Fuel sensor

A fuel sensor comprising:

• a tube comprising thermoplastic material extending along a longitudinal axis, said tube having a hollow interior defining a fuel passage between a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet, said tube being substantially circular in radial cross-section;
• a plurality of protuberances projecting from said tube;
• first and second sensing plates disposed radially outwardly of said tube on an outer surface thereof so as to leave said fuel passage unobstructed, said sensing plates including a plurality of apertures configured to cooperate with said protuberances to align and retain said sensing plates to said tube, said plates being semi-circular in shape, said plates and said tube being in concentric relation;
• a pair of spacer wheels disposed on axially opposing ends of said tube, a first outside diameter of said spacer wheels being larger than a second outside diameter of said tube;
• a shield radially outwardly of said tube, said shield being hollow and having an interior surface configured to engage and fit on said spacer wheels, said shield and said spacer wheels cooperating to form a cavity enclosing said sensing plates;
• and
• an electrical circuit on a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in said cavity, said circuit being electrically coupled to said sensing plates and configured to generate an output signal indicative of one or more properties of said fuel;
• and
• an interface connector comprising an electrical terminal coupled to said circuit for receiving said output signal.

A fuel sensor comprising:

• a tube assembly comprising (i) a tube formed of thermoplastic material extending along a longitudinal axis, said tube having a hollow interior defining a fuel passage between a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet;
• (ii) a generally U-shaped channel member outwardly of said tube and defining a pair of pockets on each side of said tube;
• (iii) a pair of mounts;
• and (iv) an interface connector comprising an electrical terminal;
• a pair of sensing plates disposed in said pockets, a shield outwardly of said channel member that is grounded;
• a holder configured to be received on said mounts to thereby form an interior with an opening, said interior being configured in size and shape to contain said shield, said U-shaped channel member, said sensing plates, and a portion of said tube, said interior containing potting material;
• an electrical circuit on a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in said interior, said circuit being electrically coupled to said sensing plates and configured to generate an output signal, coupled to said electrical terminal of said connector, indicative of one or more properties of said fuel;
• and
• a housing configured to enclosed said holder.