Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
  • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
  • F16K31/12—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid
  • F16K31/18—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid actuated by a float
  • F16K31/20—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid actuated by a float actuating a lift valve
  • F16K31/22—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid actuated by a float actuating a lift valve with the float rigidly connected to the valve
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
  • F16K33/00—Floats for actuation of valves or other apparatus
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
  • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
  • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
  • B60K2015/03256—Fuel tanks characterised by special valves, the mounting thereof
  • B60K2015/03289—Float valves; Floats therefor
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
  • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
  • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
  • B60K2015/03328—Arrangements or special measures related to fuel tanks or fuel handling
  • B60K2015/03388—Arrangements or special measures related to fuel tanks or fuel handling in case of a roll over of the vehicle

Definitions

• This application relates to fuel system safety and emissions mechanisms. More specifically, the application provides an integrated over-pressure relief and make-up air valve in combination with a liquid vapor discriminator.
• Some fuel tank designs include pressure relief in the inlet cap in the form of a vent to the atmosphere. This pollutes the environment and permits evaporation of fuel from the tank. Current designs also do not permit concurrent vacuum relief, pressure relief, and roll-over liquid protection in an integrated assembly with minimal leak paths.
• the systems and methods disclosed herein improve the art by way of integrating one or both of an over-pressure relief valve and a make-up air valve with contemporaneous liquid blocking from a roll-over valve. Integrating the functions in a single valve housing results in a simplified system layout, reduced leak paths, and reduced number of total components. The integration is better for the environment while providing user safety.
• An integrated valve assembly can include an integrally molded one-piece housing and a roll-over valve cartridge in a valve receptacle.
• the integrally molded one- piece housing can include a central fuel funnel, a platform surrounding the central fuel funnel, a valve receptacle adjacent the central fuel funnel, and a pathway extending from the valve receptacle towards the platform.
• the roll-over valve cartridge can include a float, a roll-over sealing member, a float sleeve, and an orifice.
• the roll-over valve cartridge is configured for fluid exchange through the float sleeve and the orifice in an open condition, and configured for the float to rise in liquid to abut the sealing member against the orifice in a closed condition.
• the orifice is in fluid communication with the pathway.
• the integrated valve assembly can be incorporated in to a fuel tank assembly.
• a fuel tank comprises a fuel tank interface and a canister port.
• the fuel tank interface comprises an opening for a fuel funnel.
• a conduit is mounted to the canister port.
• a mid plate can be affixed inside the fuel tank to an area surrounding the fuel tank interface.
• the integrally molded one-piece housing can be fixed to the fuel tank interface.
• Figures 1 A & 1 B are views of a prior art fuel tank.
• Figures 2A & 2B are views of a fuel tank with a flat fuel tank interface.
• Figure 3 is a view of a prior art fuel filling arrangement.
• Figures 4, 5, and 15 are views of alternative integrated fuel funnel housings.
• Figures 6, 13A, 13B, 14A, & 14B provides views of pathways and platform ports.
• Figures 7 & 8 are installation views of an integrated fuel funnel housing.
• Figures 9 & 10 provide views of a lock recess.
• Figure 11 is a cross-section view along line A-A of Figure 6.
• Figure 12 is a view of a tank lid interface with the integrated fuel funnel housing.
• Figure 16 is a view of an anti-trickle roll-over valve cartridge.
• Figure 17 is a view of a prior art mounting arrangement.
• Figure 18 is a view of a gasket.
• Emissions and safety regulations are beneficial for protecting consumers and the environment.
• compliance with regulations requires the addition of parts to existing systems. Instead of a piecemeal addition of those parts, and instead of introducing multiple leak paths through T-connectors and hose lines, applicant proposes integration of parts for ease of compliance. By packaging multiple functions together, it is easier to find space on the end-user machine.
• make-up air can further include gaseous matter from the fuel tank or from the combustion process or both. Mixtures of fresh air and combustion waste can form make-up air, such as by including extracted matter from the charcoal canister.
• Fluid can comprise one or both of liquids or vapors, and the vapors can comprise air or fuel vapors.
• the disclosed components are beneficial for space-saving safety for many two-wheel vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds. Additional applicability can be to three or four wheel vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATV), automobiles and other powered devices having a fuel tank, such as tractors and lawn-mowers.
• ATV all-terrain vehicles
• the layouts of Figures 4 & 5 can be modified to account for differences in the distance between the fuel cap and the fuel tank.
• a make-up air valve can be a one-way valve.
• MUA permits air or other gasses to enter the fuel tank to make-up for fuel extracted for combustion and can also be used for over vacuum relief when fuel vapors condense.
• An over-pressure relief (OPR) valve can be connected to permit outgassing when the vapors exceed a first predetermined pressure. The OPR "cracks" (opens) to release excess pressure, but is closed below the predetermined pressure.
• a roll-over valve is also present to prevent liquid fuel from entering a canister or fuel line in the event that the fuel tank is tipped or in the event liquid otherwise accumulates.
• ROV During normal operation, for example when a vehicle is upright and liquid has not entered ROV, ROV is in a default open position that permits equalization of pressure between the fuel tank and canister. MUA and OPR are biased in closed positions and open, respectively, when there is an under-pressure or overpressure condition in fuel tank that is not otherwise remedied by vapor flow through ROV.
• An anti-trickle cartridge 400 has been developed that integrates ROV, MUA and OPR functions.
• the anti-trickle cartridge 400 can therefore provide three functions to protect the fuel tank, and is further designed to prevent users from "trickling" fuel in to the fuel tank during refueling (anti-top off).
• the anti-trickle cartridge 400 is designed to trigger the shut-off of the fuel dispensing nozzle when the fuel level reaches a predetermined height with respect to the integrated fuel funnel housing 600.
• the consolidation of ROV, MUA and OPR functions in to a single cartridge also simplifies the structure, manufacture, and mounting of the integrated fuel funnel housing 600.
• the anti-trickle cartridge 400 is drawn without springs to bias the MUA and
• OPR elements because of the operating conditions with respect to fluid/vapor pressures for the illustrated embodiments.
• some operating conditions can comprise fluid or vapor pressures that require biasing by springs. So, it is possible to rely on gravimetric return of valves to their atmospheric pressure conditions, or it is possible to rely on springs to bias a ROV, MUA or OPR valves, or some combination of spring biasing and gravity can be used.
• springs for example, should higher vapor pressures be used, it could be necessary to use a spring to bias the OPR disc 4650 to a closed position.
• MUA valve for example, make-up air seal 441
• Using a spring to assist with ROV float lift continues to be an option, and it is an option to bias the ROV float or ROV sealing member to a lowered position. If necessary, another mechanism can be added to the system to perform the anti-trickle function in these later alternatives.
• FIG. 1A A prior art fuel tank 211 is illustrated in Figures 1A & 1 B.
• the cup-shaped fuel tank interface 194 is more complex in shape and mounting requirements, needing various combinations of a lid plate, mid-plate and sealing mechanisms such as o-rings. This increases the number of leak paths and failure points.
• the mounting area 199 of fuel tank 21 1 can also include a water drain 197, with an affiliated bundy tube inside the tank, which interferes with the design and mounting of the valve assemblies in the fuel tank interface.
• the internal water drain strategy creates a leak path/failure point.
• Figure 1A illustrates other prior art failure issues, including the separate mounting of a roll-over valve 212 and numerous upper ports 213 for hose protrusions.
• Figures 2A and 2B provide a simplified shape for fuel tank 221 with a flat mounting surface 222 for fuel tank interface 223.
• Fuel tank interface can be circular, as drawn, or oval in shape, with corresponding changes to gasket 680.
• a ridge 226 recesses the mounting surface 222 away from the outer profile of the fuel tank 221.
• Another indentation 224 provides a water draining trough to direct contaminating fluid away from fuel tank interface 223.
• An internal water drain tube and leak path/failure point is no longer needed.
• Mounting holes 190 are included for securing the integrated valve assembly to the fuel tank 221.
• Other mounting holes, such as hinge mounts 1171 are also included.
• a tank port 229 is optionally included based on which integrated valve assembly is mounted to the fuel tank, as discussed with respect to Figures 4 & 5.
• Prior art solutions for mounting a fuel filling arrangement comprised mounting a baffle 129 inside the tank 10.
• a filler sleeve 127 interfaces with the tank 10.
• a hinged 117 tank lid 113 comprises several mechanisms removed for clarity.
• the tank lid 113 is connected to lid lock recess 120, a mechanism seat 123, a connector 125, and a lid locking mechanism 118.
• the lid locking mechanism 118 catches against filler sleeve 127.
• the prior art solution does not comprise tank protection features for roll-over, anti-trickle, over-pressure or under-pressure. Further, there are several leak paths and failure points.
• An integrated valve assembly can include an integrally molded one-piece housing 600 and a roll-over valve 4150 within an anti-trickle cartridge 400 in the valve receptacle 6186.
• the integrally molded one-piece housing 600 can include a central fuel funnel 6890, a platform 610 surrounding the central fuel funnel 6890, a valve receptacle 6186 adjacent the central fuel funnel, and a pathway 640, 646 extending from the valve receptacle 160 towards the 610 platform.
• the roll-over valve (ROV) cartridge can include a float 52, a roll-over sealing member 54, a float sleeve 432, and an orifice 555.
• the roll-over valve cartridge 400 is configured for fluid exchange through the float sleeve 432 and the orifice 555 in an open condition, and configured for the float 52 to rise in liquid to abut the sealing member 54 against the orifice in a closed condition.
• a spring 53 can be included to assist the float.
• the orifice 555 is in fluid communication with the pathway 646, 640.
• the platform 610 clamps within fuel tank interface 223, and a gasket 6183 provides a sealing function between the platform 610 and the tank 221.
• the roll-over valve cartridge 400 vents fluid from the tank 221 though pathway 646 to canister ducting 462.
• the canister ducting 462 can be tubing, as shown, or a metal bundy tube configured for directing fluid away from the integrated valve assembly and towards a canister or other downstream devices. The arrangement avoids creating an additional leak path in the tank to mount the roll-over valve in the tank, and it avoids coupling the canister ducting 462 in two places outside the fuel tank 221.
• canister ducting 462 can couple to an exit point in the bottom of the fuel tank 221. Bottom protrusion of hose tubing is preferred over the top ports 213 and protrusions shown in Figure 1A.
• the roll-over valve cartridge 400 can have several alternative combinations of features, detailed in and interchangeable among Figures 4, 5, 15 & 16.
• the roll-over valve cartridge 400 includes a grade vent valve assembly 443 comprising a grade vent valve 442 seated to block fluid passing through orifice 555 during a parked vehicle condition.
• the grade vent valve 442 moves in the compartment between the cartridge cap 4155 and the upper cartridge valve guide 4324.
• Barbs or other coupling features on cartridge cap 4155 can securely mount roll-over valve cartridge within receptacle 6186.
• a press fit can also be had between receptacle 6186 and float sleeve 432.
• Float sleeve 432 can integrate orifice 555 and upper cartridge valve guide 4324.
• Vapor can vent, and fluid can return through, a hole 4156 in cartridge cap 4155. Also, vents 159 and 4590 permit vapor and fluid flow through float sleeve 432. Float sleeve guides and houses float 52, float spring 53, and ROV sealing member 54. A mechanism such as a plug 455 can secure the ROV mechanisms within the float sleeve 432.
• the platform 610 serves as a structural support and mounting area for the integrated valve assembly 600. Turning to Figure 5, the platform 610 additionally includes mounting features, such as holes 190, for rivets, screws, bushings, nylon washers, or other mounting elements 196.
• a cooperative mounting element 1961 can comprise a weld nut or other securement for a corresponding bolt or alternative.
• the bolt can be in a bushing or synthetic washer or seal for sealing purposes.
• the platform 610 can include a feature for receiving or coupling to a hinge 117 for the fuel tank lid 1 13, or the fuel tank 221 can include the feature 1171 to interface with the hinge for the fuel tank lid.
• the roll-over valve cartridge 400 communicates with the pathway 640 and a first platform port 620 in the platform 610.
• the pathway 640 can be integrally molded to the first platform port 620 to form a fluid-tight connection between the roll-over valve cartridge 400 and the first platform port 620.
• the integral molding can comprise a support rib 671 integrally molded between the central fuel funnel 6890, the pathway 640, and the valve receptacle 6186 to provide structural integrity and strength.
• the integrated valve assembly can further include a second platform port 630 and a top cap 700.
• the top cap 700 can be formed of carbon fiber reinforced acetal (POM) and is welded to the platform 610 for a fluid-tight seal between first platform port 620 and second platform port 630. Ultrasonic welding, curable adhesive, and heat sealing, among others, are acceptable variants of welding.
• Another alternative for securing the top cap to the platform 610 is to include one or more plug-in feature, a press-fit feature, o-ring, or gasket for fluid-tight sealing of the third pathway 710 between first platform port 620 and second platform port 630.
• the pathway 640 can include a first pyramidal portion P1 integrally molded to a second pyramidal portion P2.
• the first pyramidal portion P1 can have vertical walls to form a predictable cross-section CS for fluid flow restriction within the pathway 640.
• the first pyramidal portion P1 and the second pyramidal portion P2 can each include a wide base and a truncated narrow end.
• the wide base of the second pyramidal portion P2 connects to the valve receptacle 6186.
• the wide base of the first pyramidal portion P1 connects to the platform 610.
• the wide base circumscribes the first platform port 620 to permit fluid communication between the first platform port 620 and the pathway 640.
• the truncated narrow end of the first pyramidal portion P1 connects to the truncated narrow end of the second pyramidal portion P2.
• the truncated narrow ends can connect for a distance sufficient to ensure the desired fluid flow restriction by the cross-section CS.
• the pyramidal shape permits the small amount of material to flow away from the first platform port 620 and in to the tilted portion of the pyramidal shape.
• the pyramidal shape lends a receiving cup function to the small amount of material, and by designing the pyramidal shape appropriately, it is possible to avoid blocking the pathway 640. Further, any trapped fluid is directed away from the second platform port 630 by the slope of the pyramidal shape.
• using a pyramidal shape inures special benefits not afforded by other shapes.
• one or more cylindrical shapes can be used for the pathway, as ease of manufacture and tooling can be had.
• a predictable cross-section for flow restriction in pathway portion 644 can be had via tooling inserted during molding.
• tooling can be inserted to form second pathway portion 642.
• FIG. 5 An alternative roll-over valve cartridge 401 is shown in Figure 5.
• This cartridge comprises an anti-trickle combination of an over-pressure relief disc 4560 and a make-up air seal 441.
• the roll-over valve cartridge 401 can further include a first chamber C1 within the float sleeve 432, the first chamber C1 accommodating the float 52 and roll-over sealing member 54.
• a second chamber C2 accommodates the integrated make-up air and over-pressure relieve valve.
• the float sleeve comprises a plate 435 between the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2, and the orifice 555 tunnels through the plate 435.
• Roll-over valve seat 434 is in the second chamber side of the plate 435 and circumscribes the orifice 555.
• Disc 4560 seats against the roll-over valve seat 434 when the pressure in the fuel tank is below a predetermined limit.
• the disc is configured to reciprocate in the second chamber C2 between a position abutting the valve seat 434 and a position spaced from the valve seat 434 based on a fluid pressure on the disc 4560.
• the disc 4560 is spaced from the valve seat 434 to alleviate overpressure.
• the dual passageway (317 & 324 or 817 & 825) designs of embodiments 3A and 5B of WO 2015/127477, co-owned by Applicant and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, can be implemented instead.
• the disc 4560 can be configured to be in the position abutting the valve seat 434 in the presence of a first vapor pressure that is in a range greater than or equal to ambient fluid pressure, but can be configured to be in the position spaced from the valve seat 434 in the presence of a second vapor pressure greater than the first vapor pressure.
• the disc 4560 can include a central hole 4564 and a hollow neck 4562 adjoining and extending away from the central hole 4564.
• a make-up sealing member 441 is configured to reciprocate within the hollow neck 4562 between the central hole 4564 and the tapered end based on a fluid pressure on the sealing member 441. For example, in an ambient condition, the sealing member 441 drops to rest against central hole 4564. But, when the tank 221 has fuel inside, the vapors from the fuel lifts the make-up sealing member 441 to seat against the taper of the hollow neck 4562, and the vapor passageway through the disc 4560 is closed. When a vacuum condition occurs in the tank 221 , the sealing member 441 is pulled downward and make-up air can enter the tank 221.
• the sealing member 441 lifts away from the central hole 4564 to seal against the hollow neck when a higher than ambient fluid pressure is exerted on the sealing member 441 , but the sealing member 441 releases away from the hollow neck in the presence of a vacuum condition.
• the sealing member can be a ball, as illustrated, or a sheet, disc or other variant.
• neither the integrated make-up air valve nor the overpressure relief valve comprise a spring.
• a spring can be included in one or more of those valves consistent with the teachings of the application.
• liquid fuel in the form of condensed vapors or for other reasons, returns from the pathway 640 back to the roll-over valve.
• a liquid trap 6170 is included to pool the liquid and direct it to the second chamber C2 of the cartridge.
• roll-over valve cartridge comprises a cartridge cap 4155 for restricting the extent to which the disc 4560 or the grade vent valve 442 reciprocates in the second chamber C2.
• a lock ring can be used with the cartridge cap 4155 for securement purposes, and the barbs are used, as above.
• the rollover valve cartridge 402 eliminates both the cartridge cap 4155 and the lock ring, and favorably reduces the size of the liquid trap 6170.
• the second chamber C2 includes upper cartridge valve guide 4322 to guide disc 4560, and further includes mounting extensions 4320.
• valve receptacle 6186 can include an extension 6184 for restricting the extent to which the disc 4560 reciprocates to the spaced position. And, the receptacle 6186 can further include fingers 6188 to form a labyrinth fit/press-fit receptacle for receiving the mounting extensions 4320. This reduces the number of stock parts on hand, and reduces manufacture steps.
• the finger 6188 and extension 4320 combination reduces the footprint and failure points for mounting the rollover valve cartridge 402.
• Tank wall attachment TW is a point of failure in the prior art, and the socket receiver SR can be unstable on the tank wall attachment TW.
• the mount receivers MR are also prone to breakage and failure, as are the mounting brackets MB securing the prior art roll-over cartridge 212 to a prior art tank 21 1.
• the integration of the disclosed roll-over cartridges 400, 401 , 402 with the central fuel funnel 6890 provides greater coupling strength to the fuel tank and thus improves strength and reliability while reducing packaging space, waste, and pollution. [047] Additional features improve waste and pollution.
• Figure 12 includes aspects of the tank lid 113, including key port 126 to lock barrel 124, and lid gasket 128 on lid seal 121.
• the lid gasket 128 can seal directly against fuel funnel rim 6892.
• An insert, such as filler sleeve 127, is not necessary, as the integral molding can form the required shape for sealing the vapor pathway out of the tank lid 113.
• the integrated fuel funnel housing 600 comprises ribs 671 , 673, 675 to provide material-efficient structural integrity.
• the rib 671 ensures that there is no fluid-flow disruption to pathways 460, 464.
• Rib 671 extends along the receptacle and so lends support to the receptacle 6176, and thus to cartridges 400, 401 , 402.
• the support rib 671 is integrally molded between the central fuel funnel 6890, the pathway 640, and the valve receptacle 6186. The relation among those parts is sturdy.
• ribs 673 & 675 give structural integrity to the tapered shape of the central fuel funnel 6890.
• a cross section view along line A-A in Figure 6 is shown in Figure 1 1 , and a sample distribution of ribs 671 , 673, 675 can be seen.
• the rib 671 supports the mounting of the mechanism seat 123, connector 125, and lid locking mechanism 118.
• a lock recess 694 steps in to the inner diameter of a transition zone of the central fuel funnel 6890. Funnel portion 6896 transitions to funnel sleeve 6894 after accommodating the various features of the tank lid 113. For example, lid seal 121 terminates near rim 696. Beneath rim 696, the mechanism seat 123, connector 125, and lid locking mechanism 1 18 are accommodated.
• the lock recess 694 permits a localized larger space for the mechanism seat 123 to fit in to.
• the lock recess can comprise side walls 692 tapered to send fuel to the tank.
• the diameter of the transition zone TZ steps out for lock recess 694, and then steps inward for receptacle 6186.
• the minimum inner diameter for fuel flow is maintained for the length of funnel sleeve 6894.
• the roll-over cartridge 400, 401 , 402 can be accommodated with minimized expansion of the footprint of the integrated fuel funnel housing 600.
• a top view of the integrated fuel funnel housing 600 can be seen in Figure 13A, with a section view of the first and second platform ports in Figure 13B.
• a bottom view of the integrated fuel funnel housing 600 is in Figure 14A, with a section view in Figure 14B.
• the distribution of ribs can be seen, as can the pyramidal nature of second pyramidal portion P2.
• the relationship of the fluid-flow restricting cross-section CS can also be seen.
• the fuel funnel can include an integrally molded lip
• Rib 673 braces the lip for structural integrity.
• the lip 690 can be formed by a diameter change in the fuel funnel sleeve 6894.
• Manufacture of a fuel tank 221 comprising the integrated fuel funnel housing 600 can comprise steps of welding a support plate 440 to the inside of the fuel tank 221.
• the support plate 440 can have a cut-out for avoiding a bundy tube 460 connection point at tank port 229. Spot welding can be used, unless more thorough sealing is desired, as by connecting the bundy tube 460 to the support plate 440.
• Weld nuts can be used for cooperative mounting elements 1961 and can be projection welded on to the support plate 440 to receive the mounting elements 196.
• hinge mounts 4171 can be included on the support plate 440.
• Bundy tube 460 can be brazed to the fuel tank 221.
• the tank port 229 can comprise integral step 227 to provide an inner diameter for bundy tube 460, or a connector 228 such as a bushing can be placed in the tank port 229. Either way, the bundy tube is secured to the tank 221 in a fluid-tight manner.
• the tank 221 can be painted or enameled or otherwise processed. Completing the welding steps and having only non-destructive steps remaining in the assembly process avoids chipping sealants, which improves the longevity of the tank 221.
• Post-processing steps comprise aligning the gasket 680 to the outside of the tank 221.
• the holes 681 , 682, 683 can comprise a stepped edge to have a bushing effect. Holes 681 align with mounting elements 196. Hole 682 aligns with tank port 229 and second platform port 630. Hole 683 seats against the exterior of the central fuel funnel 6890 and against the fuel tank interface 223.
• the integrated fuel funnel housing 600 is then dropped downward in to the fuel tank 221 until the roll-over cartridge 400, 401 , 402 and receptacle 6186 are within the tank.
• the transition zone TZ is encountered at the fuel tank interface 223, and the ribs 673, 675 abut the fuel tank interface 223.
• the integrated fuel funnel housing 600 is then shifted laterally to tuck the receptacle 6186 in to the tank 221 and to permit lowering of the ribs 673, 675 in to the tank.
• mounting elements 196 are inserted to clamp the integrated fuel funnel housing 600 to the tank 221.
• the tank lid 1 13 assembly can then be attached.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)

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Citations (5)

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• 2017
  • 2017-01-20 CN CN201780013724.1A patent/CN108698503B/zh active Active
  • 2017-01-20 WO PCT/US2017/014221 patent/WO2017127601A1/en active Application Filing

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