Fuel Pump Float Protection via Intermediary Protrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel supply devices risk damaging the fuel residual amount detection device when attaching to a fuel tank, as the detection device can strike the tank's bottom surface or edge, leading to deformation and failure of its function.
Innovation Solution
A fuel supply device design featuring a cover member, pump unit, and a fuel residual amount detection device with a float and arm portion, where the float is positioned above the base portion to prevent contact with the tank's surface, and a protruding portion restricts the movable range to avoid the edge, ensuring the detection device remains functional.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the fuel residual amount detection device is attached to the pump unit, then the detection function is integrated, but the detection device may strike the fuel tank bottom surface or edge causing deformation and failure
Solution Approach 1:
A protruding portion is added to the pump unit that acts as an intermediary protective element. This protruding portion extends beyond the fuel residual amount detection device and makes contact with the fuel tank bottom surface or edge first, preventing the detection device from striking these surfaces. The protruding portion absorbs the impact and protects the detection device from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portion is positioned to make contact with the fuel tank bottom surface or edge before the fuel residual amount detection device can reach these surfaces. This preliminary contact prevents the detection device from striking harmful surfaces, ensuring it remains undamaged and functional throughout operation.
2Productivity
If the pump unit is made pressable against the fuel tank for quick attachment, then installation speed is improved, but the detection device may be damaged during attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding portion serves as a protective intermediary that contacts the fuel tank bottom surface or edge first during the attachment process. This allows the pump unit to be pressed against the fuel tank for quick installation while the protruding portion shields the fuel residual amount detection device from impact and damage.
3Measurement precision
If the float is positioned to detect fuel level accurately, then detection precision is improved, but the float may contact the fuel tank bottom surface causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding portion acts as a protective barrier that contacts the fuel tank bottom surface or edge before the float can reach these surfaces. This intermediary protection allows the float to maintain its precise positioning for accurate fuel level detection while preventing it from striking and deforming against the fuel tank surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel supply device has a cover member which is attached to an opening portion of a fuel tank and a pump unit comprising a pump. The cover member and pump unit are connected via a connecting portion where the pump unit is rotatably connected to the connecting portion. Further, the fuel supply device includes a fuel residual amount detection device which is attached to the pump unit and configured to detect the residual amount of fuel. The fuel residual amount detection device includes a gauge main body to which electric wirings are connected, an arm portion which is movably mounted relative to the gauge main body and a float which is attached to a leading end of the arm portion. The float is positioned above a lower terminal end of the base portion when the cover member is held and lifted while the pump unit rotates with respect to the connecting portion.