Fuel Pump Module Dual Flange Tank Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fuel pump modules have a large flange that compromises the rigidity of the fuel tank and complicates assembly due to the need for a single flange to support multiple pumps and filters, making it difficult to accommodate smaller fuel tanks.

Innovation Solution

The fuel pump module employs two flanges to support the pumps and filters, reducing the size of the flange and the fuel tank opening, thereby enhancing the tank's rigidity and simplifying the assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single large flange is used to support multiple pumps and filters, then the assembly is simplified, but the fuel tank opening size increases and rigidity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly structureVSAvoidfuel tank rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The single large flange is divided into multiple smaller flanges (first flange and second flange), each supporting specific components. This segmentation reduces the opening size required in the fuel tank while maintaining support functionality for all components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single large flange is used to support all components, then component integration is achieved, but the fuel tank opening becomes too large for small fuel tanks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent integrationVSAvoidfuel tank opening

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The flange structure is segmented into multiple smaller units that can be distributed across the fuel tank interior. This allows compact fuel tanks to accommodate all components without requiring a single large opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Components are arranged in three-dimensional space utilizing vertical stacking and lateral distribution, allowing multiple flanges to support components without requiring proportional increases in fuel tank opening area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If one flange supports all pumps and filters, then manufacturing is simplified, but the flange size increases causing assembly difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflange manufacturingVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly process is segmented into multiple smaller assembly units, each handled by a smaller flange. This makes assembly more manageable and less prone to errors while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized flange designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9567956B2Fuel pump module

Publication Date: 2017.02.14 AISAN IND CO LTD

AI summary

A fuel pump module for a fuel tank providing improved rigidity includes a first module and a second module. The first module includes a first tank having a first tank room, a direct injection (DI) fuel pump and filter, a port injection (PI) fuel pump and filter, a subtank, and a first flange supporting the filter, the pump, and the like. The second module includes a second tank having a second tank room where fuel is stored separately from the first tank room, a PI filter, a second jet pump, a second flange supporting the filter, the pump, and the like. As a result, a size of two flanges supporting two fuel pumps and two filters is reduced, thereby, reducing a size of two openings of the fuel tank.