CLIAMS:We claim:
1. An apparatus (17) for preventing fuel sloshing effect in a fuel level sender (5) of a vehicle, comprising:
a closure cap (16); and
a cover (15) removably connected to the closure cap (16) to form the apparatus (17), the apparatus (17) is characterized into a protector part and a connector part, wherein the protector part protects a float (7) of the fuel level sender (5) from fuel sloshing effect during vehicle movement and the connector part runs through the float arm (6) of the fuel level sender (5) and connects to a fuel level sender (5),
wherein at least one of the cover (15) and the closure cap (16) is provided with a plurality of perforations (15a, 16a) on its side walls to allow fuel movement inside the apparatus (17) for indicating the fuel level.

2. The apparatus (17) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closure cap (16) and the cover (15) are in L-shaped configuration.

3. The apparatus (17) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the perforations (15a, 16a) are in shapes selected from a group comprising circular, square, rectangular, honeycomb, elliptical, trapezoidal and its combinations.

4. The apparatus (17) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover (15) is provided with plurality of connectors (20) at contacting portions for connecting with the fuel pump module (2).

5. A fuel level sender (5), comprising:
a fuel pump module (2);
an apparatus (17) connected with the fuel pump module (2) for preventing fuel sloshing effect in a fuel level sender (5) of a vehicle, comprising a closure cap (16); and a cover (15) removably connected to the closure cap (16) to form the apparatus (17), the apparatus (17) is characterized into a protector part and a connector part, wherein the protector part protects a float (7) of the fuel level sender (5) from fuel sloshing effect during vehicle movement and the connector part runs through the float arm (6) of the fuel level sender (5) and connects to a fuel level sender (5), wherein at least one of the cover (15) and the closure cap (16) is provided with a plurality of perforations (15a, 16a) on its side walls to allow fuel movement inside the apparatus (17) for indicating the fuel level.

6. The fuel level sender (5) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cover (15) is provided with plurality of connectors (20) at contacting portions for connecting with the fuel pump module (2).

Dated this 27th day of March, 2014 P.H.D.RANGAPPA
IN/PA-1538
Of K & S Partners
Attorney for the Applicant

,TagSPECI:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Section 10 and rule 13]

TITLE: “AN APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING FUEL SLOSHING EFFECT IN A FUEL LEVEL SENDER OF A VEHICLE”

NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE APPLICANT: TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra, INDIA.

Nationality: Indian

The following specification particularly describes the nature of the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
Embodiment of present disclosure generally relates to a fluid level sender or sensor. In particular relates to an apparatus for preventing a fuel level sender of a vehicle from fuel sloshing effect in a fuel tank of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE AND PRIOR ARTS
Fuel supply module (alternatively referred as fuel suction module or fuel pump module) is used for delivering fuel stored in a fuel tank through fuel lines to a fuel rail and thereby to injectors for combustion in an engine of a vehicle. Fuel tank(s) have a cut-out or generally termed as an opening for locating and holding of the fuel pump module. As generally know, the fuel pump module comprises various sensors. One of the sensors in the fuel pump module is a fuel level sender or sensor. The fuel level sender sometimes is an integrated part of the fuel pump module, but not necessary. Sometimes, the fuel level sender may be separately packaged into the fuel tank of the vehicles.

A sensing unit in the fuel level sender has a floating arm connected with a float at its one end and located inside the fuel tank. An indicating unit is located at the vehicle dashboard in a visibility zone of a user for measuring and displaying the fuel level based on current flow in the fuel level sender. The fuel level sender is required for precision fuel level measurement in all kinds of fuel tanks of vehicles and also in tanks of fixed installations. The fuel level measurement obtained by the fuel level sender obtains information related to actual fuel volume in the fuel tank, to define the vehicle fueling volume and to detect fuel theft, if any from the fuel tank. The fuel level in the fuel tank also helps to determine the fuel consumption by the vehicle.

Existing methods followed to determine accurate fuel level in the fuel tanks are obtained by providing baffles in a sheet metal fuel tank or projection resembling as vertical walls in case of a plastic tank. As an alternate solution, when there is no constraint with respect to the space availability for the fuel tank packaging on the vehicle, profile of lower side on the fuel tank generally referred to as bottom shell is proposed to have a shape so as to have vertical walls, which creates restriction for the fuel movement within the fuel tank leaving sufficient space for the fuel pump module and float movement of the fuel level sender.

The limitations of the fuel tanks with baffles are higher manufacturing cost and requirement of skilled labour or workforce. The limitations are due to complex shape of the fuel tanks which requires press tools and special welding fixtures to weld at particular location. Because of the shape and profile of baffle plates, welding at a number of locations needs to be done to ensure proper fixing of the baffle plates to the fuel tank. Providing the baffle plates have limitations such as more time consuming, more processing and manufacturing assembly time and many a times leads to fuel leakage issue, because of welding failures when put for use in actual working environment.

The above constraints as in case of baffles with sheet metal fuel tank configuration can be avoided to some extent with a plastic fuel tank, but because the plastic fuel tanks are not cost comparative to the sheet metal fuel tank, having a plastic fuel tank is not always possible and that too for all class of vehicles. Also, the avoidance of erratic reading on the indicator unit is not completely resolved.

Further, when the vehicle runs out of fuel and faces a situation of having an empty fuel tank, needle of the indicating unit drops to empty position showing that the fuel for the vehicle is consumed and the fuel tank needs to be re-filled. However, at some instances, when the vehicle accelerates or decelerates or takes a cornering or turning at some curve, the fuel within the fuel tank sloshes and corresponding effects of the fuel sloshing are transferred to the float arm of the fuel level sender. Therefore over a period of time due to sloshing of the fuel with the float and float arm, results in intermittent contact of a wiper arm with a resistor card of the fuel level sender. Thereby erratic reading is displayed on the indicator unit. Thus, fuel gauge or the fuel level sender may not work properly. This gives an incorrect input to the user referring the indicator unit with respect to the actual amount of fuel available inside the fuel tank and thereby may result into sometimes a situation that the fuel tank actually gets empty but the indicator unit displays higher amount of fuel inside the fuel tank and leads to vehicle stall or even vice versa.

In view of the above limitations, there exists a requirement for providing an apparatus in the fuel level sender which provides sufficient protection to the float and float arm of the fuel level sender by sloshing effect of fuel or fuel inside a fluid tank or a fuel tank caused due to vehicle.

OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
One object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for preventing fuel sloshing effect in a fuel level sender of a vehicle.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide the apparatus which is characterized into a protector part and a connector part, wherein the protector part protects a float of the fuel level sender from fuel sloshing effect during vehicle movement and the connector part runs through the float arm of the fuel level sender and connects to a fuel level sender.

Another object of the present disclosure is to configure at least one of the closure cap and the cover is provided with a plurality of perforations on its side walls to allow fuel movement inside the apparatus for indicating the fuel level.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides for an apparatus for preventing fuel sloshing effect in a fuel level sender of a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a closure cap and a cover removably connected to the closure cap to form the apparatus. The apparatus is characterized into a protector part and a connector part. The protector part protects a float of the fuel level sender from fuel sloshing effect during vehicle movement and the connector part runs through the float arm of the fuel level sender and connects to a fuel level sender. At least one of the cover and the closure cap is provided with a plurality of perforations on its side walls to allow fuel movement inside the apparatus for indicating the fuel level. In one embodiment, the closure cap and the cover are in L-shaped configuration. In one embodiment, the perforations are in shapes selected from a group comprising circular, square, rectangular, honeycomb, elliptical, trapezoidal and its combinations.

In one embodiment, the cover is provided with plurality of connectors at contacting portions for connecting with the fuel pump module.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides for a fuel level sender comprising a fuel pump module and an apparatus connected with the fuel pump module for preventing fuel sloshing effect in a fuel level sender of a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a closure cap and a cover removably connected to the closure cap to form the apparatus. The apparatus is characterized into a protector part and a connector part. The protector part protects a float of the fuel level sender from fuel sloshing effect during vehicle movement and the connector part runs through the float arm of the fuel level sender and connects to a fuel level sender. At least one of the cover and the closure cap is provided with a plurality of perforations on its side walls to allow fuel movement inside the apparatus for indicating the fuel level. In one embodiment, the closure cap and the cover are in L-shaped configuration. In one embodiment, the perforations are in shapes selected from a group comprising circular, honeycomb, square and elliptical.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of fuel tank assembly comprising of a fuel tank and fuel pump module along with a fuel level sender according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a stand-alone fuel tank according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a stand-alone fuel pump module along with a fuel level sender an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a stand-alone fuel level sender according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figs. 5a and 5b shows the fuel pump module along with the fuel level sensor for the movement range of the fuel level sensor from empty position to the full position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 shows a partial view of the fuel pump module for sub parts of the fuel level sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7a shows a sectional view of a fuel tank assembly comprising of the fuel tank, fuel pump module along with a fuel level sender, wherein the float position is at empty position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7b shows a sectional view of a fuel tank assembly comprising of the fuel tank, fuel pump module along with a fuel level sender, wherein the float position is at full position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8a shows exploded view of closure cap and cover of the apparatus for preventing fuel sloshing effect in a fuel level sender according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8b shows an assembled perspective of the closure cap and the cover to form the apparatus for preventing fuel sloshing effect in a fuel level sender according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9a shows a perspective view of fuel pump module along with a fuel level sender with the closure cap and the cover before forming an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9b shows a perspective view of the cover assembled with the fuel pump module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of the cover illustrating configuration of a snap fitment in the cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figs. 11a and 11b shows a perspective view of the closure cap having snap fitment for connecting with cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figs. 12a and 12b shows perspective views of the assembled apparatus with the fuel level sender for preventing fuel sloshing effect in a fuel level sender according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 13 shows a sectional view of assembled fuel pump module with the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 14 shows a sectional view of the assembled fuel pump module with the apparatus and fuel tank to illustrate the float movement at full position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 15 shows a sectional view of the assembled fuel pump module with the apparatus and fuel tank to illustrate the float movement at empty position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

It is to be noted at this point that all of the above described components, whether alone or in any combination, are claimed as being essential to the disclosure, in particular the details depicted in the drawings and reference numerals in the drawings are as given below.

Table of referral numerals

Referral Numerals Description
1 Fuel tank
2 Fuel pump module
3 Opening at the fuel tank
4 Flange
5 Fuel Level Sender
6 Float arm
7 Float
8 Pivot
9 Movement range of the float arm
10 Housing
11 Wiper arm
12 Body portion
13 Outer surface of the body portion
14 Recess of the body portion
15 Cover
15a Perforations in the cover
16 Closure cap
16a Perforations in the closure cap
17 Apparatus for protecting the fuel level sender
20 Connectors in the cover (15)
100 Fuel tank assembly

The apparatus disclosed in the present disclosure ensures protection of the fuel level sender from the sloshing effects of fuel present in a fuel tank of a vehicle. The apparatus results in avoidance of cause for incorrect or erratic reading or displaying of information on an indication unit also referred to as instrument cluster with respect to actual amount of fuel available inside the fuel tank and thereby avoidance of situation that the fuel tank actually gets empty but the indicator unit displays higher amount of fuel inside the fuel tank and leads to vehicle stall or even vice versa. The apparatus comprises a cover and closure cap forming an integrated housing for the fuel level sender. The fuel level sender comprises a float, a float arm connected with the float at its free end and pivoted to a housing comprising a resistor card. The fuel level sender is mounted inside a fuel pump module. The apparatus is connected to the fuel pump module through a connecting means such as but not limited to snap fit connecting means.

The fuel pump module along with snap fitted cover is inserted in the fuel tank. The fuel tank along with the assembled fuel pump module having the apparatus is mounted on a vehicle. When the vehicle accelerates or decelerates or takes a cornering or turning during vehicle movement, the fuel within the fuel tank sloshes and corresponding effects are transferred to side walls of apparatus. The term “slosh” refers to movement of liquid inside another object which is, typically, also undergoing motion. The liquid must have a free surface to constitute a slosh dynamics problem, where the dynamics of the liquid can interact with a container or object to alter the system dynamics significantly. However, it is commonly referred liquid motion in a completely or partially filled tank, i.e. without a free surface, as “fuel slosh”.

The effect of sloshing gets reduced due to presence of apparatus and very negligible sloshing effect is transferred to the float arm or the float of the fuel level sender. Thus, over a period of time, the sloshing effect caused in the fuel tank does not affect performance of the fuel level sender and does not result in displaying or indicating erratic reading on an indicator unit mounted on a dashboard of the vehicle.

Fig.1 illustrates a fuel tank assembly (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fuel tank assembly (100) consisting of a fuel tank (1) and a fuel pump module (2) assembled onto the fuel tank (1) of a vehicle (not shown).

Fig. 2 illustrates the fuel tank (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fuel tank (1) has an opening (3) at top of the fuel tank (1) for receiving, locating and holding the fuel pump module (2) within the fuel tank (1).

Fig. 3 illustrates the fuel pump module (2) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fuel pump module (2) has a flange (4) on its top side that secures the fuel pump module (2) in the opening (3) of the fuel tank (1) and provided with a fuel level sender (5) (best shown in Fig. 4) at lower side of the fuel pump module (2).

Fig. 4 illustrates the fuel level sender (5) provided in the fuel pump module (2). The fuel level sender (5) comprises of a thin metal rod referred to as a float arm (6) which is connected with a float (7) towards one end of the float arm (6). Other end of the float arm (6) is connected to housing (10) with a wiper arm (11) and the wiper arm (11) is pivoted at a pivot (8). The movement of float arm (6) moves the wiper arm (11) at the pivot (8). The float arm (6) is moveable along a movement ranging between an empty position to a full position in the fuel tank (1). The fuel level sender (5) include a housing (10) for a sensor such as a resistance card (not shown). The pivot arm side (6b) of the float arm (6) is mounted to a resistor card, an electrical device that senses position of the float arm (6) within the movement range (9) (shown in Fig. 5b) through the wiper arm (11) and sends this information to a fuel gauge / instrument cluster (not shown) which in turn displays the information either in analog or digital form for the user to interpret and take the required action with respect to refueling of the fuel in the fuel tank (1). As the fuel level inside the fuel tank (1) empties, the float (7) drops and slides a moving contact along the resistor, increasing its resistance.

An indicator unit (not shown) located at dashboard of the vehicle measures and displays amount of electrical current flowing through the fuel level sender (2). When fuel level in the fuel tank (1) is high, the float (7) connected to the float arm (6) moves to higher position inside the fuel tank (1) and thereby the wiper arm (11) on the resister card is moved to its one extreme end. The movement of the wiper arm (11) on the resister card allows maximum current flow through the fuel level sender (2). Thus, needle of the indicator unit points to “F” indicating the fuel tank (1) is full. On the other hand, when the fuel tank (1) is low or substantially empty, the float (7) connected to the float arm (6) moves to lower position inside the fuel tank (1) and thereby the wiper arm (11) on the resister card is moved to its other extreme end. The movement of the wiper arm (11) on the resister card allows least current flow through the fuel level sender (2). Thus, needle of the indicator unit points to “E” indicating the fuel tank (1) is empty or substantially empty.

Figs. 5a and 5b illustrates views of the fuel pump module (2), wherein the float arm (6) is configured to be moved about a pivot (8) along a movement range (9) between an empty position “E” and a full position “F”. The float arm (6) movement is affected by the fuel level in the fuel tank (1) (shown in Figs. 7a-7c). The float arm (6) floats on the surface of the fuel and moves along with the surface of the fuel or the level of the fuel in the fuel tank (1).

Fig. 6 illustrates another perspective view of the fuel level sender (5) installed with the fuel pump module (2) comprising the float arm (6) and the float (7). The float arm (6) at the float side is referred as float arm side (6a), and the float arm (6) at the pivoted side on the pivot (8) is referred as the pivot arm side (6b). The pivot arm side (6b) is configured to move about a pivot (8), along with the extending portion i.e. float arm side (11) extending from the pivot arm side (6b) and a float arm side (6a) supporting the float (7). The pivot arm side (6b) supports the wiper arm (11) of the fuel level sender (5). The configuration of the float arm (6) is provided for illustration purpose only and it is not meant to be limiting. Further, the fuel pump module (2) comprises a body portion (12) having an outer surface (13) and a recess (14) provided thereof. The recess (14) provided have protruding guide way (not shown) for installation of the fuel level sensor (5) on the fuel pump module (2) so that the fuel level sensor (5) is an integrated part of the fuel pump module (2). The fuel level sensor/sender (5) comprising an housing (10) which is configured to the guide way provided on the recess (14) of the fuel pump module (2) and the outer surface (13) to position the fuel level sender (5) and the fuel level sender (5) is assembled onto the body portion (12) of the fuel module (2) making the fuel level sensor (5) an integrated part of the fuel module (2).

Fig. 7a illustrates sectional view of the fuel tank (1) installed with the fuel pump module (2) and the fuel level sender (5). The fuel pump module (2) has to be inserted through the opening (3) made on the fuel tank (1). After assembling of the fuel pump module (2) with the fuel tank (1), lower portion of the fuel pump module (2) below the flange (4) is not accessible unless the fuel pump module (2) is not removed from the fuel tank (1). Float (7) connected to the fuel level sender (5) is located at empty position “E” to illustrate that the fuel tank (1) is completely empty and no fuel or fluid is present in the fuel tank (1).

Fig. 7b illustrates sectional view of the fuel tank (1) installed with the fuel pump module (2) and the fuel level sender (5). The float (7) connected to the fuel level sender (5) is located at full position “F” to illustrate that the fuel tank (1) is completely filled with fuel.

Fig. 8a illustrates an exploded view of the apparatus (17) for preventing fuel sloshing effect in a fuel level sender of a vehicle. The apparatus (17) comprises a closure cap (16) and a cover (15) removably connected to the closure cap (16) to form the apparatus (17). The apparatus (17) is characterized into a protector part and a connector part. The protector part & connector part protects a float (7) & float arm (6) of the fuel level sender (5) from fuel sloshing effect during vehicle movement to ensure that a required contact between the wiper and resister card is maintained, and the connector part runs through the float arm (6) of the fuel level sender (5). At least one of the closure cap (16) and the cover (15) is provided with a plurality of perforations (15a, 16a) on its side walls to allow fuel movement inside the apparatus (17) for indicating the fuel level.

In one embodiment, the apparatus (17) comprising the closure cap (16) and the cover (15) is positioned at a predetermined distance from the float arm (6) such that the float arm (6) is positioned between the cover (15) and outer surface of the body portion (12) of the fuel pump module (2) and configured to maintain the predetermined distance.

In one embodiment, the closure cap (16) and the cover (15) are in shape but not limited to L-shaped configuration. In one embodiment, the perforations (15a, 16a) made in the closure cap (16) and the cover (15) are in a shape selected from a group comprising, but not limited to, circular, square, rectangular, honeycomb, elliptical, trapezoidal and its combinations.

The cover (15) is provided with plurality of connectors (20) at the contacting portions for connecting with the fuel pump module (2).

Fig. 8b illustrates assembled view of the apparatus (17). The cover (15) and the closure cap (16) are connected using snap fit arrangement to form an enclosed housing /apparatus (17) for ease of assembly with the fuel pump module (2) to form an integrated part to the fuel pump module (20). The apparatus or housing (17) for the fuel level sender (5) is snap fit assembled at outer surface of the fuel pump module (2) through the connectors (20) provided in inner surface of the cover (15).

Fig. 9a illustrates exploded view of apparatus comprising the cover (15) and closure cap (16) which are to be assembled to each other using a snap fit arrangement provided in the closure cap (16) and the cover (15). The cover (16) is connected to the fuel pump module (2) also using snap fit arrangement.

Fig. 9b illustrates sectional view of the apparatus (17) assembled with the fuel pump module (2) which illustrates space in the apparatus (17) provided for free movement of float (7) and float arm (6) within the apparatus (17) for indication of fuel level in the fuel tank (1).

Fig. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the cover (15) illustrating configuration of a snap fitment in the cover (15) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The snap fit arrangement is provided at peripheral or circumference of the cover as indicated by portion A. Also the snap fit arrangement is provided at central portion of the cover as indicated by portion B.

Figs. 11a and 11b illustrates a perspective view of the closure cap (16) having snap fitment for connecting with the cover (15) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 11b, the snap fit arrangement joins the closure cap (16) fits with the cover (15).

Figs. 12a and 12b illustrate perspective views of the assembled apparatus (10) with the fuel level sender (5) for preventing fuel sloshing effect in a fuel tank (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus (10) provide sufficient space for movement of the float (7) and the float arm (6) between the empty position “E” to the full position “F”. The perforations (15a, 16a) are configured in the cover (15) and the closure cap (16) allows the flow of fuel/fluid inside the apparatus (10) and thereby the float (7) and the float arm (6) are displaced according to corresponding change in level of fuel inside the fuel tank (1).

Fig. 13 illustrates a sectional view of assembled fuel pump module (2) with the apparatus (17) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cover (15) is connected to the fuel pump module (2) in such a manner that a suitable space is provided between the outer surface of the fuel pump module (2) and the cover (15) for free movement of the float (7) and the float arm (6).

Fig. 14 illustrates a sectional view of the assembled fuel pump module (2) with the apparatus (17) and the fuel tank (1) to illustrate the movement of float (7) at the full position “F” according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 15 illustrates a sectional view of the assembled fuel pump module (2) with the apparatus (17) and the fuel tank (1) to illustrate the movement of the float (7) at the empty position “E” according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Advantages
In one embodiment, the apparatus disclosed in the present disclosure ensures protection of the fuel level sender from the sloshing effects of the fuel thereby resulting in avoidance of the cause for the incorrect or erratic reading or display of the information on the indication unit also referred to as instrument cluster with respect to the actual amount of fuel available inside the fuel tank. Thereby avoidance of situation that the fuel tank actually gets empty but the indicator unit displays higher amount of fuel inside the tank and leads to vehicle stall or even vice versa.
In one embodiment, the apparatus disclosed in the present disclosure helps to increase life of the fuel level sender by protecting the fuel level sender by sloshing effect of the fuel.

Industrial applicability
In one embodiment, the apparatus disclosed in the present disclosure find its potential application in fuel tanks of vehicle. However, the apparatus may find its application other than fuel tanks, such as fluid tanks or water tanks of trucks or any tanks which stores fluid and there is a relative movement of the fluid and the tank.

Equivalents
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.