Triangular Fuel Tube Adapter Plate Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel tank tubes in commercial vehicles are prone to loosening and damage due to vibrations and jostling during typical driving conditions, leading to instability and potential leaks.
Innovation Solution
A fuel tank adapter plate design that secures supply and return tubes vertically, forming a triangular structure with a weld at the end regions, providing increased strength and stability, while allowing for reduced material usage and streamlined manufacturing and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If tubes are secured horizontally or in traditional configurations, then installation is simpler, but the structure is weaker and more prone to loosening under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal tube arrangement to a vertical arrangement where the first tube extends vertically from the plate and the second tube extends vertically from the first tube. This dimensional change creates a more stable structure that better resists vibration and loosening forces while maintaining installation feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an asymmetric configuration where tubes are arranged vertically rather than horizontally or symmetrically. The first tube connects to the plate at a first location, and the second tube connects to the first tube at a second location vertically displaced from the first location, creating an asymmetric structure that provides enhanced stability under vibration.
2Weight of stationary object
If adapter plate size is reduced to lower material costs, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the opening size in fuel tank must also be reduced complicating installation
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical arrangement of tubes allows the adapter plate to be smaller in horizontal footprint while maintaining structural integrity. The vertical displacement between tube connection points creates a compact horizontal profile that reduces material usage and plate size while the vertical extension provides sufficient installation access.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a fuel draw and return system including a plate, a first fuel tube secured to the plate, and a second fuel tube secured to the plate, wherein the first and second fuel tubes are secured to one another and to the plate to define a triangular shaped connection configuration.