Grounded Fuel Tank Assembly with Conductive Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-metallic fuel tanks without a metal filler neck face challenges in preventing static electricity buildup, as existing grounding solutions are complex to assemble and service, and most fuel tanks are made of non-metallic materials that do not inherently conduct electricity.
Innovation Solution
A grounded fuel tank assembly featuring a non-metallic container with a non-metallic filler neck, an electrically conductive insert member with internal and external threads, and a robust ground strap that engages the neck and cap, ensuring electrical contact and preventing rotation, thus providing a simple and effective grounding mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal filler neck and metal vent tube are used for grounding, then static charge buildup is prevented, but the assembly complexity increases and serviceability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the grounding function from the complex metal filler neck and vent tube assembly, isolating it into a separate conductive insert that can be independently installed and serviced without affecting other fuel tank components
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding system is segmented into distinct modular components: a conductive insert with threading for the filler neck, separate grounding straps, and connection points, allowing independent installation and replacement of each component
2Reliability
If a metal insert with multiple components is used for grounding, then electrical conductivity is achieved, but ease of assembly and serviceability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive insert serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the electrical conductive path for grounding, acts as a structural support for the filler neck connection, and includes integrated threading for both the filler neck and grounding strap attachment, eliminating the need for separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the filler neck connection interface and grounding strap attachment interface into a single conductive insert component, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable electrical conductivity
3Device complexity
If a thin grounding wire is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to damage and entanglement risks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the grounding conductor from a thin wire to a robust strap configuration, increasing its mechanical strength, resistance to damage, and resistance to entanglement while maintaining electrical conductivity and simplifying the overall 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
The solution effectively grounds non-metallic fuel tanks, preventing static charge buildup while being easy to assemble and service, with the ground strap's design minimizing damage and entanglement risks, ensuring reliable electrical contact.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive insert member and an electrically conductive ground strap... ensuring electrical contact and preventing static charge buildup
Data Source
AI summary
A grounded fuel tank assembly includes a non-metallic fuel tank having a container and a hollow filler neck, a fuel cap with a hollow stem, and an electrically conductive insert member. The insert member includes a hollow sleeve which is received by the neck, an annular frusto-conical first ring which is joined to an end of the sleeve, and a second ring which extends away from the first ring and which at least partially surrounds a portion of the neck. The sleeve has internal and external sleeve threads formed thereon. The internal sleeve threads engages external cap threads, and the external sleeve threads engages internal neck threads. An electrically conductive ground strap is exterior to the container and engages the second ring. The insert includes tabs which engage the neck to prevent rotation of the insert.