Torque Element Ratchet Design for Fuel Cap Auditory Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cap designs lack clear indication of when the cap is unlocked, leading to potential damage from continued rotation after release, especially with half-turn releases, and have complex structures in their click devices.
Innovation Solution
A torque element with ratchets and locking surfaces in a cap assembly that transmits torque and generates distinct click sounds for tightening and unlocking, using a combination of first and second ratchets to indicate the locked and unlocked positions, and includes an annular wall with multiple ratchets to provide clear feedback to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a click device is added to indicate when the fuel cap is locked, then user awareness of locking status is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the click device with the torque element into a single integrated structure. The torque element includes both the torque transmission function and the click indication function, eliminating the need for separate independent click devices while providing clear auditory feedback to users about locking status.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits torque during tightening, provides click sounds to indicate locking status, and prevents over-tightening. This multi-functional design reduces overall device complexity while maintaining all necessary indicators for user awareness.
2Ease of operation
If the fuel cap is designed for half-turn release, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of damage from continued rotation after unlocking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a click device that provides immediate auditory feedback when the fuel cap is unlocked. This feedback mechanism alerts users promptly that the cap has been released, preventing continued rotation that could cause damage to the cap or surrounding parts, while maintaining the convenient half-turn release operation.
3Device complexity
If multiple ratchets are integrated into a single torque element, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple ratchets into a single torque element structure, reducing the total number of components and simplifying the overall device. This merging approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate parts into one unified component that performs multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Within the integrated torque element, the ratchets are designed as distinct functional segments with specific geometries. Each ratchet is positioned and shaped to interact with corresponding teeth on the cap, allowing for precise torque control and click indication while maintaining the benefits of integration.
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 provides clear auditory feedback to users when the cap is tightened or released, preventing damage from overtightening or continued rotation, and simplifies the structure by integrating components, enhancing user safety and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The first ratchet and the third ratchet are configured such that the top cover may rotate counterclockwise relative to the torque element... When the top cover is rotated counterclockwise, the first inclined surface of the first ratchet engages with the third inclined surface of the third ratchet
Implementation Method 2
the at least one first ratchet slides over the at least one third ratchet... generate a click sound when the third ratchet slides over the first ratchet
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a torque element to transmit torque between a first part and a second part of a cap assembly. The torque element includes a base having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; and an annular wall extending from the base in a direction away from the second surface. The first surface of the base includes at least one first ratchet and the annular wall includes at least one second ratchet on an outer side.