Universal Capless Refueling Funnel with Deformable Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in ensuring the correct installation of capless refueling funnels on assembly lines that produce both petrol and diesel vehicles, as existing methods require error-proofing labels and scanning, increasing costs and complexity, and there is a risk of incorrectly sized funnels being installed.
Innovation Solution
A universal capless refueling funnel with a deformable tip that can adapt to both diesel and petrol mis-fueling inhibitors, allowing a single funnel to fit various capless refueling necks, eliminating the need for multiple funnel sizes and labeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If error-proofing labels and scanning systems are implemented on the assembly line, then the reliability of correct funnel installation is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel tip automatically adjusts its own configuration based on the mis-fueling inhibitor size it encounters. The deformable tabs self-regulate to match the opening size without requiring external verification systems, labels, or scanning equipment. The funnel serves itself by adapting to the vehicle type through mechanical deformation rather than requiring complex identification and verification infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple funnel sizes are provided for different vehicle types, then the adaptability to different mis-fueling inhibitors is improved, but the device complexity and risk of incorrect installation increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single funnel design serves multiple functions by accommodating both petrol and diesel mis-fueling inhibitors. The deformable tabs allow the same funnel body to adapt to different opening sizes, making one universal funnel replace multiple specialized funnels. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for workers to select between different funnel sizes while maintaining compatibility with various vehicle types.
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel tip transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one with deformable tabs that can change configuration. The tabs move and deform in response to the size of the mis-fueling inhibitor opening, allowing the funnel to dynamically adapt its effective diameter. This dynamic adjustment enables a single funnel design to function across multiple vehicle types that previously would have required different fixed-size funnels.
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
This solution reduces the likelihood of incorrect funnel installations and decreases costs associated with labeling and scanning, ensuring customers have the correct funnel for refueling, regardless of vehicle type.
Implementation Method 1
at least two opposing tabs at the second end, the opposing tabs deformable from a first position to a second position, a distance between outer surfaces of the opposing tabs at the second end being a first amount in the first position, the distance being a second, smaller amount, in the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A universal refueling funnel for a capless refueling system is provided. In one example approach the refueling funnel comprises a funnel body with a first opening at a first end and a second opening at a second end opposing the first end, the first opening larger than the second opening, and cross-sections of the funnel body decreasing from the first end towards the second end; and at least two opposing tabs at the second end, the opposing tabs deformable from a first position to a second position, a distance between outer surfaces of the opposing tabs at the second end being a first amount in the first position, the distance being a second, smaller amount, in the second position. Such a universal funnel may be used for both petrol and diesel size capless inserts, for example.