simplicity like a linear stem, provides adaptability to various positions through angular connections, and remains easy to assemble and disassemble. This universal design works for different oil fill hole locations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A funnel assembly used for adding motor oil to cars or motorcycles is revealed. The funnel assembly includes a main body (5), a first sleeve (2), an extension tube (1), a second sleeve (3) and a cover (4). The main body is connected to the first sleeve and the first sleeve is assembled with the extension tube. The extension tube is connected to the second sleeve and the second sleeve is assembled with the cover. The first sleeve and the extension tube can be assembled with each other toward different directions and so do the second sleeve and the cover. Thereby the funnel assembly can be applied to and mounted into oil fill holes at different positions of various cars.