Fuel Tank Component Coupling via Flexible Guide
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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 to the exterior, eliminating the need for multiple access panels by using a flexible coupling and guide structure that allows access through a single opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fuel components are coupled to the exterior 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
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple access panels into a single access panel by positioning multiple fuel components (grade valve, fuel fill apparatus, etc.) within the fuel tank cavity. This single access panel provides access to all fuel components, eliminating the need for multiple separate access panels while maintaining regulatory compliance for inspection and servicing accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of coupling fuel components to the exterior surface of the fuel tank as traditionally done, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the fuel components inside the fuel tank cavity. This reversal allows access to all components through a single access panel while eliminating the need for multiple exterior access panels, thereby reducing complexity and improving aesthetics.
2Reliability
If multiple access panels are installed to access different fuel components, then regulatory compliance is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing costs by merging multiple access panels into a single access panel design. This consolidation decreases the number of parts that need to be manufactured, installed, and maintained, while still providing the required access to all fuel components for inspection and servicing as mandated by regulations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fuel components are positioned on different ends of the fuel tank, then functional requirements are met, but the number of access panels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the spatial distribution issue by transitioning from a two-dimensional exterior arrangement (components on different ends of the tank requiring separate access panels) to a three-dimensional interior arrangement (components positioned at different locations within the tank cavity). This allows multiple components to be accessed through a single access panel while maintaining their functional spatial relationships.
Data Source
AI summary
Fuel tank apparatus and related methods are described. An example method includes placing a first end of a flexible coupling through an access opening formed on a wall of a fuel tank and into a first end of a guide positioned in a cavity of the fuel tank; feeding the first end of the flexible coupling in a first direction through the guide and away from the access opening; redirecting the first end of the flexible coupling towards the access opening by continuing to feed the flexible coupling the first direction; coupling a first fuel component to the first end of the flexible coupling when the first end of the flexible coupling is accessible via the access opening; and directing the flexible coupling in a second direction opposite the first direction via the guide to couple the first fuel component in the cavity of the fuel tank at a position away from the access opening.