Fuel Pump Lock Ring Repair for Corroded Plastic Fuel Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive fuel system components, such as fuel pumps and fuel lines, corrode over time, making replacement difficult and often necessitating the replacement of adjacent parts like gas tanks, due to corrosion of metal tabs and fittings.
Innovation Solution
A repair kit featuring a retaining ring with self-tapping fasteners and quick connect fittings for fuel pumps and lines, allowing for easy installation without replacing the gas tank, and utilizing alignment lines and non-threaded couplers for precise alignment and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metal tabs and lock rings are used to secure fuel pumps to plastic tanks, then the fuel pump can be firmly secured, but the metal components corrode and rust over time making removal difficult and requiring gas tank replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from the gas tank structure itself and relocates it to a removable lock ring assembly. The lock ring with integrated fasteners can be detached and replaced independently from the gas tank, separating the fastening system from the tank structure to enable component-level replacement rather than entire tank replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter of the fastening system from traditional metal (prone to corrosion) to alternative materials such as coated metals, plastics, or composites that resist corrosion. This parameter change maintains securing reliability while eliminating the corrosion problem that prevents easy replacement.
2Reliability
If threaded metal fittings are used to connect fuel lines and filters, then secure connections are achieved, but corrosion of fittings and fasteners requires removal of entire fuel lines
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the fuel line connection system into modular components with standardized quick connect fittings. Each fitting can be independently connected or disconnected without affecting other parts of the fuel line system, enabling rapid replacement of filters or line sections without removing entire assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick connect fittings are pre-designed with alignment features and engagement mechanisms that automatically guide and secure connections during assembly. This preliminary design of the connection interface enables rapid attachment and detachment without requiring complex alignment or multiple fastening steps during replacement operations.
3Reliability
If conventional fuel line replacement kits with threaded fittings are used, then connections can be secured, but the installation process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel line system is divided into standardized modular segments with uniform quick connect interfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be independently handled, installed, and replaced without affecting adjacent sections, dramatically improving installation efficiency while maintaining connection integrity through standardized coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick connect fittings are designed as universal interfaces that can connect various fuel line components (filters, pumps, lines) through a single standardized connection mechanism. This universality eliminates the need for component-specific fastening procedures, streamlining the installation process while ensuring reliable connections across different assembly types.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of installation and kits for replacing a lock ring securing a fuel pump to a gas tank and a kit for replacing a fuel supply system of an automotive vehicle. The kit for replacing the lock ring including a circular body having a plurality through bores and a plurality of self-tapping fasteners. The kit for replacement of a fuel supply line including a fuel filter having circular beads on the inlet and outlet. The kit further including a pair of quick disconnect fittings for engaging the beads of the fuel filter.