Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a non-linear spring mechanism coupled to a cover element. As an example, a system may comprise: a bar linkage mechanism having a first spring arm coupled to a second pivotable spring arm via a living spring hinge, the second pivotable spring arm having a lower or an equivalent stiffness compared to the first spring arm; an element coupled to at least one of the arms of the bar linkage mechanism. In one example, the element may be a cover cap, swing door or a sliding door. In this way, the linkage mechanism may allow the element to open with ease while providing improved performance in corrosive environments.

Abstract: A capless refueling port attached to a fuel tank of a vehicle is presented. In one example, the capless refueling port includes a main opening, an articulating unitary plug mounted within a nozzle chamber of the fuel port, and a drain tube. The articulating plug is configured to partially or fully close an inlet of the drain tube connected to the fuel port during refueling; the articulating plug is further adjusted to open after refueling, allowing the fuel port to dissipate any residual pressure in the nozzle chamber to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a non-linear spring mechanism coupled to a cover element. As an example, a system may comprise: a bar linkage mechanism having a first spring arm coupled to a second pivotable spring arm via a living spring hinge, the second pivotable spring arm having a lower or an equivalent stiffness compared to the first spring arm; an element coupled to at least one of the arms of the bar linkage mechanism. In one example, the element may be a cover cap, swing door or a sliding door. In this way, the linkage mechanism may allow the element to open with ease while providing improved performance in corrosive environments.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a non-linear spring mechanism coupled to a cover element. As an example, a system may comprise: a bar linkage mechanism having a first spring arm coupled to a second pivotable spring arm via a living spring hinge, the second pivotable spring arm having a lower or an equivalent stiffness compared to the first spring arm; an element coupled to at least one of the arms of the bar linkage mechanism. In one example, the element may be a cover cap, swing door or a sliding door. In this way, the linkage mechanism may allow the element to open with ease while providing improved performance in corrosive environments.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a non-linear spring mechanism coupled to a cover element. As an example, a system may comprise: a bar linkage mechanism having a first spring arm coupled to a second pivotable spring arm via a living spring hinge, the second pivotable spring arm having a lower or an equivalent stiffness compared to the first spring arm; an element coupled to at least one of the arms of the bar linkage mechanism. In one example, the element may be a cover cap, swing door or a sliding door. In this way, the linkage mechanism may allow the element to open with ease while providing improved performance in corrosive environments.

Abstract: A capless refueling mechanism attached to a vehicle fuel tank is disclosed. In one example, the capless refueling mechanism includes a guide plate, main opening, misfueling inhibitor mechanism with a first and second pendulum arm mounted within the main opening, and a sealing door pivotably coupled to the refueling mechanism. The first and second pendulum arm of the misfueling inhibitor may be adjusted to move from a first position to a second position, allowing a fuel nozzle sized to fit the main opening to open the sealing door and dispense fuel into the fuel tank.

Abstract: An exemplary charge port covering assembly includes a door assembly moveable between a covering position where the door assembly blocks access to a charge port, and an accessing position where the door assembly permits access to the charge port. A plurality of ring segments are configured to move to permit the door assembly to pivot from the covering position to the accessing position. An exemplary charge port covering method includes blocking access to a charge port using at least one door assembly in a covering position, and moving a charger toward a coupled position with the charge port to transition the at least one door assembly from the covering position to an accessing position.

Abstract: A capless refueling mechanism attached to a vehicle fuel tank is disclosed. In one example, the capless refueling mechanism includes a guide plate, main opening, misfueling inhibitor mechanism with a first and second pendulum arm mounted within the main opening, and a sealing door pivotably coupled to the refueling mechanism. The first and second pendulum arm of the misfueling inhibitor may be adjusted to move from a first position to a second position, allowing a fuel nozzle sized to fit the main opening to open the sealing door and dispense fuel into the fuel tank.

Abstract: A capless refueling port attached to a fuel tank of a vehicle is presented. In one example, the capless refueling port includes a main opening, an articulating unitary plug mounted within a nozzle chamber of the fuel port, and a drain tube. The articulating plug is configured to partially or fully close an inlet of the drain tube connected to the fuel port during refueling; the articulating plug is further adjusted to open after refueling, allowing the fuel port to dissipate any residual pressure in the nozzle chamber to the atmosphere.