_i/lnr~l,D OF INVENTION
This invention relates to protector mounting assembly on the vehicle for fuel
filler hose. The vehicle particularly includes passenger vehicle, light commercial
vehicle without restricting scope of the invention .
. -~-~CKGROUND/PRIOR ART
in general, fuel storage tank (T) is connected to rubber hose (H) and filler neck
. (metallic/resin) (N) to fill fuel in the storage tank as illustrated in fig 1. Usually
rubber hoses that connect tank and neck are safeguarded in the wheel housing
of the vehicle to prevent any damage thereto due to stone chipping from the
tire. In the case where hose is exposed to chipping stones, protection is
required on the hose which is either metallic or resm type. The protection
mc:ans for the hose is called protector, which requires sufficient number of
mountings so as to avoid the following:
A) Rattling
B) Stress at mountings
Currently available protector (P) forming a U-section is used to house the fuel
filler hose (H) placed between the neck and fuel tank (T). The protector has
three integrated snaps(1,2,3) for mounting to a fixed member of the vehicle
body i.e. frame I chassis (F) as shown in fig 1 .also indicating three respective
mountings (1'.,2',3') including bracket (3').
Fig 2 illustrates mounting of the protector on the frame of vehicle. Out of three
mountings for snaps, two mountings are conveniently and readily available on
·vehicle body. However, for mounting of third snap, a bracket is required to be
welded on body side panel wherein the bracket constitutes third mounting._
l1'casi.bility regarding provision of bracket on body side panel depends on
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availabilitY of space and other factors such as sufficient gap from welding jigs
a~nd vehicle assembly hanger. Addition of bracket may give rise to the following
ISSUes:
Fouling of bracket with the welding jig/ fixture /welding gun.
Interference of the bracket with assembly hanger.
Higher chances of damage to the weld bracket during transportation.
Presence of bracket adds to weight, which inturn increases cost and
reduces fuel efficiency.
A patent (KR 200130062Yl)is directed to a protecting cover for fuel hose of a
car. However it does not discuss regarding mounting of the protecting cover. .
I:1 view of the above, there is a requirement to introduce protector mounting
assembly of vehicle for fuel filler hose which can obviate short-comings of the
known art(s).
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