Fuel Tank Component Carrier for Single Access Panel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Marine fuel tanks require multiple access panels to comply with regulations due to the need for accessibility of fuel components, leading to increased manufacturing costs and aesthetic issues.

Innovation Solution

Positioning fuel components inside the fuel tank cavity instead of coupling them directly to the external surface, using a carrier and flexible coupling to maintain functionality while eliminating the need for multiple access openings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fuel components are coupled to the external surface of the fuel tank, then accessibility for inspection and servicing is improved, but the number of access panels increases leading to higher manufacturing costs and aesthetic issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of fuel componentsVSAvoidnumber of access panels

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fuel components (grade valve, fuel fill apparatus, vent) that were previously distributed across different external locations requiring separate access panels are merged and positioned within a single internal cavity of the fuel tank. This consolidation allows all components to be accessed through one access panel, reducing the total number of panels from multiple to one, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and improving aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If fuel components are positioned inside the fuel tank cavity, then the number of access panels is reduced, but accessibility for inspection and servicing may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of access panelsVSAvoidaccessibility of fuel components

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A carrier structure serves as an intermediary mechanism within the fuel tank cavity. The carrier holds multiple fuel components and is designed to be removable through a single access panel. This intermediary carrier allows technicians to access all fuel components through one opening by removing the carrier assembly, maintaining ease of inspection and servicing while reducing the number of access panels required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple access panels are installed to access fuel components on different ends of the fuel tank, then compliance with regulations is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulatory complianceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of positioning fuel components on external surfaces of the fuel tank at different ends (conventional approach requiring multiple access panels), the invention inverts the arrangement by positioning all fuel components within a single internal cavity. This inverted configuration allows compliance with regulatory requirements for accessibility while reducing the number of access panels from multiple to one, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10227108B2Methods and apparatus to couple components to a fuel tank

Publication Date: 2019.03.12 BRUNSWICK CORP

AI summary

Apparatus and methods to couple fuel components to a fuel tank are described. An example method includes coupling a carrier to a guide suspended in a cavity of a fuel tank, where the guide extends in a longitudinal direction between a first end of the guide adjacent a first side wall of the fuel tank and a second end of the guide adjacent a second side wall of the fuel tank opposite the first side wall, and moving the carrier along the guide between the first end of the guide and the second end of the guide.