PUMP IN FUEL TANK

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for installing and sealing in-tank fuel pumps.

2. Description Of The Related Art

[0002] There is often demand for non-Original Equipment Manufacturer

("OEM") fuel pumps when fuel supply requirements change, or if a non-OEM pump is technically superior to an OEM pump. In-tank fuel pumps are often preferred over external pumps due to, for example, noise, vibration, and harshness ("NVH") improvements, increased pump cooling, improved system packaging, and mitigation of possible damage from external sources. One common problem with the use of a non-OEM fuel pump, however, is adaptation to an existing fuel tank.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Systems and methods for installing and sealing a fuel pump in a fuel tank are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for installing and sealing a fuel pump in a fuel tank may include a fuel tank with an opening, and a fuel pump hanger assembly. The fuel pump hanger assembly may comprise a plurality of assembly screws; a plurality of clamping lugs configured to thread onto the plurality of assembly screws and engage an inside surface of the fuel tank; a top plate that may comprise a bearing surface configured to engage an external fuel tank surface, a plurality of through holes proximate the perimeter of the top plate and perpendicular to the bearing surface, and a plurality of bosses, each of the plurality of bosses adjacent to each through hole, configured to guide and position the each clamping lug. A gasket may be positioned between the top plate and the fuel tank.

[0004] In one embodiment, the system may further include a split clamping ring positioned between the plurality of clamping lugs and an internal fuel tank surface.

[0005] In one embodiment, a method for installing and sealing a fuel pump in a fuel tank may include (1) cutting an opening in a top surface of a fuel tank; (2) inserting at portion of a fuel pump hanger assembly into the opening; and (3) securing a plurality of assembly screws in the top of the fuel pump hanger assembly to cause a plurality of clamping lugs to engage and tighten against an internal fuel tank surface.

[0006] In one embodiment, the method may further include inserting a split clamping ring into the opening and adhering the split clamping ring to the interior tank surface around the hole.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method for uninstalling a fuel pump sealed in a fuel tank may include (a) loosening a plurality of assembly screws in a top plate of a fuel pump hanger assembly until a plurality of assembly lugs unclamp from an inside surface of a fuel pump and rotate against a plurality of internal stops in the top plate; and (2) removing the fuel pump hanger assembly from the fuel tank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0009] Figure 1 a depicts a system for installing and sealing a fuel pump in a fuel tank in one state of installation, according to one embodiment;

[0010] Figure lb depicts a system for installing and sealing a fuel pump in a fuel tank in a different state of installation, according to one embodiment;

[0011] Figure l c depicts a system for installing and sealing a fuel pump in a fuel tank in a third state of installation, according to one embodiment; and

[0012] Figure 2 depicts a method for installing and sealing an internal fuel pump in a fuel tank.

[0013] Figure 3 depicts a method for uninstalling internal fuel pump sealed in a fuel tank.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Several embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to Figures 1-3.

[0015] Referring to Figures la-c, a fuel pump system for a fuel tank is disclosed. System 100 may include fuel tank wall 105 and fuel pump hanger assembly 1 10. Fuel pump hanger assembly 1 10 may include top plate 1 15 that may provide a bearing surface between fuel pump hanger assembly 1 10 and fuel tank 105. Fuel pump hanger assembly 1 10 may also include gasket 120 that may be positioned between the fuel tank wall 105 and the top plate 1 15. In one embodiment, gasket 120 may be made of be foam or any other suitable compressible material. System 100 may also include a plurality of assembly screws 125 that may extend through top plate 1 15 and through fuel tank wall 105.

[0016] In one embodiment, each assembly screw 125 may use a sealing washer 130 (not shown). Sealing washers 130 may be made of aluminum or any suitable material, and may include insert molded rubber. Fuel pump hanger assembly 1 10 may also include a plurality of clamping lugs 135. The threaded portion of each assembly screw 125 may be coated with a prevailing torque material to secure and may engage with each clamping lug 135. Clamping lug 135 may be made of metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. Clamping lugs 135 may secure top plate 1 15 to fuel tank wall 105.

[0017] In one embodiment, fuel pump hanger assembly 1 10 may also include split clamping ring 140. Split clamping ring 140 may be positioned between fuel tank wall 105 and the plurality of clamping lugs 135.

[0018] In one embodiment, top plate 1 15 may include a plurality of bosses

145. Each boss 145 may be configured to limit rotation of a proximate assembly lug 135 and guide the assembly lug 135 into a specific orientation relative to top plate 1 15.

[0019] Referring to Figure 2, a method for installing a universal fuel pump into a fuel tank is described. [0020] In step 205, an opening in the fuel tank may be provided. In one embodiment, the opening may be in a top wall of the fuel tank. Other locations for the opening may be used as necessary and/or desired. The fuel tank may be a fuel tank intended for use with any vehicle. The fuel tank may be metal or plastic. The opening may be cut through a flat portion of the fuel tank surface, or it may be cut through a corrugated portion of the tank surface. The opening may be any size necessaiy to fit the intended fuel pump. In one embodiment, the opening may be 3.25" in diameter.

[0021] In step 210, a split clamping ring for plastic tanks may be inserted into the opening. In one embodiment, the split clamping ring may be larger than the opening, and may be flexible to allow insertion into the opening. Flexing the split clamping ring may allow a user to spiral or screw the split clamping ring into the fuel tank interior through the opening.

[0022] In step 215, the split clamping ring may be secured to the interior tank surface proximate the opening. In one embodiment, the split clamping ring may have one surface with, for example, a pressure sensitive adhesive. The pressure sensitive adhesive may be covered with a paper backing that may be removed to reveal the adhesive surface.

[0023] In step 220, the fuel pump hanger system may be inserted into the opening.

[0024] In step 225, the assembly screws in the top plate of the fuel pump hanger system may be tightened by, for example, rotating the screws. In one embodiment, the screws may be tightened to a specified torque; in another embodiment, the screws may be tightened to a specified gasket compression. [0025] Referring to Figure 3, a method for removing a fuel pump from a fuel tank is described.

[0026] In step 305, a user may loosen the assembly screws in the top plate of the fuel pump hanger assembly. The assembly screws may be unscrewed until the clamping load is removed and the assembly lugs rotate to their uninstalled position against the internal stops of the top plate.

[0027] In step 310, a user may remove the fuel pump assembly from the fuel tank.

[0028] It will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible to broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications and equivalent

arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the invention.

[0029] Accordingly, while the present invention has been described here in detail in relation to its exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made to provide an enabling disclosure of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed or to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any other such embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements.