A fuel water separator assembly and a shell for a fuel water separator assembly

Abstract

A fuel water separator assembly includes a shell. The shell includes a collection bowl configured to temporarily store water. The collection bowl includes a base. The base defines an opening extending therethrough. The shell includes an engagement feature extending at least partially around the opening. The engagement feature includes a plurality of tabs extending axially into the collection bowl and angled radially inward toward a center of the opening. The fuel water separator includes a heater coupled to the shell via the engagement feature. The heater includes a body. The heater includes an engagement groove extending into the body and interfacing with the plurality of tabs to prevent the heater from sliding out of the opening. The heater includes a sealing groove. The heater includes a sealing member disposed in the sealing groove to create a seal between the heater and the shell.

Description

A FUEL WATER SEPARATOR ASSEMBLY AND A SHELL FOR A FUEL WATER SEPARATOR ASSEMBLYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001 | The present application claims priority to Chinese Utility Model Application No. 202322550906.8, filed September 19, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates generally to fuel water separator assemblies for use in supplying fuel to downstream devices.BACKGROUND OF THE RELATED ART

[0003] Fuel water separator assemblies may be used to separate water from fuel to protect downstream devices from corrosion. Fuel water separator assemblies may further protect downstream devices by including filter elements to separate impurities from the fuel that may damage the downstream devices. However, some fuel water separator assemblies may be complex and have various components coupled together, which may increase the cost of manufacturing and increase the time of assembling.CONTENT OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0004] According to one embodiment, a fuel water separator assembly includes a shell. The shell includes a collection bowl configured to temporarily store water. The collection bowl includes a base. The shell includes an opening extending through the base. The shell includes an engagement feature extending at least partially around a perimeter of the opening. The engagement feature includes a plurality of tabs extending axially into the collection bowl. The plurality of tabs are angled radially inward toward a center of the opening. The fuel water separator includes a heater coupled to the shell via the engagement feature. The heater is configured to heat the water stored in the collection bowl. The heater includes a body. Theheater includes an engagement groove extending into the body and interfacing with the plurality of tabs. The plurality of tabs prevent the heater from sliding out of the opening. The heater includes a sealing groove extending into the body and disposed adjacent to the engagement groove. The heater includes a sealing member disposed in the sealing groove. The sealing member interfaces with the engagement feature to create a seal between the heater and the shell.

[0005] In some embodiments, the plurality of tabs are movable between a first position and a second position; the plurality of tabs are biased to the first position; the plurality of tabs are pushed to the second position by the heater as a portion of the heater is inserted into the collection bowl of the shell, and move toward the first position with the heater in an installed position; and the plurality of tabs interface with the engagement groove with the heater in the installed position.|0006] In some embodiments, the engagement feature comprises: a first portion extending in a first direction from the base into the collection bowl, the first portion comprising the plurality of tabs; and a second portion extending in a second direction from the base opposite the first direction, wherein the sealing member creates the seal with the second portion of the engagement feature.

[0007] In some embodiments, the heater further comprises a flange disposed external to the shell, the flange interfacing with an end of the second portion of the engagement feature to facilitate proper installation of the heater in the opening of the shell.

[0008] In some embodiments, the heater further comprises a lip that interfaces with an end of the plurality of tabs, the lip defining a portion of the engagement groove, the lip preventing the heater from sliding out of the opening and decoupling from the shell.

[0009] In some embodiments, the engagement groove has a first depth; and the sealing groove has a second depth, the first depth less than the second depth.

[0010] In some embodiments, the engagement feature comprises: a first portion extending into the collection bowl, the first portion comprising the plurality of tabs; and a second portionextending opposite the first portion; and the body of the heater comprises: a first end comprising a lip interfacing with the plurality of tabs; and a second end comprising a flange interfacing with the second portion of the engagement feature.

[0011] In some embodiments, the shell further comprises: a drain extending through the base of the collection bowl; wherein the opening is offset from a center of the base, and the drain is disposed adjacent to the opening.[00121 According to another embodiments, a shell for a fuel water separator assembly includes a collection bowl configured to temporarily store water. The collection bowl includes a base. The shell includes an opening that extends through the base. The shell includes an engagement feature extending at least partially around a perimeter of the opening. The engagement feature includes a plurality of tabs extending axially into the collection bowl. The plurality of tabs are angled radially inward toward a center of the opening.

[0013] In some embodiments, the engagement feature comprises: a first portion extending in a first direction from the base into the collection bowl, the first portion comprising the plurality of tabs; and a second portion extending in a second direction from the base opposite the first direction, wherein the second portion forms a seal with a heater disposed in the opening, wherein the second portion is thicker than the first portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the plurality of tabs are compliant members configured to move between a first position and a second position; the plurality of tabs are biased to the first position; the plurality of tabs are pushed to the second position by a heater as a portion of the heater is inserted into the collection bowl of the shell, and move toward the first position with the heater in an installed position; and the plurality of tabs interface with an engagement groove of the heater with the heater in the installed position.

[0015] In some embodiments, the shell further comprises: a drain extending through the base of the collection bowl, wherein: the opening is offset from a center of the base; and the drain is disposed adjacent to the opening.

[0016] In some embodiments, the engagement feature comprises: a first portion disposed in the shell, the first portion comprising the plurality of tabs and a first outer surface; a second portion disposed at least partially external to the shell, the second portion comprising a second outer surface; and an inner surface extending along the first portion and the second portion, the first outer surface disposed closer to the inner surface than the second outer surface.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second outer surface on a first side of the second portion is substantially planar and the second outer surface on a second side of the second portion is curved.|0018] These and other features, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the several drawings described below.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a portion of a fuel water separator assembly, according to an example embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a portion of a shell of the fuel water separator assembly of FIG. 1.|0021] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the fuel water separator assembly of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a heater of the fuel water separator assembly of FIG. 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS[0023 [ Referring to the figures generally, various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a filtration system including a fuel water separator assembly with an engagement feature for a heater.Fuel Water Separator Assembly

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a portion of a fuel water separator assembly 100 is shown, according to an example embodiment. The fuel water separator assembly 100 is configured to provide fuel to a downstream device such as an engine. As shown, the fuel water separator assembly 100 includes a shell 105. The shell 105 is structured to at least partially house or contain components of the fuel water separator assembly 100. For example, the fuel water separator assembly 100 includes a heater 110. The heater 110 is structured to be coupled to the shell 105 and disposed at least partially in the shell 105.Shell|0025] Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a portion of the shell 105 is shown, according to an example embodiment. The shell 105 includes or defines a collection bowl 205. For example, a portion of the shell 105 (e.g., a bottom portion) may be the collection bowl 205. The collection bowl 205 is structured to temporarily store water that is separated from fuel (until such time that the water is drained from the collection bowl). In some embodiments, the collection bowl 205 may be separate from the shell 105. For example, in one embodiment, the collection bowl 205 may be removably coupled to the shell 105. The collection bowl 205 includes a base 210. The base 210 may be the bottom of the shell 105.[00261 The shell 105 includes a drain 215. The drain 215 extends through the base 210 of the collection bowl 205 to facilitate draining of the water stored in the collection bowl 205. The drain 215 may extend through and beyond the base 210 of the collection bowl 205. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the drain 215 may include a coupling feature.

[0027] The shell 105 includes an opening 220. The opening 220 is structured to receive the heater 110. The opening 220 extends through the base 210 of the collection bowl 205. In some embodiments, the opening 220 is offset from a center of the base 210. The drain 215 may be disposed adjacent to the opening 220. The opening 220 is larger than the drain 215.

[0028] The shell 105 includes an engagement feature 225 structured to engage with the heater 110 to couple the heater 110 to the shell 105. The engagement feature 225 is configured tofacilitate a snap installation of the heater 110 within the shell 105 and eliminate the need for threads or other coupling mechanisms to secure the heater 110 to the shell 105. The engagement feature 225 extends at least partially around or along the perimeter of the opening 220.Engagement Feature[0029| Referring to FIG. 2, the engagement feature 225 includes a first portion 230. The first portion 230 extends in a first direction from the base 210 into the collection bowl 205 of the shell 105. The first portion 230 includes a plurality of tabs 235. The tabs 235 are disposed around the opening 220 of the base 210. In some embodiments, the tabs 235 are spaced equidistant from each other around the perimeter of the opening 220. The tabs 235 extend axially into the collection bowl 205 from the base 210.

[0030] The first portion 230 includes a plurality of recesses 240. Each recess 240 is disposed between two adjacent tabs 235. A recess 240 is defined by two adjacent tabs 235 and a recess surface 245. The recess surface 245 is disposed a first distance 250 away from the base 210. The tab 235 extends a second distance 255 away from the base 210. The second distance 255 is greater than the first distance 250.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of a portion of the fuel water separator assembly 100 is shown, according to an example embodiment. The tabs 235 of the engagement feature 225 may extend radially inward from the perimeter of the opening 220. For example, instead of extending perpendicular to the base 210, the tabs 235 may extend radially inward toward a center of the opening 220.

[0032] The tabs 235 may be compliant (e.g., flexible, movable, etc.) members that are movable between a first position and a second position. For example, the tab 235 may be biased to a first position. A force may be applied to the tabs 235 to move (e.g., push) the tabs 235 to the second position. Moving the tab 235 to the second position may include causing the tab 235 to move radially outward, away from the center of the opening 220. With the force removed, the tab 235 may be biased back to or toward the first position. For example, the tabs 235 may be pushed tothe second position by the heater 110 as a portion of the heater 110 is inserted into the collection bowl 205 of the shell 105. The tabs 235 may move back toward the first position once the heater 110 is in an installed position.

[0033] A second portion 305 of the engagement feature 225 extends in a second direction from the base 210. The second direction may be opposite the first direction. The second portion 305 extends around the perimeter of the opening 220. The second portion 305 is integral with the shell 105. For example, the second portion 305 is integral with the base 210. The second portion 305 may be integral with the first portion 230 of the engagement feature 225. For example, an inner surface 306 of the engagement feature 225 may extend along the first portion 230 and the second portion 305. The inner surface 306 may be a smooth surface (e g., includes no projections or indentations). The second portion 305 may be thicker than the first portion 230. For example, the first portion 230 has a first outer surface 307 and the second portion 305 has a second outer surface 308. At least a portion of the first outer surface 307 is disposed a first distance away from the inner surface 306. At least a portion of the second outer surface 308 is disposed a second distance away from the inner surface 306. The first distance is less than the second distance. The first distance can be measured at the thickest portion of the first portion 230 and the second distance can be measured at the thinnest portion of the second portion 305.

[0034] The second portion 305 is at least partially disposed external to the shell 105. For example, a surface of the second portion 305 defines a portion of an exterior surface of the shell 105. An orientation or angle of the second outer surface 308 of the second portion 305 may vary. For example, the second outer surface 308 on a first side of the second portion 305 may have a substantially straight (e.g., planar), vertical orientation (as shown on the left side of the second portion 305 in FIG. 3) and the second outer surface 308 on a second side of the second portion 305 may have a curved surface (as shown on the right side of the second portion 305 in FIG. 3). A portion of the second portion 305 may extend parallel or substantially parallel with a portion of the drain 215. The engagement feature 225 is configured to create at least one seal between the shell 105 and the heater 100. For example, the second portion 305 may be structured to create a seal between the shell 105 and the heater 110.

[0035] The drain 215 may include a coupling mechanism 310 configured to couple the shell 105 with an external component. The coupling mechanism 310 may be or include, for example, threads. The coupling mechanism 310 may fluidly couple the collection bowl 205 with an external component such that the water stored in the collection bowl 205 may flow out of the collection bowl 205 and into the external component. The drain 215 may be disposed offset from the opening 220 of the base 210. The drain 215 maybe disposed adjacent to the opening 220.Heater|0036] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the heater 110, according to an example embodiment. The heater 110 is configured to couple with the shell 105 via the engagement feature 225. At least a portion of the heater 110 is configured to be disposed in the collection bowl 205. The heater 110 is configured to heat the water stored in the collection bowl 205. Referring to FIGS.3 and 4, the heater 1 10 includes a body 315. The body 315 includes a first end 320 and a second end 325. The heater 110 includes a lip 330. The first end 320 of the body 315 may include the lip 330 (e.g., the lip 330 may be disposed at the first end 320 of the body 315). The lip 330 interfaces with the tabs 235 of the engagement feature 225 with the heater 110 in an installed position. For example, a tip or end of the tabs 235 may interface with the lip 330 to prevent the heater 110 from sliding out of the opening and decoupling from the shell 105. In some embodiments, the lip 330 may have a hook shape configured to engage the end of the tabs 235.[0037| The heater 110 includes at least one engagement groove 335. The engagement groove 335 may extend around the entire heater 110. The engagement groove 335 is disposed proximate to the first end 320 of the body 315. For example, the lip 330 may define a portion of the engagement groove 335. The engagement groove 335 extends into the body 315 a first distance 340. The engagement groove 335 interfaces with the tabs 235 with the heater 110 in an installed position. In the installed position, the heater 110 is disposed such that the lip 330 is disposed further into the shell 105 than the tips of the tabs 235. For example, the engagement groove 335 receives at least a portion of the tab 235 with the heater 110 in the installedposition. The end of the tabs 235 may be disposed in the engagement groove 335 to interface with the lip 330.|0038[ As the heater 110 enters the opening, the lip 330 applies an outward force on the tabs 235 and pushes the tabs 235 in a radially outward direction to allow for the heater 110 to enter the collection bowl 205 of the shell 105. The heater 110 may slide through the opening 220 until the heater 110 is disposed in the installed position. With the heater 110 in the installed position, the force from the lip 330 is removed from the tabs 235, and the tabs move back to, or closer to, the initial tab position such that the tabs 235 can interface with the engagement groove 335. For example, at least the tips of the tabs 235 are disposed in the engagement groove 335 and can interface with the portion of the lip 330 that defines the engagement groove 335.

[0039] The heater 110 includes a sealing groove 345. The sealing groove 345 may extend around the entire heater 110. The sealing groove 345 may be disposed adjacent to the engagement groove 335. The sealing groove 345 is disposed between the engagement groove 335 and the second end 325 of the body 315 of the heater 110. The sealing groove 345 extends into the body 315 a second distance 350. The first distance 340 may be less than the second distance 350.

[0040] The sealing groove 345 is configured to receive a sealing element to form a seal between the heater 110 and the shell 105. For example, the heater 110 includes a sealing member 355. The sealing member 355 may be, for example, an O-ring. The sealing member 355 may be disposed in the sealing groove 345. The sealing member 355 may interface with the engagement feature of the shell 105 to create a seal between the heater 110 and the shell 105. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the seal member 355 engages with the second portion 305 of the engagement feature 225.|0041] The heater 110 includes a flange 360. The flange 360 may be disposed at the second end 325 of the body 315 of the heater 110. For example, the second end 325 may include the flange 360. The flange 360 may be configured to be disposed external to the shell 105 with the heater 110 in the installed position. For example, the flange 360 may be configured to interfacewith an end of the second portion 305 of the engagement feature 225 to facilitate proper installation of the heater 110 in the opening 220 of the shell 105. The engagement between the flange 360 and the second portion 305 of the engagement feature 225 may prevent the heater 110 from extending too far into the shell 105. For example, the heater 110 may include at least one heating element 365. The heating element 365 may extend from the first end 320 of the body 315 into the shell 105 with the heater 105 in the installed position. The second portion 305 may interface with the flange 360 to stop the heater 105 from continuing to enter the shell 105 to prevent the heating element 365 from contacting other components within the fuel water separator 100.[00421 It should be noted that the term “example” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).11)043] As utilized herein, the term “proximate” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to precise numerical ranges. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.|0044] The terms “coupled,” “attached,” and the like as used herein mean the joining of two members directly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable).[0045| References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,’ etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplaryembodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.|0046] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various example embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, various parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various example embodiments without departing from the scope of the concepts presented herein.While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular inventions. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A fuel water separator assembly, characterized in that, the fuel water separator assembly comprises: a shell, comprising: a collection bowl configured to temporarily store water, the collection bowl comprising a base, the base defining an opening extending therethrough; and an engagement feature extending at least partially around a perimeter of the opening, the engagement feature comprising a plurality of tabs extending axially into the collection bowl, the plurality of tabs angled radially inward toward a center of the opening; and a heater coupled to the shell via the engagement feature, the heater configured to heat the water stored in the collection bowl, the heater comprising: a body; an engagement groove extending into the body and interfacing with the plurality of tabs, the plurality of tabs preventing the heater from sliding out of the opening; a sealing groove extending into the body and disposed adjacent to the engagement groove; and a sealing member disposed in the sealing groove, the sealing member interfacing with the engagement feature to create a seal between the heater and the shell.

2. The fuel water separator assembly of claim 1, characterized in that: the plurality of tabs are movable between a first position and a second position; the plurality of tabs are biased to the first position; the plurality of tabs are pushed to the second position by the heater as a portion of the heater is inserted into the collection bowl of the shell, and move toward the first position with the heater in an installed position; and the plurality of tabs interface with the engagement groove with the heater in the installed position.

3. The fuel water separator assembly of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the engagement feature comprises: a first portion extending in a first direction from the base into the collection bowl, the first portion comprising the plurality of tabs; and a second portion extending in a second direction from the base opposite the first direction, wherein the sealing member creates the seal with the second portion of the engagement feature.

4. The fuel water separator assembly of claim 3, characterized in that, the heater further comprises a flange disposed external to the shell, the flange interfacing with an end of the second portion of the engagement feature to facilitate proper installation of the heater in the opening of the shell.

5. The fuel water separator assembly of any one of claims 1-2 and 4, characterized in that, the heater further comprises a lip that interfaces with an end of the plurality of tabs, the lip defining a portion of the engagement groove, the lip preventing the heater from sliding out of the opening and decoupling from the shell.

6. The fuel water separator assembly of any one of claims 1-2 and 4, characterized in that: the engagement groove has a first depth; and the sealing groove has a second depth, the first depth less than the second depth.

7. The fuel water separator assembly of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: the engagement feature comprises: a first portion extending into the collection bowl, the first portion comprising the plurality of tabs; and a second portion extending opposite the first portion; and the body of the heater comprises: a first end comprising a lip interfacing with the plurality of tabs; anda second end comprising a flange interfacing with the second portion of the engagement feature.

8. The fuel water separator assembly of any one of claims 1-2 and 4, characterized in that the shell further comprises: a drain extending through the base of the collection bowl; the opening is offset from a center of the base, and the drain is disposed adjacent to the opening.

9. A shell for a fuel water separator assembly, characterized in that the shell comprises: a collection bowl configured to temporarily store water, the collection bowl comprising a base, the base defining an opening extending therethrough; and an engagement feature extending at least partially around a perimeter of the opening, the engagement feature comprising a plurality of tabs extending axially into the collection bowl, the plurality of tabs angled radially inward toward a center of the opening.

10. The shell of claim 9, characterized in that, the engagement feature comprises: a first portion extending in a first direction from the base into the collection bowl, the first portion comprising the plurality of tabs; and a second portion extending in a second direction from the base opposite the first direction, wherein the second portion forms a seal with a heater disposed in the opening, wherein the second portion is thicker than the first portion.

11. The shell of claim 9, characterized in that: the plurality of tabs are compliant members configured to move between a first position and a second position; the plurality of tabs are biased to the first position; the plurality of tabs are pushed to the second position by a heater as a portion of the heater is inserted into the collection bowl of the shell, and move toward the first position with the heater in an installed position; andthe plurality of tabs interface with an engagement groove of the heater with the heater in the installed position.

12. The shell of any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, the shell further comprises: a drain extending through the base of the collection bowl, wherein: the opening is offset from a center of the base; and the drain is disposed adjacent to the opening.

13. The shell of claim 9 or 11, characterized in that, the engagement feature comprises: a first portion disposed in the shell, the first portion comprising the plurality of tabs and a first outer surface; a second portion disposed at least partially external to the shell, the second portion comprising a second outer surface; and an inner surface extending along the first portion and the second portion, the first outer surface disposed closer to the inner surface than the second outer surface.

14. The shell of claim 13, characterized in that, the second outer surface on a first side of the second portion is substantially planar and the second outer surface on a second side of the second portion is curved.

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