Continental Automotive Systems Us, Inc.

Parag Athalye

John Wattai

Matthias Nederegger

Stephane Seps

A flange structure () is provided for a fuel supply unit of a vehicle. The flange structure includes at least one electrically conductive fuel port (') having a periphery and first and second ends (). The first end () includes first barb structure (). A plastic flange (&#x2032;) is overmolded on at least a portion of the periphery of the fuel port between the first and second ends. A portion of the flange overmolded on the portion of the periphery of the fuel port defines fitting structure () having second barb structure (). A hose () is coupled with the first end of the fuel port and with the fitting structure with the first and second barb structures engaging the hose thereby preventing fuel or fuel vapor from passing between the periphery of the fuel port and the overmolded flange.

Interface hose seal for low permeation flange of a fuel supply unit

A flange structure (') for a fuel supply unit of a vehicle includes at least one non-electrically conductive plastic fuel port (&#x2032;) having first and second ends. A non-electrically conductive plastic flange (&#x2032;) is integral with the fuel port between the first and second ends. The flange is constructed and arranged to be coupled with a fuel tank of a vehicle. Electrically conductive grounding structure () is associated with the fuel port and has an elongated portion () extending within the fuel port so as to be exposed to fuel, and an end () connected with the elongated portion. An electrically conductive hose () is coupled with the first end of the fuel port and is in contact with the end of the grounding structure thereby defining a discharge path such that static electricity generated when fuel flows through the fuel port can be dissipated through the discharge path.

Electrostatic dissipation solution for angled fuel port of a fuel supply unit

Fuel port structure () of a fuel pump () includes a fuel port () having a periphery (), an internal portion defining a fuel passage (), and a free end (). An electrically conductive grounding structure () has a first portion () disposed at least partially within the fuel passage and a second portion () extending from the free end. A fuel delivery tube () is coupled to the periphery of the fuel port at the free end thereof. The fuel delivery tube has an electrically conductive portion () in contact with the second portion of the grounding structure to provide a discharge path for static electricity created when fuel flows through the fuel passage.

Electrostatic discharge solution for angled fuel port of a fuel pump

A flange structure (') for a fuel supply unit of a vehicle includes at least one electrically conductive fuel port (&#x2032;) having first and second ends () and features () defining a channel () about a periphery thereof. An elastomer seal () is disposed in the channel. A plastic flange (&#x2032;) is overmolded on at least a portion of the fuel port between the first and second ends and on at least a portion of the elastomer seal, with the elastomer seal defining a barrier preventing fuel or fuel vapor from passing between the periphery of the fuel port and the overmolded flange.

Interface O-ring seal for low permeation flange of a fuel supply unit

A fuel supply unit () for vehicles includes a flange assembly () and a reservoir assembly (). The flange assembly includes a flange (), at least a pair of metal struts () extending from the flange, and electrically conductive spring structure (). The spring structure includes a first and second spring members () having coils. Each coil receives at least a portion of an associated strut. A central leg member () joins the first and second spring members. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir (), a fuel pump () in the reservoir, a fuel filter () in the reservoir and associated with the fuel pump for filtering fuel. The fuel filter has an electrically conductive portion (). The struts are coupled with the reservoir with the spring members being disposed between the flange and the reservoir. The central leg member contacts the electrically conductive portion of the fuel filter.

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Auburn Hills, MI, United States of America

Parag Athalye