Self-Closing Spout With Stepped Tabs and Dual Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-closing spouts for fuel containers are prone to accidental opening during transportation, particularly in motor vehicles, risking unintended discharge of liquids.
Innovation Solution
A self-closing spout with automatic fastening means, comprising multiple stepped tabs and a latching system, that secures the spout from moving and opening the valve unless manually released, and automatically locks the container when the opening force is released, using a primary and secondary latching system to prevent accidental discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring tensioned closure mechanism is used to keep the valve closed, then liquid will not be delivered unless force is applied, but the spout may accidentally open during transportation in motor vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a locking mechanism that proactively prevents the harmful effect of accidental opening during transport. The locking mechanism engages with the sleeve to counteract any external forces that might cause the valve to open, thereby addressing the harmful factor before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is engaged in advance during the normal closed state of the spout, before any transportation occurs. This preliminary action ensures that the valve remains secured against accidental opening throughout the transport process, eliminating the risk without requiring additional intervention.
2Reliability
If the spout is secured with locking means, then accidental opening is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking element that engages with the sleeve, a positioning mechanism that ensures proper alignment, and a release mechanism that allows controlled opening. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable and not excessively complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is merged with the existing spout structure, integrating the locking elements into the housing and sleeve assembly rather than adding completely separate components. This merging approach reduces the overall device complexity by combining multiple functions into unified structural elements while maintaining the reliability of the valve closure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents accidental discharge of liquids by ensuring the spout remains closed and locked during transport, maintaining the integrity of the container's contents.
Implementation Method 1
a spring 40 positioned around rod 32. A hollow air tube 38 is also included in the valve stem system the spring 40 is adapted to maintain the valve end 18 in a closed position when no force is applied on said spring
Data Source
AI summary
A self-closing spout having a cylindrical housing (10) with a delivery spout where the cylindrical housing is positioned around a cylindrical body (6) having a primary latching system and a secondary latching system for controlling the opening and closing of said self-closing spout when said self-closing spout is attached to a container. A circular sleeve (4) is positioned around the cylindrical body (6) for operating a valve operating system (14). The primary latching system has a latch (9) and an actuator (11) for opening the latch (9) and the secondary latching system has two stepped tabs (8) that engage a lip (10A) on the housing 10 to prevent fluid in a container to which the spout is attached from leaking.