Fuel Supply Device Regulator Retaining Member Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel supply devices have a complex and large upper housing structure due to integrated sensor support arms, leading to high production costs and the need for large, complicated molding machines.
Innovation Solution
A fuel supply device design where the regulator retaining member is a separate, small component with a snap-fit join part, allowing the sensor support arm to be molded as a unit with the regulator retaining member, reducing the overall structure complexity and enabling the use of smaller molding machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor support arm is integrated with the upper housing, then the level sensor can be positioned far from the upper housing, but the upper housing structure becomes larger and more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the upper housing structure into two separate components: the upper housing and a sensor support arm. This segmentation allows the sensor support arm to be a独立 component that can extend the level sensor away from the upper housing without increasing the complexity of the upper housing itself. The sensor support arm is connected to the upper housing via a fastening structure, maintaining structural integrity while simplifying the overall design.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor support arm is integrated with the upper housing, then the level sensor can be positioned far from the upper housing, but a large and complicated molding machine is required
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sensor support arm from the upper housing, the invention enables the upper housing to be molded as a smaller, simpler component that requires a smaller molding machine. The sensor support arm can be manufactured separately and then assembled to the upper housing through fastening structures, eliminating the need for large and complicated molding equipment.
3Reliability
If the regulator retaining member is integrated with the upper housing, then the regulator can be retained, but the upper housing structure becomes larger and more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a separate regulator retaining member that is distinct from the upper housing. This retaining member is connected to the upper housing through a fastening structure, allowing the regulator to be securely retained while keeping the upper housing structure simple and compact. The segmentation enables independent optimization of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening structure acts as an intermediary element that connects the regulator retaining member to the upper housing. This intermediary structure provides a reliable connection for regulator retention while maintaining the simplicity of both the upper housing and the retaining member, avoiding the need for a complex integrated structure.
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
This design reduces production costs by allowing for the use of smaller, simpler molding machines and maintains fuel level detection precision by preventing displacement of the level sensor.
Implementation Method 1
a snap-fit join part being formed by engaging a projecting portion or a recess part, formed on an elastic piece provided on either one of the fitting parts between the regulator retaining member and the fitting tube, with the recess part or the projecting portion formed on another of the fitting parts
Data Source
AI summary
In a fuel supply device including a regulator and float-type level sensor, a fitting tube is formed integrally with an upper housing, a fuel pump being retained between the upper and lower housings. An outer periphery of a base part of the regulator is fitted into the tube. A regulator retaining member is formed as a separate member from the upper housing and retains the regulator in cooperation with the tube. The tube and the retaining member are joined via a snap-fit join part provided on fitting parts therebetween. The snap-fit join part is formed by engaging a projecting portion or a recess part, formed on an elastic piece provided on one of the fitting parts between the retaining member and the tube, with the recess part or the projecting portion formed on the other fitting part. A sensor support arm is molded as a unit with the retaining member.