Elastomer Sheet With Internal Spaces For Fuel Pump Vibration Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-tank type pump modules fail to adequately insulate vibration and noise due to small claws or rubber sheets that swell and develop stress when in contact with fuel, leading to degradation in vibration-insulating properties.
Innovation Solution
A pump module design featuring an elastic member made of elastomer, formed into a sheet with multiple spaces in a circumferential and radial direction, interposed between the sub-tank and fuel tank, which releases swelling stress and is secured to the sub-tank via an outer periphery, ensuring effective vibration insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a rubber sheet is enlarged to entirely cover the bottom wall of the sub-tank to insulate vibration, then vibration insulation is improved, but the rubber sheet swells due to contact with fuel and stress arises, causing the rubber sheet to be lifted and vibration insulative property to be degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is divided into multiple segments or layers, with each layer having specific functions. The multi-layer structure allows the first layer to contact fuel and swell while the second layer maintains vibration insulation, preventing the lifting problem of single large rubber sheets.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the elastic member have different properties - the first layer is designed to be fuel-resistant and swellable, while the second layer is designed for vibration insulation. This local differentiation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
2Device complexity
If claws are used to insulate vibration by contacting the bottom wall of the fuel tank, then the structure is simple, but the claws are small and cannot sufficiently insulate vibration and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the elastic member: vibration insulation, noise reduction, and fuel resistance. By merging these functions into a single component rather than using separate claws, the system achieves better performance without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member is designed as a flexible sheet or film structure that can conform to the bottom wall of the fuel tank, providing large surface area contact for effective vibration and noise insulation while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Area of stationary object
If a large rubber sheet is used to cover the bottom wall, then vibration insulation area is increased, but stress due to swelling becomes large, causing the rubber sheet to be lifted relative to the sub-tank and fuel tank
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is segmented into multiple layers with different functional properties. The first layer handles fuel contact and swelling, while the second layer provides vibration insulation, distributing the stress and preventing lifting.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member uses composite material structure with at least two different layers, combining materials with different properties - one layer resistant to fuel swelling and another layer optimized for vibration insulation, reducing overall swelling stress while maintaining large coverage area.
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 design enhances vibration-insulating properties, prevents degradation due to swelling, and reduces noise from fuel pump vibrations while protecting the tank surfaces from abrasion.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic member makes contact with fuel. The elastic member defines at least one space to release stress that arises in the elastic member due to swelling.
Implementation Method 2
The elastic member is formed of an elastomer. The elastic member defines at least one space to release stress that arises in the elastic member due to swelling.
Implementation Method 3
The elastic member is interposed between a bottom portion of the sub-tank and a bottom portion of the fuel tank. The design enhances vibration-insulating properties, prevents degradation due to swelling, and reduces noise from fuel pump vibrations.
Data Source
AI summary
A pump module, which is mounted to a fuel tank, includes a sub-tank, a fuel pump and an elastic member. The sub-tank is accommodated in the fuel tank. The fuel pump is accommodated in the sub-tank to pump fuel drawn into the sub-tank. The elastic member is formed of an elastomer, and is interposed between a bottom portion of the sub-tank and a bottom portion of the fuel tank. The elastic member makes contact with fuel. The elastic member internally has spaces to release stress that arises in the elastic member due to swelling caused by contacting with fuel. The elastic member is formed in a sheet. The elastic member is mounted to the sub-tank via an outer periphery of the elastic member. The spaces are arranged in a substantially circumferential direction of the sub-tank, or are arranged in a substantially radial direction of the sub-tank.