Fuel Pump Module Replaceable Filter Unit Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel supply systems in motor vehicles face challenges in facilitating the routine replacement of filter units and pressure regulation valves, as these components are often permanently locked in place, making maintenance and filter unit exchange difficult and destructive.
Innovation Solution
A fuel pump module design featuring a pressure vessel with a detachable pressure regulation valve subassembly using a male-female interface that positively locks upon axial coupling, allowing for axial separation and rotation, and a reservoir that obstructs further rotation, enabling non-destructive removal and replacement of the filter unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter unit is permanently locked in place with direct fluid connection to the mounting flange, then the structural integrity and sealing are improved, but the ease of replacement and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit is segmented from the mounting flange through the introduction of a detachable hose connection. The filter unit becomes a separable component that can be removed and replaced independently while maintaining the integrity of the mounting flange and fuel supply system.
Solution Approach 2:
A detachable hose connection acts as an intermediary element between the filter unit and the mounting flange. This intermediary allows for easy disconnection and reconnection, enabling routine replacement of the filter unit without affecting the permanent mounting flange or requiring destructive removal.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the pressure regulation valve is permanently locked in place between welded housing portions, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of repair and component replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulation valve is extracted from the permanently welded housing structure and repositioned on the detachable hose connection. This allows the valve to be accessed and replaced by simply removing the hose connection, without requiring destruction of the welded housing portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable hose connection serves as an intermediary that carries the pressure regulation valve away from the permanent welded structure. This intermediary enables easy access to and replacement of the valve while maintaining the stability of the original housing.
3Device complexity
If the filter unit is made non-removable to simplify the assembly structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and maintenance efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the filter unit and the mounting flange is changed from a static permanent weld to a dynamic detachable hose connection. This dynamic connection allows the system to switch between a simple assembled state during operation and an easily disassembled state during maintenance, optimizing both complexity and productivity at different times.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel supply system includes a fuel pump having an inlet configured to pick up fuel and an outlet configured to discharge fuel. A pressure vessel is in fluid communication with the outlet of the fuel pump such that fuel is directed from the fuel pump into the pressure vessel, the pressure vessel having an outlet port. A pressure regulation valve subassembly is detachably coupled with the outlet port via a male-female interface that positively locks against axial separation upon axial coupling in a first orientation and relative rotation of less than 360 degrees to a second orientation. A reservoir defines an internal space at least partially receiving the fuel pump, the pressure vessel, and the pressure regulation valve subassembly. The reservoir includes an interior wall that obstructs rotation of the pressure regulation valve subassembly from the second orientation to the first orientation.