Winged Stop Pour Spout Assembly for Fuel Inlet Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pour spouts for fluids face issues such as spills due to narrow gas tank openings, ineffective venting leading to uneven fluid flow and airlocks, lack of multiple flow rate options, and limited compatibility with various vessel types, especially with changing regulatory requirements.
Innovation Solution
A pour spout assembly comprising a conduit construction with inner and outer chambers, an insert construction with guided air and fuel outlets, and a sleeve construction with radially extending wings and slots for adjustable flow control and compatibility with different fuel inlet apertures, including a gasket type washer for improved sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the spout outlet diameter is reduced to comply with regulatory requirements and match vehicular fuel intake apertures, then compatibility with different vessel types is improved, but the ease of pouring and preventing spills may worsen due to narrower opening
Solution Approach 1:
The spout assembly is divided into multiple functional segments: an inner conduit member with a first outlet diameter for controlled fluid discharge, and an outer sleeve with a second outlet diameter for interaction with the receiving vessel. This segmentation allows the inner spout to maintain a regulated, spill-preventing diameter while the outer sleeve adapts to different vessel aperture sizes, resolving the contradiction between standardized outlet diameter and versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the outer sleeve is made rotatable to provide multiple flow rate options, then flow rate control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer sleeve is designed to be rotatable relative to the inner conduit member, transforming a static single-flow-rate device into a dynamic multi-flow-rate system. The rotation allows the outer sleeve to engage different annular openings in the receiving vessel, providing variable flow rates. This dynamic capability is achieved through a relatively simple rotational motion rather than complex mechanical components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spout assembly includes multiple annular openings in the outer sleeve for different flow rates, then flow rate control is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outer sleeve is designed as a multi-functional component that serves both as a protective outer covering and as a flow control mechanism through its multiple annular openings. These openings are positioned to receive the inner conduit member and allow rotation to different angular positions, each corresponding to a different flow rate. This universal design integrates flow control functionality into a single component, reducing the need for separate precision-machined parts.
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 spout assembly effectively prevents spills by ensuring even fluid flow, accommodating varying fuel inlet diameters, and providing adjustable flow rates, enhancing safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
Implementation Method 1
a pour spout assembly that permits transfers of fluid (liquid) based on the influence of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A spout assembly transfers fluid from a container, and comprises a basic conduit construction, and a sleeve construction. The conduit construction comprises a laterally opposed extended conduit wings. The sleeve construction has a slotted end and a winged end. The slotted end comprises laterally opposed, bifurcated slots for receiving the conduit wings. Each bifurcated slot has an abbreviated and elongated slot length. The sleeve construction receives the conduit construction such that the sleeve construction is axially and rotatably displaceable relative to the conduit construction intermediate a closed position enabled via the conduit wings and abbreviated slot lengths and an open position enabled via the conduit wing and elongated slot lengths. The winged end comprises a plurality of circumferentially-spaced, extended wings, the longitudinal termini of which provide spout assembly stop structure at a fuel inlet aperture.