Fuel Pump Locking Assembly Using Homogeneous Aluminum Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fuel pump locking assemblies for automotive vehicles face issues with galvanic corrosion when using steel retainer rings and lack the necessary flexibility for secure attachment to aluminum fuel tanks.
Innovation Solution
A fuel pump attachment assembly comprising a retainer ring and a lock ring, both machined from the same material as the fuel tank, with a lower L-shaped flange fitting into the tank aperture and an upper flange secured to the tank periphery, and a Z-shaped lock ring that clamps the fuel pump in place, avoiding galvanic corrosion and providing a secure, flexible attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a steel retainer ring is used to secure the fuel pump to the fuel tank, then the structural strength and clamping capability are improved, but galvanic corrosion occurs due to contact between dissimilar metals (steel and aluminum)
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer ring is made from the same material as the fuel tank (aluminum), eliminating the dissimilar metal contact that causes galvanic corrosion. This homogeneous material selection maintains structural compatibility while preventing electrochemical degradation at the interface between the retainer ring and fuel tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly uses a composite structure combining aluminum retainer ring with stainless steel fasteners and seals. The stainless steel components are isolated from direct contact with aluminum through protective measures, allowing the use of high-strength materials where needed while preventing galvanic corrosion through material isolation and selection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If stamped aluminum is used for the retainer ring to match the fuel tank material, then galvanic corrosion is avoided, but the material is too rigid to provide the necessary flexibility and springiness for secure clamping
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer ring incorporates a flexible sealing element or gasket that provides the necessary compliance and springiness for secure clamping. This flexible component allows the rigid aluminum retainer ring to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and provide consistent sealing pressure without requiring the retainer ring itself to be flexible.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system uses threaded fasteners with adjustable tension that allow dynamic adjustment of clamping force. The elastic deformation of the sealed assembly under compression provides a self-adjusting mechanism that maintains optimal sealing pressure while accommodating thermal expansion and fuel tank deformation.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel pump to fuel tank attachment assembly for a vehicle includes a retainer ring firmly attached to a portion of the fuel tank. The retainer ring is formed of the same material as the material of the fuel tank. A lock ring is positioned over, and secured to the retainer ring. A flange of the fuel pump is positioned and clamped between the retainer ring and the lock ring. The retainer ring and the lock ring circumferentially engage the flange of the fuel pump, in the mounted position of the assembly.