Capless Fuel Systems

ITW was seeking concepts for a capless fuel filler assembly that would open with a fuel nozzle and stay closed during pressure washing.

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WHAT DID I DO?

I won an office challenge for developing the most concepts in a day. Using SolidWorks and engineering calculations, I varied hinged points, levers, and mechanical features that would only allow a fuel nozzle to enter. I also created a housing body with rolled edges at the quarter panel joint to prevent the quarter panel from shearing the fuel system during a rear impact.  This element was prototyped and tested with a bladed pendulum and validated the design.  The final products can be viewed at www.itw.com