Weldless Fuel Fitting Shank Deformation for Safe Tank Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Welding existing fuel tanks for fuel system modifications is dangerous and often impractical, especially when converting a non-fuel return system to a fuel return system, as it poses a risk of explosion and requires specialized equipment.
Innovation Solution
A weldless fuel fitting that deforms during installation to securely attach to the fuel tank without welding, featuring a head with intersecting fluid flow paths and a deformable shank that seals upon fastener tightening, allowing for a safe and equipment-free installation of a return fuel line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to install a fitting on an existing fuel tank, then a secure connection is achieved, but safety risks increase due to potential explosion and specialized equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/mechanical system) with a mechanical deformation system. The shank is inserted through the tank wall and then deformed using a crimping tool to mechanically secure the fitting, eliminating the need for welding and its associated safety risks while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The shank undergoes a parameter change from a straight, undeformed state to a deformed, crimped state. This transformation changes the geometric parameters of the shank, creating radial expansion and mechanical interlocking with the tank wall, thereby achieving a secure connection without welding
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a new fuel tank is purchased to accommodate fuel return line modifications, then welding concerns are avoided, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding the existing fuel tank and purchasing a new one, the patent recovers and reuses the existing tank by installing the weldless fitting. This approach discards the welding process entirely and recovers the value of the existing tank, eliminating both safety risks and additional costs
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a weldless fitting with deformable shank is used, then safety is improved and welding equipment is not required, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The installation process is segmented into distinct steps: inserting the shank through the tank wall, positioning the fitting, and then deforming the shank with a crimping tool. This segmentation makes the complex installation process more manageable and easier to perform without specialized welding equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The crimping tool serves as an intermediary device that transforms the straight shank into a deformed, secured state. This intermediary tool simplifies the installation process by providing a straightforward mechanical deformation method rather than requiring complex welding procedures
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
Enables the modification of fuel tanks without welding, ensuring safety and eliminating the need for new fuel tanks, while providing a secure and leak-proof connection for fuel return systems.
Implementation Method 1
The stem has a shank that is deformable upon fastening of a fastener therein, wherein the shank deforms upon tightening by the fastener and configured to engage a fuel tank without requiring a weld
Data Source
AI summary
Present embodiments relate to a fitting. More specifically, but without limitation, present embodiments relate to a fuel fitting, which may be used with existing fuel tanks that require a non-welded connection. The use of this fuel fitting allows for retro-fit of a used fuel tank into a system with a return fuel line.