In-Tank Fuel Module Flange Electrostatic Charge Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-tank fuel modules for vehicles often accumulate electrostatic charges due to non-conductive or insulated conductive components, which can lead to charge buildup and potential electrical issues, as existing solutions do not adequately address dissipation in all components, particularly in areas like support tubes and springs.
Innovation Solution
The integration of conductive polymeric materials and conductive fillers in key components, along with insulated metal wires connecting these components to the vehicle's ground plane, creates a path for electrostatic charge dissipation, ensuring safe discharge and preventing excessive charge accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-conductive or insulated conductive components are used in in-tank fuel module, then component insulation and electrical isolation are improved, but electrostatic charge dissipation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the fuel module into multiple conductive segments (reservoir, pump assembly, filter assembly, regulator assembly) each with its own electrostatic discharge path to ground, allowing localized charge dissipation while maintaining overall electrical isolation through non-conductive mounting structures
Solution Approach 2:
Non-conductive support tubes and springs serve as intermediary elements that provide mechanical support and electrical isolation between conductive components and ground, while controlled electrostatic discharge paths through these intermediaries prevent charge buildup on isolated components
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conductive components are electrically connected to ground plane, then electrostatic charge dissipation is improved, but electrical circuit interference risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate electrostatic discharge paths are created for different conductive components (reservoir to ground, pump assembly to ground, filter assembly to ground, regulator assembly to ground) rather than connecting all components to a single ground point, isolating potential electrical interference
Solution Approach 2:
Non-conductive support structures and insulated mounting brackets serve as intermediaries between conductive components and ground connections, allowing controlled electrostatic discharge while preventing unwanted electrical circuit interference through the insulating barrier
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used in fuel module, then functional versatility and ease of maintenance are improved, but number of electrostatic discharge paths required increases
Solution Approach 1:
Non-conductive support tubes and mounting structures serve dual functions: providing mechanical support for components and serving as electrostatic discharge paths to ground, eliminating the need for separate discharge wiring and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical support function and electrostatic discharge function are merged into single components (support tubes, mounting brackets), where the same structural elements that hold components also provide the discharge path to ground, reducing overall system complexity
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
This solution effectively dissipates electrostatic charges across the in-tank fuel module, enhancing safety and reliability by ensuring all components, including support tubes and springs, can safely discharge charges to the ground plane, reducing the risk of electrical malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
The integration of conductive polymeric materials and conductive fillers in key components, along with insulated metal wires connecting these components to the vehicle's ground plane, creates a path for electrostatic charge dissipation
Implementation Method 2
This solution effectively dissipates electrostatic charges across the in-tank fuel module, enhancing safety and reliability by ensuring all components, including support tubes and springs, can safely discharge charges to the ground plane
Data Source
AI summary
A flange arrangement for a fuel module comprising a non-conductive flange member to connect the fuel module to a fuel tank includes tube posts that each connect to a conductive support tube, a conductive web in conductive contact with the support tubes and a conductive fuel supply port in conductive contact with the web. In one embodiment, the web and port are integral. In another, the web and port are separate parts. The flange arrangement is made of polymeric material and the web and port are overmolded into the flange.