Fuel Pump Assembly With Movable Supports For Variable Tank Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel pump assemblies face challenges in accommodating fuel tanks of varying shapes and sizes, particularly those with limited depth, making it difficult to insert full-size components due to space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A fuel pump assembly with a mounting flange and carrier featuring adjustable coupling features and supports of different lengths, allowing for either permanent or removable attachment, enabling the assembly to be used in fuel tanks with diverse dimensions by utilizing movable coupling features and straight supports that can pivot or rotate, facilitating secure and flexible installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed mounting flange with standard supports is used, then the assembly structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate fuel tanks of varying shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly incorporates movable coupling features that can shift positions along the support structures, allowing the same assembly to adapt to different fuel tank dimensions and shapes. The coupling features can move between multiple attachment points to accommodate varying tank depths and configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting flange is divided into multiple discrete coupling features that can independently position themselves along the support structures. This segmentation allows selective engagement at different locations to match various fuel tank geometries without requiring completely different assembly designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If full-size accessories and components are included in the fuel pump module, then the fuel delivery system is complete, but the module cannot be inserted into fuel tanks with limited depth
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting supports utilize the radial dimension of the fuel tank by extending from the mounting flange outward to couple with the carrier. This allows the assembly to accommodate limited axial depth by utilizing radial space, enabling full-size components to be mounted even in shallow tanks through alternative spatial arrangement.
3Ease of operation
If removable supports are used, then the assembly can be easily installed and removed, but the attachment strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling features are pre-configured with alignment elements and engagement mechanisms that guide the supports into proper positioning during installation. This preliminary alignment ensures that removable supports achieve full attachment strength without requiring complex installation procedures or compromising connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-tank fuel pump assembly may have a mounting flange with a plurality of first coupling features, a fuel pump, a carrier connected to the fuel pump, a plurality of second coupling features on at least one of the carrier and the fuel pump, and a plurality of supports each connected to one or the first and second coupling features to locate the pump relative to the mounting flange. In some embodiments, at least one coupling feature is movable.