Fuel Filler Pipe Bracket With Bumper for Collision Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel filler pipe systems are inadequate in protecting against fuel leaks during vehicle collisions, as they may not effectively prevent contact between the fuel filler pipe and vehicle cross-members, especially during side-on collisions, due to varying vehicle architectures and the limitations of displacement absorbing parts.
Innovation Solution
A bumper bracket is physically coupled to the cross-member adjacent to the fuel filler pipe, which absorbs energy and maintains a threshold distance between the pipe and the cross-member, preventing contact and potential leaks during collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the fuel filler pipe is arranged proximal to vehicle components to decrease packaging constraints, then packaging efficiency is improved, but the fuel filler pipe becomes more susceptible to contact with cross-members during collision
Solution Approach 1:
A bumper bracket is introduced as an intermediary component between the fuel filler pipe and the cross-member. The bracket includes a bumper element that physically contacts the fuel filler pipe and prevents it from contacting the cross-member during collision, thereby mediating the interaction and eliminating the harmful contact while maintaining the proximal arrangement for packaging efficiency
2Reliability
If a displacement absorbing part is arranged to direct the fuel pipe forward to avoid a beam during rear end collision, then protection against rear end collision is improved, but protection against side-on collision is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper bracket is designed with a universal protective function that works against multiple collision types including side-on collisions and rear end collisions. The bracket is positioned and oriented to provide continuous protection regardless of collision direction, making the protection system adaptable to various collision scenarios rather than being specialized for a single direction
3Loss of energy
If the fuel filler pipe is allowed to compress and bend toward the beam or cross-member during side-on collision, then energy absorption occurs, but the pipe develops leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper bracket provides beforehand cushioning by positioning a bumper element that contacts the fuel filler pipe before collision forces can cause the pipe to compress and bend against the cross-member. This pre-positioned protective element absorbs and redirects collision energy, preventing the pipe from experiencing damaging compression and bending that would lead to leaks
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 bumper bracket effectively mitigates the likelihood of fuel leaks by maintaining a safe distance between the fuel filler pipe and the cross-member, even during side-on collisions, thus reducing the risk of pipe damage and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The bumper may absorb energy from the fuel filler pipe during a collision or other vehicle maneuver which may otherwise lead to movement of the fuel filler pipe such that it would contact the cross-member
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for a fuel filler pipe. In one example, a system may include a bracket comprising a bumper physically coupled to a vehicle cross-member. The bumper coming into contact with a fuel filler pipe proximal to the cross-member during some vehicle conditions to block the fuel filler pipe from contacting the cross-member.