Fuel Tank Gauge Circuit With Connection Verification Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel systems face challenges in accurately indicating fuel levels and ensuring proper connection of fuel lines to fuel tanks, leading to potential hydrocarbon emissions and improper assembly.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a mechanically activated electrical switch and a resilient bead sealing mechanism within the fuel gauge circuit, which verifies the proper seating and sealing of the fuel line, ensuring accurate fuel level indication and reducing emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional fuel tank design is used, then the structure is simple, but the fuel level indication accuracy and connection verification are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuel level detection circuit with a mechanically activated electrical switch that also serves as a connection verification mechanism. The float-actuated switch integrates two functions: indicating fuel level and verifying proper fuel line connection, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical switch performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a fuel level indicator trigger and a connection verification device. When the float rises with fuel level, it activates the switch to indicate proper connection, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for separate verification mechanisms.
2Reliability
If conventional fuel line connection methods are used, then the assembly process is simple, but proper connection verification and sealing are unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient bead is pre-installed on the fuel line before assembly, positioned to automatically engage with the fuel tank opening when the fuel line is inserted. This preliminary positioning ensures proper sealing and connection verification are built into the assembly process itself, improving reliability without significantly complicating manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanically activated electrical switch is designed to be automatically triggered by the float mechanism when fuel reaches a certain level, providing self-verification of proper connection. The system uses its own operational components (float and switch) to verify connection integrity, eliminating the need for external verification tools or complex assembly procedures.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If proper sealing mechanisms are implemented, then hydrocarbon emissions are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a resilient bead, which is a flexible sealing element that deforms to conform to the fuel tank opening geometry. This flexible seal provides effective hydrocarbon emission prevention through a simple, single-piece component rather than a complex multi-element sealing system, maintaining low device complexity while achieving the emission reduction goal.
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
The solution provides reliable verification of fuel line connection and sealing, preventing hydrocarbon emissions and ensuring accurate fuel level monitoring, thereby improving the assembly process and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient bead sealing mechanism within the fuel gauge circuit, which verifies the proper seating and sealing of the fuel line
Implementation Method 2
Incorporating a mechanically activated electrical switch and a resilient bead sealing mechanism within the fuel gauge circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel system is disclosed. The fuel system includes a fuel tank having a chamber defined by a wall and an electrical circuit associated with the fuel tank. The electrical circuit includes means for determining an amount of fuel disposed within the fuel tank chamber. A portion of the electrical circuit includes a sensor for detecting whether or not the fuel line is properly connected to the fuel tank. A method for assembling a fuel system is also disclosed.