Modular Fuel Pump Housing for Interchangeable Reservoir Assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fluid delivery systems for motor vehicles, such as fuel pump assemblies, face challenges in interchangeability, part count, manufacturing efficiency, and cost optimization, with a need for improved design that allows for easier component interchangeability and reduced development and tooling costs while maintaining efficient fuel delivery.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising two separate fuel pump assemblies with distinct reservoirs and a housing that allows for the use of common components across different assemblies, featuring a fuel filter and jet pump configuration that enables flexible mounting and efficient fuel routing, including a manifold for secondary fuel circulation and a bracket for secure tank connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate fuel pump assemblies are used for different fuel tank configurations, then adaptability to various fuel tank sizes and configurations is improved, but device complexity and part count increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to various fuel tank sizes and configurationsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate different fuel pump assemblies and configurations. The housing includes standardized mounting features and fuel passage interfaces that allow the same housing to work with multiple types of fuel pumps and adapt to various fuel tank configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized housings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The fuel delivery system is divided into modular components including the housing, fuel pump assemblies, and mounting brackets. This segmentation allows individual components to be independently selected and configured based on specific fuel tank requirements, while maintaining overall system compatibility through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate fuel pump assemblies with distinct components are used, then adaptability to different configurations is improved, but manufacturing efficiency and development costs worsen due to increased part count

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different configurationsVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The housing serves multiple functions: it contains the fuel pump, provides mounting surfaces, routes fuel passages, and interfaces with different fuel tank configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Previously separate components such as mounting brackets, fuel passage conduits, and pump housings are merged into a single integrated housing structure. This consolidation reduces part count, simplifies assembly, and improves manufacturing efficiency while preserving the ability to adapt to different configurations through design variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional fuel pump assembly designs are used, then structural stability is maintained, but interchangeability of components and development time for new programs worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into standardized modules with defined interfaces. The housing, fuel pump, and mounting features are designed as separate but compatible components that can be independently developed, tested, and replaced. This modular approach maintains structural stability through standardized connections while enabling rapid interchangeability and reducing development time for new configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If standardized housing and component interfaces are used across multiple assemblies, then manufacturing efficiency and cost are improved, but adaptability to unique configurations may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to unique configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The standardized housing is designed with universal mounting interfaces and adjustable fuel passage configurations that can accommodate unique fuel tank shapes and sizes. The standardized features enable efficient manufacturing through volume production, while design flexibility within the housing allows adaptation to unique configurations without requiring completely custom components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3283752B1Fluid delivery system
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 TI GROUP AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS LLC
  • EP3283752B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3283752B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3283752B1 patent drawingFigure 3~9

AI summary

A system of fuel delivery assemblies is provided. In one example, the system includes two separate fuel pump assemblies each having a reservoir with an interior to receive fuel. Each reservoir has at least one dimension that is different than the other reservoir. A housing is adapted to be separately coupled to each of the reservoirs so that a cartridge may be separately used with both fuel pump assemblies. The cartridge orients at least one fuel system component relative to the reservoir to which the reservoir is connected.