Vent Cap Labyrinth Structure Prevents Oil Leaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vent caps for oil tanks in machinery are prone to oil leaks due to turbulence, which can lead to environmental hazards and oil depletion, and have complex and time-consuming mounting processes with safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A vent cap design featuring a cylindrical cup with a built-in guide for a level rod, flexible flaps for secure anchoring, and a labyrinthine structure with a porous filter that self-cleans, preventing oil leaks and ensuring a stable, easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are moulded and mounted separately (cup, diaphragms, level rod, filter), then assembly flexibility is improved, but the mounting process becomes complex and time-consuming with safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components (cup, first diaphragm, labyrinthine structure, second diaphragm, level rod, and filter) into a single integrally-moulded piece. This eliminates the need for separate mounting operations, reduces assembly steps, and removes the risk of improper assembly while maintaining all the functional benefits of the separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single moulded piece performs multiple functions simultaneously: the cup provides structural support and containment, the diaphragms provide oil barriers, the labyrinthine structure creates a tortuous path for oil, the level rod indicates oil level, and the filter filters vapors. All these functions are integrated into one component rather than requiring separate parts.
2Ease of operation
If the level rod is mounted by keying into a seat on the diaphragm, then the rod can be positioned, but the mounting is unsafe with risk of detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The level rod and its anchoring structure are merged into the single integrally-moulded piece. The rod cannot detach because it is formed as part of the permanent structure, eliminating the risk of detachment while maintaining easy positioning during the moulding process.
3Ease of manufacture
If the porous filter is arranged at the top of the cup chamber to filter vapours, then vapour filtration is achieved, but oil easily touches and clogs the filter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the protection path in the dimensional direction by creating a labyrinthine structure that forces oil to travel a much longer path before reaching the filter. This increased path length provides additional protection without moving the filter to a different location or changing its fundamental function.
Solution Approach 2:
The first diaphragm and labyrinthine structure perform preliminary action by intercepting and redirecting oil before it can reach the filter. This preliminary protection prevents oil from clogging the filter, extending its service life while maintaining its vapour filtration function.
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 cap effectively prevents oil leaks, extends filter life, and simplifies assembly while ensuring secure anchoring of the level rod, reducing environmental impact and maintaining adequate oil levels in the tank.
Implementation Method 1
a porous filter arranged at the top of the cup chamber, in order to selectively filter water vapours and oil vapours
Implementation Method 2
The labyrinthine structure is shaped so that the exit of the vapours through the filter is oriented at 90° to the direction of any splashes
Implementation Method 3
flaps 7c of guide 7 are manufactured, as said, with a sufficiently elastic material so as to allow the temporary spreading apart thereof, for the insertion of the rod, and the subsequent closure once teeth 10 have been engaged with recesses 9
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a vent cap for oil tanks of machines and motor equipment, comprising a cup (1), equipped with means of engagement (4) with the seat of the tank filler, and a lid (12) mounted on the cup and which snaps thereon. Between the cup (1) and the lid (12) there is a gap allowing the vapor outflow from the tank to the outer environment or viceversa. According to the invention, said lid (12) comprises two cylindrical diaphragms (12b, 12c), concentric to the cap axis and which, in cooperation with the cup (1), form labyrinth means for the flow of vapors and air. Cup (1) also carries a guide (7) supporting a level rod (8), consisting of a central, cylindrical main body (7b), wherefrom ribs (7a) for anchoring to the cup (1) depart. Guide (7) extends, at the top, into two flexible flaps (7c), provided with means of engagement (10) of the rod (8).