Retaining Ring for Fuel Pump Tank Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for repairing the attachment of a fuel pump to a vehicle fuel tank, where the original manufacturer's assembly has rusted or broken, are difficult and unsatisfactory, as they often require duplicating the OEM assembly technique which is challenging to accomplish effectively.
Innovation Solution
A retaining ring that does not engage the upstanding flanges of the original manufacturer's tank structure is used, with an inner diameter fitting over the pump's collar and apertures sized to fit over the flanges of the OEM metallic ring, secured to the tank with fasteners like self-tapping screws or bolts, providing a secure and leak-proof seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the original manufacturer's assembly technique is duplicated for repair, then the original design intent is maintained, but the repair becomes difficult and unsatisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to replicate the complex OEM assembly method with upstanding flanges and interlocking features, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple retaining ring that secures to the tank through fasteners rather than through complex mechanical interlocking. This reverses the design philosophy from 'interlocking complexity' to 'fastener simplicity'.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring is designed as a simple, inexpensive replacement component that does not require precise duplication of the original complex assembly. It uses standard fasteners and a basic ring structure that can be easily manufactured and installed, sacrificing the complexity of the original design for ease of repair.
2Ease of repair
If a retaining ring is used that does not engage the upstanding flanges, then the repair becomes simpler and more reliable, but the connection method differs from the original design
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of securing the pump to the tank while removing the complex upstanding flange structure. The retaining ring takes out only the necessary elements (ring structure with apertures for fasteners) and eliminates the problematic interlocking flange mechanism that caused repair difficulties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of connection methodology from mechanical interlocking (flanges engaging slots) to fastener-based attachment (self-tapping screws or bolts through apertures). This parameter change simplifies the repair process while maintaining secure attachment.
3Ease of manufacture
If fasteners like self-tapping screws or bolts are used to secure the retaining ring, then the repair is more straightforward, but additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
Self-tapping screws provide self-service by creating their own thread engagement directly in the tank material, eliminating the need for pre-tapped holes or complex fastening mechanisms. This self-service capability simplifies the repair process despite adding a component.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring design with apertures can accommodate multiple types of fasteners (self-tapping screws, bolts with nuts), providing universality. This allows the same ring structure to work with different fastening methods depending on the specific application requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A retaining ring for securing a pump to a tank. The ring has a circular body with an outer dimension selected to surround a pump opening in the fuel tank. An interior opening has a diameter that is selected to contact a portion of a pump housing that is placed in the tank. The retaining ring is fastened or attached directly to the tank.