TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure, in general, relates to fuel tank of a vehicle and,
more particularly, to reinforced fuel tank structure to absorb compression and
expansion force on the fuel tank.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in
understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the
information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed
invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] A fuel tank is used to store fuel in the vehicle. The fuel tanks can be
made of any structure like cylindrical and box type. For safety purposes, fuel
tanks must withstand forces produced by predetermined internal and external
pressure differentials, transients and stresses. This is particularly true for tanks
made of plastic or high density polyethylene, HDPE. Pressure transients are
typically caused by environmental temperature changes. For example, a
temperature rise of the tank, or the fuel contained therein, will cause the internal
tank pressure to rise and deflection or deformation of the shell of the tank to
occur. Uncontrolled deformation and/or expansion of the tank must be avoided to
prevent the tank shell from contacting the vehicle body, which could lead to the
transmission of noise to the passenger compartment of the vehicle or to damage of
the tank shell and ensuing fuel leakage. The weight of the fuel contained within
the tank may also lead to a deformation of the shell contour.
[0004] There are two main issues faced by the fuel tank is expansion and
compression based on the pressure and temperature conditions of fuel and
atmosphere. Due to these conditions, fuel pump connected with the fuel tank may
get damaged.
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[0005] In undesirable compressed condition, fuel filter of the fuel pump may
get damaged and do not get proper fuel supply as most of the slots of the fuel
pump are closed.
[0006] In another situation where fuel tank is in undesirable expansion
condition, the fuel pump may not receive fuel for supply as level of fuel goes low
beyond the reach of the fuel pump.
[0007] In order to restrict expansion and compression of the fuel tank a
plurality of straps made of metal or plastic are provided in between the opposing
faces of the fuel tank. These straps increase cost of labour and material. Apart
from the cost, there are high chances that these straps tear the wall of the fuel tank
which causes fuel tank leaks when internal pressure within the tank is excessive or
external forces exerted upon the tank are extreme.
[0008] The straps have technical problem that these does not provide any free
play during expansion compression condition. These straps rigidly fix the distance
between the opposing walls.
[0009] Based on the above mentioned technical problem, there is need for a
fuel tank that has reinforcement structure having a predetermine distance which
allows expansion and compression of the fuel tank.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0010] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one
embodiment herein satisfy, are listed hereinbelow.
[0011] The principal object of the present invention is to provide a reinforced
fuel tank for restricting compression and expansion of fuel tank beyond a
predetermined limit/distance.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a reinforced fuel
tank having two tubular members with snap coupling.
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[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a reinforced fuel
tank with two tubular members having bulge/bead structure acting as stopper
during expansion and compression condition of the fuel tank.
[0014] These and other objects and advantages will become more apparent
when reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY
[0015] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a structure
of reinforcement structure of fuel tank. The concepts are further described below
in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features
or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to
limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0016] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a fuel tank having a
reinforcement structure to restrict expansion and compression. The reinforced fuel
tank includes an upper panel and a lower panel that joined with each other along
extended flange portion to form a fuel tank body. The reinforced fuel tank further
includes a reinforcement structure which is provided in between the upper panel
and the lower panel to allow expansion and compression upto a predetermined
distance. The reinforcement structure includes a first tubular member extended
from inner surface of the upper panel toward the lower panel and a second tubular
member extended from inner surface of the lower panel toward the upper panel.
The first tubular member faces opposite to the second tubular member. The first
tubular member has a bead structure at engaging portion that faces receiving
portion of the second tubular structure. The engaging portion and the receiving
portion of both the tubular structure forms an overlapping portion or an
engagement portion. Further the second tubular member has a first bead structure
and a second bead structure that are provided in vertical direction (X) at the
receiving portion. Further, a predetermined vertical distance is provided in
5
between the first bead structure and the second bead structure which allows
limited compression and expansion of the upper panel and the lower panel. In the
engagement portion, the bead structure of the first tubular member abut with the
first bead structure of the second tubular member to restrict expansion movement
of the upper panel and the lower panel. On the other hand, the bead structure of
the first tubular member abut with the second bead structure of the second tubular
member to restrict compression movement of the upper panel and the lower panel.
[0017] In an aspect, the bead structure of the first tubular member is protruded
bead or bulge structure.
[0018] In an aspect, the bead structures of the second tubular member are
depressed bead structure.
[0019] In an aspect, the first tubular member has less diameter (d) than
diameter (D) of the second tubular member or vice versa.
[0020] In an aspect, diameter of the bead structure is more than diameter of
the first bead structure and the second bead structure of the second tubular
member.
[0021] In an aspect, diameter of the bead structure is less than diameter (D) of
the second tubular member.
[0022] In an aspect, the reinforcement structure includes a cover having
diameter which is greater than diameter (D) of the second tubular member. The
cover has a circular flange portion that extend in inward direction at one end.
Further, a fitting hole is formed at the one end of the cover to allow insertion of
the first tubular member and an internal thread portion is provided at other end
that coupled with external threads of the second tubular member.
[0023] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive
subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description
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of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which
like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best
understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like
numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of
example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems,
and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein,
wherein:
[0025] Fig. 1 illustrates diagram of fuel tank with reinforcement structure, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0026] Fig. 2 illustrates reinforcement structure before assembly or
engagement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] Fig. 3 illustrates reinforcement structure restricting expansion of the
fuel tank in enlarged view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0028] Fig. 4 illustrates reinforcement structure restricting compression of the
fuel tank in enlarged view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure; and
[0029] Fig. 5 illustrates reinforcement structure with cover for restricting
expansion and compression of the fuel tank, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0030] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the
purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from
the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and
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methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles
of the disclosure described herein
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the
disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It
should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to
clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided
herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the
contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives
falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended
claims.
[0032] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised
that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of
the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects,
and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are
intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0033] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As
used herein, the singular forms “a",” “an” and “the” are intended to include the
plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be
further understood that the tennis “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or
“including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence
or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,
components and/or groups thereof.
[0034] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the
functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example,
8
two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may
sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts
involved.
[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific
terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further
understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should
be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the
context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly
formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0036] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be
described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be
noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject
matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise
various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the
principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
[0037] In the present subject matter, a reinforcement structure is provided in
the fuel tank to restrict expansion and compression of fuel tank beyond a
predefined limit. In the present reinforcement structure, two tubular members are
snapped coupled with each other and a provision is given in the coupled/engaged
portion to allow movement of the fuel tank in expansion and compression
condition. Further, the expansion may be mentioned as positive pressure condition
and compression may be mentioned as negative pressure condition.
The Expansion occurs when the fuel expands (during environment condition and
drivability) and shrinkage occurs during vehicle running
[0038] Figure 1 illustrate structure of fuel tank with reinforcement structure,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The fuel tank
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includes an upper panel 101 and a lower panel 102. The upper panel 101 and the
lower panel 102 are joined with each other along extended flange portion 103
around the fuel tank 100. Further, a reinforcement structure is provided in the
between the upper panel 101 and the lower panel 102 to reinforce the fuel tank
100 so that the fuel tank 100 can expand and compress upto a limited or
predetermined limit. Based on the reinforcement structure, the fuel tank 100
hereinafter may be referred as reinforced fuel tank 100.
[0039] The reinforcement structure includes a first tubular member 104 and a
second tubular member 105. The first tubular member 104 extends from inner
surface 101b of the upper panel 101 toward the lower panel 102. The first tubular
member 104 is attached to the inner surface 101b of the upper panel 101. The
second tubular member extends from inner surface 102b of the lower panel 102
toward the upper panel 101 and faces opposite to the first tubular member 104 for
engagement. The second tubular member 105 is attached to the inner surface 102b
of the lower panel 102. As shown in the figure 2, the first tubular member 104 has
less diameter ‘d’ than diameter ‘D’ of the second tubular member 105.
[0040] Referring to figure 2, the first tubular member 104 has a bead structure
104a at engaging portion 104c that faces receiving portion 105d of the second
tubular structure 105. The engaging portion 104c and the receiving portion 105d
are provided to define insertion of first tubular member 104 into the second
tubular member 105 through the receiving portion 105d. The second tubular
member 105 defines a first bead structure 105b and a second bead structure 105a
in vertical direction (X) at the receiving portion 105d. The first bead structure
105b is closer to end of the receiving portion 105d and the second bead structure
105a is provided after the first bead structure 104 at a predetermined vertical
distance 106. The predetermined vertical distance 106 is provided in between the
first bead structure 105b and the second bead structure 105a to control expansion
and compression movement of the upper panel 101 and the lower panel 102.
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[0041] As shown in the figure 2, the bead structure 104a of the first tubular
member 104 is protruded/raise bead structure. The first bead structure 105b and
the second bead structure 105a of the second tubular member 105 are depressed
bead structures. These bead structure can be provided in the tubular member by
roll forming machines. Further, a person skilled in the art would know how to
form protruded bead structure and depressed bead structure on the tubular
members. As shown in figure 2, diameter 104b of the bead structure 104a is more
than diameter 105c of the first bead structure 105b and the second bead structure
105a of the second tubular member 105. Therefore, the first bead structure 105b
and the second bead structure 105a act as a stopper for the bead structure 104a of
the first tubular member 104.
[0042] Again referring to figure 2, the first tubular member 104 is pushed into
the second tubular member 105 having larger diameter as compared to the first
tubular member 104. The first tubular member 104 is snapped coupled with the
second tubular member 105. For assembly or engagement of the first tubular
member and the second tubular member 105, the bead structure 104a of the first
tubular member 104 is forcedly inserted into the first bead structure 105b of the
second tubular member 105. Once the bead structure 104a passes through the first
bead structure 105b of the second tubular member 105, the bead structure 104a
remains in the predetermined vertical distance 106. Where diameter D is greater
than the diameter of the bead structure 104a which allows free movement of the
bead structure in the vertical distance 106 which is stopped by the first and second
bead structure 105b, 105a of the second tubular member 105. The bead structure
104a of the first tubular member 104 moves up and down in between the first
bead structure 105b and the second bead structure 105a of the second tubular
member 105 during the expansion and the compression of the upper panel 101
and the lower panel 102 of the reinforced fuel tank 100.
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[0043] In an aspect, the predetermined distance 106 defines expansion and
compression movement of the upper panel 101 and the lower panel 102. The
predetermined distance 106 is vertical distance which limits movement of the
upper panel and the lower panel. The reinforcement structure do not allow
expansion or compression beyond the predetermined distance 106.
[0044] Referring to figure 3 which illustrates expansion condition of the fuel
tank. In the expansion condition, the upper panel 101 and the lower panel 102
goes away from each other and increases the vertical distance between them.
During expansion, the predetermined vertical distance 106 allows movement of
the bead structure 104a of the first tubular member 104 and the first bead structure
105b of the second tubular member 105 upto predetermined limit. After the
predetermined limit, the bead structure 104a of the first tubular member 104 abut
at point 107 with the first bead structure 105b of the second tubular member 105
to restrict expansion movement of the upper panel 101 and the lower panel 102.
[0045] As shown in the figure 4 which illustrates compression condition of
the reinforcement structure. In the compression condition, the upper panel 101
and the lower panel 102 moves toward each other. While movement, the bead
structure 104a of the first tubular member 104 abut at point 108 with the second
bead structure 105b of the second tubular member 105 to restrict compression
movement of the upper panel 101 and the lower panel 102 beyond the
predetermined distance.
[0046] In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the reinforcement
structure further includes a cover 109 like a tubular coupler which is inserted in
the first tubular structure 104 and coupled with the second tubular structure 105
through thread mounting structure. The cover 109 has sufficient vertical length to
cover the complete engaged portion of the first tubular structure 104 and the
second tubular structure 105. The engaged portion comprises bead structure of
first tubular member 104 and the second tubular member 105. The cover 109 has
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a diameter 109a which is greater than diameter D of the second tubular member
105. Accordingly, the cover 109 easily inserted over the second tubular member
105. The cover 109 has two ends where one end 109c is coupled with the first
tubular portion 104 and other end 109e is coupled with the second tubular
member 105 through thread structure 110. At the one end 109c, the cover 109 has
a circular flange portion 109g that extend toward inward direction to define a
fitting hole 109b which allows insertion of the first tubular member 104. At the
other end 109e, an internal thread portion 109d is provided that couples with
external threads 105f of the second tubular portion 105. Based on the thread
coupling, the cover 109 has fixed connection with the second tubular member
105. Further, the cover 109 slidably fitted with the first tubular member 104.
[0047] In an aspect, diameter 109f of the fitting hole 109b is slightly larger
than diameter ‘d’ of the first tubular member 104 to allow up and down movement
of the first tubular member 104 with the cover 109.
[0048] In the compression condition, the receiving portion 105d abut with
inner surface of the flange portion 109g of the cover 109 to restrict further
compression of the fuel tank. In the expansion condition, the bead structure 104a
of the first tubular member 104 abut with the flange portion 109g to prohibit disengagement
of the first tubular member 104 with the second tubular member
(105) which is coupled through the cover 109. As the bead structure 104a has
more diameter than the diameter 109f of the fitting hole. Therefore, it does not
allow dis-engagement of the first tubular member 104 with the cover 109 which is
connected to the second tubular member 105 at other end. By this means, the
present subject matter provides protection and means for restricting expansion and
compression of the fuel tank 100.
[0049] 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
13
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,
14
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.”
[0050] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention,
other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing
from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the
claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments,
versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill
in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and
knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

We claim:
1. A reinforced fuel tank (100) for restricting expansion and compression, the
reinforced fuel tank (100) comprising:
an upper panel (101) and a lower panel (102), the upper panel (101)
and the lower panel (102) joined with each other along extended flange
portion (103) to form a fuel tank body; and
a reinforcement structure is provided in between the upper panel
(101) and the lower panel (102), the reinforcement structure comprises:
characterized in that
a first tubular member (104) extended from inner surface (101b) of
the upper panel (101) toward the lower panel (102);
a second tubular member (105) extended from inner surface (102b)
of the lower panel (102) toward the upper panel (101), the first tubular
member (104) is provided opposite to the second tubular member (105),
the first tubular member (104) has a bead structure (104a) at
engaging portion (104c) that faces receiving portion (105d) of the second
tubular structure (105),
a first bead structure (105b) and a second bead structure (105a) are
provided on the second tubular member (105) in vertical direction (X) at
the receiving end (105d), a predetermined vertical distance (106) is
provided in between the first bead structure (105b) and the second bead
structure (105a) to control expansion and compression movement of the
upper panel (101) and the lower panel (102),
the bead structure (104a) of the first tubular member (104) abut at
point (107) with the first bead structure (105b) of the second tubular
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member (105) to restrict expansion movement of the upper panel (101)
and the lower panel (102);
the bead structure (104a) of the first tubular member (104) abut at
point (108) with the second bead structure (105b) of the second tubular
member (105) to restrict compression movement of the upper panel (101)
and the lower panel (102).
2. The reinforced fuel tank (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bead
structure (104a) of the first tubular member (104) is protruded/raise bead
structure and the first bead structure (105b) and the second bead structure
(105a) are depressed bead structures.
3. The reinforced fuel tank (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bead
structure (104a) of the first tubular member (104) moves in between the first
bead structure (105b) and the second bead structure (105a) of the second
tubular member (105) during the expansion and the compression of the
upper panel (101) and the lower panel (102) of the fuel tank (100).
4. The reinforced fuel tank (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first
tubular member (104) has less diameter (d) than diameter (D) of the second
tubular member (105).
5. The reinforced fuel tank (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein diameter
(104b) of the bead structure (104a) is more than diameter (105c) of the first
bead structure (105b) and the second bead structure (105a) of the second
tubular member (105).
6. The reinforced fuel tank (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
predetermined distance (106) defines expansion and compression movement
of the upper panel (101) and the lower panel (102).
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7. The reinforced fuel tank (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein diameter
(104b) of the bead structure (104a) is less than diameter (D) of the second
tubular member (105).
8. The reinforced fuel tank (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein reinforcement
structure further comprising:
a cover (109) having diameter (109a) which is greater than diameter
(D) of the second tubular member (105), the cover (109) has a circular
flange portion (109g) that extend in inward direction at one end (109c),
a fitting hole (109b) is formed at the one end (109c) of the cover
(109) to allow insertion of the first tubular member (104) and an internal
thread portion (109d) is provided at other end (109e) that coupled with
external threads (105f) of the second tubular member (105).
9. The reinforced fuel tank (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein diameter
(109f) of the fitting hole (109b) is larger than diameter (d) of the first
tubular member (104) to allow movement of the first tubular member (104).
10. The reinforced fuel tank (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein receiving
portion (105d) abut with inner surface of the flange portion (109g) of the
cover (109) during compression of the upper panel (101) and the lower
panel (102).
11. The reinforced fuel tank (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the bead
structure (104a) of the first tubular member (104) abut with the flange
portion (109g) to prohibit dis-engagement of the first tubular member (104)
with the second tubular member (105) which is coupled through the cover
(109).