Universal Fitting for Urea Tank with Segmented Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling systems for vehicle urea tanks, such as the Elaflex and Kruse systems, are limited in compatibility and efficiency, requiring users to choose between systems, leading to potential improper fluid filling and slow filling rates.
Innovation Solution
A fitting that combines a threaded socket with an annular magnet, allowing for both Elaflex and Kruse bottle compatibility, while preventing improper fluid filling through strategically placed ventilation conduits and a magnet design that ensures efficient air exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a threaded socket is designed for Kruse bottle compatibility, then the bottle can be screwed in and sealed, but the air exchange efficiency deteriorates due to positioning differences of air intake openings
Solution Approach 1:
The air intake function is segmented into two separate conduits: a first ventilation conduit positioned to work with the Elaflex nozzle and a second ventilation conduit positioned to work with the Kruse bottle. This segmentation allows each conduit to be optimally positioned for its respective filling system, resolving the contradiction between Kruse compatibility and air exchange efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket is designed with universal functionality to accommodate both Elaflex nozzles and Kruse bottles. The dual ventilation conduit system provides multi-functionality by enabling effective air exchange regardless of which filling system is used, allowing the same socket to serve both purposes efficiently.
2Reliability
If an annular magnet is added to the socket for Elaflex nozzle authorization, then improper fluid filling is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular magnet is merged into the socket structure itself rather than being a separate component. The magnet is positioned within the socket body, combining the authorization function with the existing socket structure. This integration minimizes additional complexity while maintaining the reliability benefit of preventing incorrect fluid filling.
3Device complexity
If the socket is designed to accept only one filling system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates as users must choose between systems
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is designed with universal functionality to accommodate both Elaflex nozzles and Kruse bottles. The dual ventilation conduit system provides multi-functionality by enabling effective air exchange regardless of which filling system is used, allowing the same socket to serve both purposes efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation system is segmented into two separate conduits, each optimized for a specific filling system. This segmentation allows the socket to maintain simple, standardized external dimensions while internally providing specialized pathways for each system type, achieving both simplicity and versatility.
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
Enables the use of either an Elaflex dispenser or a Kruse bottle with the same tank, preventing incorrect fluid filling and improving filling efficiency by managing air exchange effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The Elaflex socket contains a magnet of annular shape that cooperates with a magnetically actuated valve in the nozzle to authorize its operation
Implementation Method 2
The system will then on the one hand provide a flow of urea solution from the bottle into the tank, and on the other hand provide a corresponding flow of air and vapor from the tank to the bottle
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention is based on the insight that a filling system obtained by combining a "Kruse" compatible threaded socket and an annular magnet as required for the operation of the "Elaflex" nozzle, will exhibit air exchange problems related to the difference in the positioning of the respective air intake openings of the "Kruse" bottle and the "Elaflex" nozzle. More particularly, the invention is based on the insight that by judiciously providing a chamber in fluid communication with the volume of air or vapor in the tank, filling may be made possible with a "Kruse" bottle as well as with an "Elaflex" nozzle.