Fuel Pump Snap-Fit Alignment via Preliminary O-Ring Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel supply devices face assembly failures due to misalignment or inclination of the fuel discharge port with the O-ring during snap-fit engagement, leading to undesirable twisting or biting of the O-ring.
Innovation Solution
A fuel supply device design where the fuel discharge port of the fuel pump reaches the sealing member attached to the discharge port connector simultaneously with the initial engagement of the snap-fit, ensuring proper alignment and preventing assembly failures by using a connection assembly with circumferentially-spaced engagement projections and pieces that allow elastic deformation for secure sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the fuel discharge port is connected to the discharge port connector during snap-fit engagement, then the assembly is completed efficiently, but misalignment or inclination causes the O-ring to twist or bite leading to assembly failure
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel discharge port is pre-positioned to reach the O-ring at the discharge port connector before the snap-fit engagement is fully completed. This preliminary positioning ensures that the O-ring is already in place and properly aligned before the cap is fully secured to the pump case, preventing misalignment and twisting during the final engagement stages
Solution Approach 2:
The O-ring serves as an intermediary element between the fuel discharge port and the discharge port connector. By having the fuel discharge port reach the O-ring before full engagement, the O-ring acts as a buffer and alignment guide that prevents direct contact and potential damage between the rigid components, ensuring proper alignment during assembly
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents assembly failures such as twisting or biting of the O-ring, ensuring secure and proper engagement between the fuel discharge port and the discharge port connector, enhancing the reliability of the fuel supply device.
Implementation Method 1
a connection assembly (170) comprising engagement projections (171) and engagement pieces (172) The engagement pieces (172) are made of elastic material that allows deformation during engagement, enabling the snap-fit connection to securely join the pump case and cap
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel supply device includes a fuel pump, a pump case, a cap, an O-ring, and a connection assembly. The pump case includes a case main body configured to receive the fuel pump and a discharge port connector. The cap includes a suction port connector. The O-ring is interposed between a fuel discharge port of the fuel pump and discharge port connector. The connection assembly includes a plurality of engagement projections and a plurality of engagement pieces configured to mate and engage with the engagement projections. The fuel discharge port of the fuel pump is configured to reach the O-ring coupled to the discharge port connector of the pump case simultaneous with the engagement between the engagement projections and the engagement pieces when the fuel suction port of the fuel pump and the suction port connector of the cap are connected together.