Steel fuel flange with plastic strut mounts
AssigneeSiemens VDO Automotive Corporation
InventorsMichael J. Jurcak, Paul F. Briggs
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of coupling a metal strut 14 to a metal flange 10 of a fuel supply unit is provided. The method provides a metal flange 10 having a plurality of tabs 46 coupled to and extending from a bottom surface of the flange 10. A plastic strut holder structure 36 holds at least one metal strut 14. The plastic strut structure is engaged with the tabs 46 thereby securing the strut with respect to the flange.
Claims23
A method of coupling a metal strut to a metal flange of a fuel supply unit, the method including:
- providing a metal flange having at least one tab coupled to and extending from a bottom surface of the flange,
- providing a plastic strut holder structure holding at least one metal strut, and
- engaging the tab with the plastic strut holder structure thereby securing the plastic strut holder structure and strut with respect to the flange.
A connection between a metal flange of a fuel supply unit and at least one metal strut, the flange including a plurality of tabs coupled to an underside thereof, the connection including:
- a plastic strut holder structure constructed and arranged to hold an end of the at least one metal strut, the plastic strut holder structure being constructed and arranged to engage the tabs, thereby securing the plastic strut holder structure and the at least one metal strut with respect to the flange.
A flange assembly of a fuel supply unit comprising:
- a metal flange having a bottom surface,
- a plurality of tabs coupled to the bottom surface,
- at least one metal strut, and
- a plastic strut holder structure holding an end of the at least one metal strut, the plastic strut holder structure being secured to the flange by engagement with the tabs thereby securing the plastic strut holder structure and the at least one metal strut with respect to the flange.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.