Support Arm Assembly for Fuel Tank Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel tank mounting systems face challenges in reducing the number of access apertures to minimize hydrocarbon emissions, which complicates the installation of functional components like fuel fill limiters and level senders, and may apply increased loads to mounting flanges, compromising seal efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A support arm assembly is introduced, allowing the fuel fill limiter to be mounted on the arm, enabling reduced assembly steps and correct positioning, with the option to install the assembly via a single access aperture, potentially reducing operational loads on seals and accommodating fuel tank flexing through pivotal mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the number of access apertures is reduced to minimize hydrocarbon emissions, then hydrocarbon emissions are reduced, but it becomes difficult to install functional components within the fuel tank
Solution Approach 1:
The functional components (fuel fill limiter, level sender, vent valve) are segmented and mounted on a separate support arm assembly that can be installed through a single access aperture, rather than requiring multiple separate access points for each component
Solution Approach 2:
A support arm assembly acts as an intermediary structure that carries multiple functional components and interfaces with the fuel tank through a single mounting location, facilitating installation while maintaining component functionality
2Ease of manufacture
If functional components are mounted on a mounting flange positioned in the access aperture, then components can be installed, but increased loads are applied to the mounting flange and seal efficacy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The functional components are extracted from the access aperture mounting location and relocated to the support arm assembly, which is mounted at a different location on the fuel tank, thereby removing the load-bearing function from the sealing flange
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting location is changed from the horizontal plane of the access aperture flange to a different spatial dimension on the fuel tank wall, allowing components to be positioned away from the seal area while maintaining accessibility
3Reliability
If the support arm assembly is mounted remote from the access aperture, then operational loads on seals are reduced, but the complexity of positioning and securing the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm assembly incorporates a pivotal mounting mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment and self-positioning during installation, simplifying the securing process despite the remote mounting location
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm assembly is pre-assembled with all functional components attached before installation, allowing it to be positioned as a complete unit and secured in a single operation, reducing the complexity of in-situ assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a support arm assembly (39) for mounting in a fuel tank (1). The support arm assembly (39) comprises an arm (43) having a connector (51) for mounting the support arm assembly (39). A fuel fill limiter is mounted on the arm (43). The support arm assembly (43) can be installed in a fuel tank (1) through an access aperture (A) and mounted within the fuel tank (1). The present invention also relates to a fuel tank (1) in combination with the support arm assembly (43).