Systems for a fuel line attachment assembly

Methods and systems are provided for a fuel line attachment. In one example, a system comprises a fuel line attachment assembly comprising a fixed portion and a movable portion, wherein the movable portion is shaped to slide along a recess of the fixed portion in response to a vehicle collision.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to United Kingdom patent application No. 1807347.8, filed on May 4, 2018. The entire contents of the above-listed application are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD

The present description relates generally to a fuel line attachment assembly configured to mitigate damage to a fuel line during a vehicle collision.

Fuel lines for vehicles, (e.g. motor vehicles), may be routed from a fuel tank to an engine of the vehicle through an engine compartment. The fuel lines may be coupled to a frame of the vehicle at one or more locations along the length of the fuel lines to block the fuel lines from moving, (e.g. vibrating or oscillating), during normal use of the motor vehicle.

In the event of a collision of the motor vehicle, it is desirable to mitigate degradation to the fuel lines. However, due to tight packaging constraints within the engine compartment the fuel lines are often routed between or adjacent to other components of the motor vehicle that can become displaced during the collision. For example, it may be difficult to block the fuel lines from being impacted by the other components, if the other components become displaced or dislodged.

In one example, the issues described above may be addressed by a system comprising a fuel line attachment assembly comprising a fixed portion fixedly coupled to a frame of a vehicle, further comprising a movable portion coupled to the fixed portion via a stop element, the movable portion slides along a recess of the fixed portion in response to a threshold force applied to the stop element. In this way, the fuel line may be more decoupled from the vehicle frame in response to the threshold force, which may be generated during a vehicle impact. It should be appreciated that there are various competing interests in mitigating damage during impacts and in some cases it may not be advantageous to provide such a configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description relates to systems and methods for a fuel line attachment assembly for a motor vehicle. The fuel line attachment assembly comprises a fuel line coupler for coupling a fuel line to a frame of the vehicle in an attachment plane. The fuel line attachment assembly is illustrated prior to a collision inFIG. 1and following a collision inFIG. 2. The fuel line attachment assembly further comprises an impact structure, wherein the impact structure comprises an impact face, the impact face being angled relative to the attachment plane, such that an impact on the impact face, (e.g. during a collision of the vehicle), acts to displace the fuel line in a direction with a component parallel to the attachment plane and/or a component away from the vehicle frame. The impact structure and its faces are shown inFIGS. 3a, 3b, and3c.

The impact structure may comprise two or more impact faces. The impact faces may be angled relative to one another. The impact faces may be angled such that the overall impact force on the impact faces is in a desired direction, (e.g. the direction with a component parallel to the attachment plane and/or a component away from the vehicle frame).

The impact face or faces may be provided on an opposite side of the fuel line relative to the attachment plane.

The attachment plane may be a plane parallel to the vehicle frame and/or the fuel line coupler at the position at which the fuel line coupler is coupled to the vehicle frame. Additionally or alternatively, the attachment plane may be a plane including one or more attachment points at which the fuel line coupler is coupled to the vehicle frame.

The fuel line coupler and the impact structure may be coupled to a fuel line. The fuel line coupler and the impact structure may be spaced apart from one another along the fuel line. Alternatively, the fuel line coupler may be coupled to or integrally formed with the impact structure.

The impact structure may comprise a housing configured to house at least a portion of the fuel line within the impact structure. The impact structure may comprise a shell structure having one or more stiffening features, such as ribs, webs, and/or swages, arranged to stiffen the impact face, (e.g. to resist deformation of the impact structure under impacts applied to the impact face).

The impact structure may comprise a first portion and a second portion, (e.g. first and second housing parts). The first and second portions may be configured to couple together about the fuel line to couple the impact structure to the fuel line. In this way, the portion of the fuel line may be housed between the first and second portions. The first and second portions may define recesses for receiving the fuel line between the first and second portions. That is to say, each of the first and second portions may comprise a recess such that the fuel line may be arranged between the first and second portions in the space of the recesses.

The first and second portions of the impact structure may be coupled together by a living hinge. The impact structure may be a one-piece component. For example, the impact structure may be a one-piece mold. In one example, the impact structure is an injection molded component comprising a plastic material.

The fuel line coupler may be configured to decouple the fuel line from the vehicle frame by virtue of the displacement of the fuel line in the direction with a component parallel to the attachment plane.

The fuel line coupler may be configured to facilitate displacement of the fuel line in the direction with a component parallel to the attachment plane. For example, the fuel line coupler may comprise a fixed part configured to be fixedly coupled to the vehicle frame, and a movable part configured to couple to a fuel line and movably couple to the fixed part. The movable part may be movable relative to the fixed part in the direction with a component parallel to the connection plane, (e.g. in order to decouple the fuel line from the vehicle frame). The movable part may be slidably coupled to the fixed part.

A portion of the fixed part and the movable part may comprise a recess configured to slidably receive a portion of the other of the fixed part and the movable part.

The fuel line coupler may comprise a stop element configured to resist displacement of the fuel lines in the direction parallel to the attachment plane until a threshold displacement force is applied, (e.g. to the fuel line attachment assembly), acting to displace the fuel lines, (e.g. in the direction parallel with the attachment plane). The stop element may be arranged to resist movement of the movable part relative to the fixed part.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a fuel line coupler for coupling a fuel line to a frame of a motor vehicle, wherein the fuel line coupler comprises a fixed part configured to fixedly couple to the vehicle frame in an attachment plane and a movable part configured to couple to the fuel line and movably couple to the fixed part, such that the movable part is movable relative to the fixed part in a direction parallel with the attachment plane. In one example, the movable part is configured to slidably couple to the fixed part.

For example, one of the fixed part and the movable part may comprise a recess configured to slidably receive a portion of the other of the fixed part and the movable part. The recess may shape a track, along which the movable portion may slide during a vehicle collision. A stop element may block the movable portion from sliding during normal vehicles conditions. Normal vehicle conditions are herein defined as vehicles conditions outside of a vehicle collision.

The fuel line coupler may be configured to decouple the fuel line from the vehicle frame via the movement of the fuel line in the direction with a component parallel to the connection plane. For example, the portion of the other of the fixed part and the movable part may no longer be received within the recess following the movement of the fuel line.

The fuel line coupler may comprise a stop element configured to resist displacement of the fuel lines in the direction parallel to the attachment plane until a threshold displacement force is applied, (e.g. to the fuel line attachment assembly), acting to displace the fuel lines.

For example, the stop element may be arranged to resist movement of the movable part relative to the fixed part.

A motor vehicle may comprise the above-mentioned fuel line attachment assembly or the above mentioned fuel line coupler.

The direction with a component parallel with the attachment plane may be a substantially lateral direction of the motor vehicle. The fuel line attachments assembly and/or the fuel line coupler, may be arranged such that, in the event of a collision with a principle impact direction in a longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, the fuel line assembly is displaced in a direction with a component perpendicular to the principle impact direction. That is to say, if the collision is a head on collision and a front of the vehicle is impacted, the fuel line assembly may be displaced in a direction perpendicular to an impact direction (e.g., a longitudinal direction of the vehicle), wherein the direction the fuel line assembly is displaced is parallel to a coupling plane corresponding to a plane at which the fuel line assembly is coupled to the vehicle frame. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the fuel line assembly may be displaced in a direction parallel to impact direction.

The motor vehicle may further comprise a vehicle component. The vehicle component may be displaceable in a direction towards the impact face during a collision of the motor vehicle. The impact face may be shaped to at least partially conform to a shape of the vehicle component, (e.g. a surface of the vehicle component facing the impact surface).

The impact structure may comprise two or more impact faces angled relative to one another. The two or more impact faces may be angled relative to one another in order to conform to the shape of the vehicle component.

To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments of the disclosure. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the disclosure may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the disclosure.

Turning now toFIG. 1, it shows a vehicle assembly2of, for example, a motor vehicle, comprising a body frame structure4, which defines an engine compartment6, and an engine assembly8provided within the engine compartment6.

The vehicle assembly2further comprises a displaceable component10provided within the engine compartment6. As shown inFIG. 2, the displaceable component may become displaced, (e.g. relative to the body frame structure4), in the event of collision of the vehicle.

In the arrangement shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the displaceable component10is an actuator for a turbocharger assembly of the vehicle assembly2. However, in other arrangements, the displaceable component10may be a different component of the engine assembly8or the vehicle assembly2that is positioned and supported within the engine compartment6such that the displaceable component10can become displaced during a collision of the vehicle.

An axis system290comprises three axes, namely an x-axis parallel to a horizontal direction, a y-axis parallel to a vertical direction, and a z-axis perpendicular to each of the x- and y-axes. In one example, the x-axis may be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the z-axis may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

The vehicle assembly2further comprises a fuel line assembly100. The fuel line assembly100comprises one or more fuel lines110, such as a fuel feed line112and a fuel return line114, configured to carry fuel between a fuel tank of the vehicle (not shown) and the engine assembly8. The fuel feed line112and the fuel return line114may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the x-axis and parallel to the z-axis.

The fuel line assembly100further comprises a fuel line coupler120, for coupling the fuel lines110to the body frame structure4, in order to restrict movement of the fuel lines110during operation of the vehicle assembly2outside of a vehicle collision. In particular, the fuel line coupler120may restrict vibrations and/or oscillations of the fuel lines110, which could otherwise lead to wear of the fuel lines110.

The fuel line coupler120may be coupled to the body frame structure4using one or more fasteners, such as bolts, screws or rivets, or using a similar temporary fastening method. Alternatively, the fuel line coupler120may be coupled to the body frame structure4using a permanent fastening method, such as welding, brazing or by adhering the fuel line coupler120to the body frame structure4.

The fuel line coupler120may be configured to couple to the body frame structure4in an attachment plane P of the fuel line assembly100. The attachment plane P may be defined as a plane parallel with a surface of the fuel line coupler120and/or a surface of the body frame structure4at a point at which the fuel line coupler120is coupled to the body frame structure4. For example, surfaces of the fuel line coupler120and body frame structure4that are adhered together may lie in the attachment plane P.

Additionally or alternatively, the attachment plane P may be defined as a plane including each of the points at which the fuel line coupler120is connected to the body frame structure4, (e.g. locations at the axes of one or more fasteners provided for coupling together the fuel line coupler120and the body frame structure4). In some examples, the attachment plane P is parallel to an x-y plane. In other examples, the attachment plane P is parallel to a y-z plane. In one example, the attachment plane P is angled relatively to each of the y-axis and the z-axis. A longitudinal direction of the vehicle may be substantially parallel to the z-axis in one example.

Packaging within the engine compartment6may be restricted, and hence, the position at which the fuel line coupler120is connected to the body frame structure4may be adjacent to the displaceable component10, or between the displaceable component10and the body frame structure4, as depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2.

In order to protect the fuel line assembly100from being damaged, (e.g. crushed or pierced), by the displaceable component10in the event of a collision, the fuel line assembly100further comprises an impact structure130.

The impact structure130is arranged such that, if the displaceable component10is displaced towards the fuel line assembly100, the displaceable component10will impact the impact structure130prior to impacting the fuel lines110.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the impact structure130may be coupled to the fuel lines110. In some arrangements, the impact structure130may be coupled to, or integrally formed with, the fuel line coupler120. Alternatively, the impact structure130may be spaced apart from the fuel line coupler120, (e.g. along the length of the fuel lines110).

As shown, the impact structure130encompasses both the fuel feed line112and the fuel return line114. Encompassing the fuel lines110further comprises where the impact structure130surrounds the fuel lines110around an entire circumference of each of the lines such that a displaceable component moving toward the fuel lines110from a direction of the x-axis or the y-axis will contact the impact structure130prior to contacting the fuel lines110. In some examples, the impact structure130may completely block the displaceable component10from contacting the fuel lines110. In other examples, the impact structure130may absorb a majority of a force of the displaceable component10such that a remaining force of the displaceable component is unable to degrade the fuel lines110.

Turning now toFIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c, the impact structure130comprises a housing configured to house a portion, (e.g. a part of the length), of the fuel lines110.

The impact structure130may comprise a first housing part132and a second housing part134configured to couple together around one or more of the fuel lines112,114in order to couple the impact structure130to the fuel lines110. The first and second housing parts132,134may comprise respective recesses132a,134afor receiving the fuel lines110. More specifically, the first recess132aof the first housing part132may receive the fuel return line114and the second recess134aof the second housing part134may receive the fuel feed line112.

The first and second housing parts132,134may be coupled together by a hinge136of the impact structure130. The hinge136allows the first and second housing parts132,134to be moved, (e.g. pivoted), relative to one another, in order to position the housing parts around the fuel line.

As shown inFIG. 3b, the hinge136may comprise two or more hinge portions136aspaced along respective edges of the first and second housing parts132,134. Alternatively, the hinge136may comprise a single hinge portion, e.g. extending along substantially the complete length of the first and second housing part edges.

In the arrangement shown inFIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c, the first and second housing parts132,134are formed together as a one-piece component. For example, the first and second housing parts132,134may comprise a one-piece molded component, such as an injection molded component. The first and second housing parts may be formed from a plastic material.

The hinge136may be a living hinge formed as part of the first and second housing parts132,134. However, in other arrangements, the first and second housing parts132,134may be separate components and the hinge136may be formed by hinge portions of the first and second housing parts that are pivotally coupleable. In such cases, the hinge may further comprise a pin.

The hinge136may be provided on a first side of an interface between the first and second housing parts132,134, and the first and second housing parts may further comprise one or more respective coupling portions132b,134bfor coupling the first and second housing parts132,134together on a second side of their interface.

As depicted inFIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c, the coupling portions132bformed on the first housing part132comprise male clip portions and the coupling portions134bformed on the second housing portion134comprise female clip portions configured to receive the male clip portions132bto couple the first and second housing portions together. However, in other arrangements, different arrangements of the clip portions may be provided. For example, male clip portions may be provided on the second housing part134and female clip portions may be provided on the first housing part132or a combination of male and female clip portions may be provided on both parts.

Additionally or alternatively, any other features for coupling together the first and second housing parts132,134may be used. The coupling features may be integrally formed with the first and second housing parts132,134, or may be separate from the first and second housing parts. For example, a separate clip part may be provided to couple the first and second housing parts132,134together, (e.g. along the second side of the interface between them).

As depicted inFIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c, the impact structure130may comprise a third housing part135for housing a portion of another of the fuel lines110. The third housing part135may be similar to the second housing part134described above. The features described above in relation to the second housing part134and the connection between the first and second housing parts132,134may apply equally to the third housing part135and the connection between the first and third housing parts.

The third housing part135may be formed integrally with the first and second housing parts132,134, e.g. as a one piece molded component. The third housing part135may be hingedly connected to the first housing part132by a living hinge137, in the same way as the second housing part134. As shown inFIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c, the living hinge137between the first and third housing parts132,135may be arranged on an opposite side of the first housing part132to the hinge136between the first and second housing parts132,134.

The third housing part135may comprise a recess135afor receiving the other of the fuel lines110, which corresponds to one of the recesses132aformed on the first housing portion132, so that the other of the fuel lines can be received between the first and third housing parts132,135, such that a portion of the other of the fuel lines is housed within the impact structure130. For example, in one arrangement, the fuel feed line112may be housed between the first and second housing parts132,134, and the fuel return line114may be housed between the first and third housing parts132,135, or vice versa. A combination of the first, second, and third housing parts132,134, and135, respectively, may comprise a heart shape. However, the heart shape may be asymmetric as shown inFIG. 3a.

The third housing part135may comprise one or more coupling portions135b, e.g. female clip portions, similar to the coupling portions134bformed on the second housing part. The first housing part132may comprise one or more further coupling portions132c, (e.g. further male clip portions), configured to couple with the coupling portions135aof the third housing part135.

By housing the fuel lines110within the first, second and third housing parts132,134,135, the impact structure130protects the fuel lines110from being degraded (e.g., pierced and/or crushed) by the displaceable component10in the event of a collision. The impact structure130may be arranged at a location in which the displaceable component10is expected to impact the fuel line assembly100if it becomes displaced during a collision.

The impact structure130comprises one or more impact faces138, which are arranged such that, when the impact structure130is coupled to the fuel lines110, if the displaceable component10is displaced towards the fuel line assembly100, the displaceable component10will impact the impact faces138, (e.g. prior to impacting the fuel lines).

The impact faces138may be provided on an opposite side of the fuel lines110relative to the attachment plane P. As depicted inFIGS. 1 to 3c, the impact faces138are shaped on the first housing part132. However, in other arrangements, impact faces may additionally or alternatively be formed on the second and/or third housing parts134,135.

The impact faces138are angled relative to the fuel line assembly100, (e.g. relative to the attachment plane P, such that if the displaceable component10impacts one or more of the impact faces138, the force of the impact acts to displace the fuel line assembly100away from the displaceable component10and out of the space between the displaceable component10and the body frame structure4, (e.g. in a direction with a component perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the displaceable component10).

The direction of displacement of the displaceable component10may be substantially parallel with the collision impact direction. Hence, the impact at one or more of the impact faces138may cause the fuel line assembly100to be displaced in a direction with a component perpendicular to the collision impact direction.

In the arrangement shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the impact faces138are arranged such that the force of an impact at one or more of the impact faces138acts to displace the fuel line assembly100in a direction with a component parallel with the attachment plane P. In this way, the impact structure130may block the fuel lines110from being pierced and/or crushed during the collision (e.g. by the displaceable component10).

As depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2, the one or more impact faces138are shaped to correspond to one or more faces of the displaceable component10that may impact the impact faces138in the case of a collision. In particular, the impact faces138comprise first and second impact faces138a,138bthat are angled relative to one another so as to correspond to the shape of the displaceable component10. In this way, the impact force may be transferred to the impact structure130over a greater area of the impact structure130, reducing local distortions of the impact faces138in the case of an impact. Furthermore, providing the first and second impact faces138a,138bthat are angled relative to one another may cause the overall impact force resulting from the impact of the displaceable component10at the first and second impact faces138a,138bto be in a desired direction for decoupling the fuel lines110from the body frame structure4, as described below.

In some examples, the angle formed by the first and second impact faces is between 90 and 180 degrees. In some examples, the angle is between 100 and 180 degrees. In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the angle is between 100 and 170 degrees. In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the angle is between 110 and 160 degrees. In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the angle is between 120 and 160 degrees. In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the angle is between 130 and 150 degrees. In one example, the angle is exactly 135 degrees.

The impact structure130may comprise a shell structure having one or more stiffening features140, such as ribs, webs and/or swages. The stiffening features may be arranged to stiffen one or more of the impact faces138and/or prevent distortion of the impact structure130in the event of an impact at one or more of the impact faces138.

In the arrangement depicted inFIG. 3c, the stiffening features140of the impact structure130comprise a plurality of circular ribs140aprotruding inwardly from the first impact face138a, (e.g. into the housing space defined by the first housing part132). In one example, the circular ribs140amay be dimples, recesses, and/or craters. The stiffening features140further comprise a plurality of webs140b, extending from the first impact face138aover side walls133of the first housing part132. In other arrangements, ribs, (e.g. circular ribs), webs and/or other stiffening features may be formed on the second impact face138bin addition to or as an alternative to the first impact face138a. The plurality of webs140bmay be evenly spaced apart from one another. The plurality of webs140bmay be substantially rectangular, wherein the plurality of webs may extend across multiple faces of the impact structure. For example, the plurality of webs140bextend between adjacent circular ribs140afrom the first impact face138aand over the side walls133. In one example, the plurality of webs140bmay protrude from the first impact face138aand the side walls133. A magnitude of the protruding of the plurality of webs140bmay be adjusted based on a system configuration. For example, the magnitude of the protruding may be increased if a number of circular ribs is decreased.

With reference toFIG. 4, the fuel line coupler120comprises a fixed part122configured to couple, (e.g. fixedly couple), to the body frame structure4of the vehicle, and a movable part124, moveably, (e.g. slidably), couplable to the fixed part122. The movable part124comprises one or more fuel line coupling portions124acouplable to the fuel lines110.

The fixed part122comprises an attachment portion122a. The fixed part122is configured to couple to the body frame structure4at the attachment portion122a. For example, the attachment portion122amay be configured to receive one or more fasteners, e.g. screws, for attaching the fixed part122to the body frame structure4. Alternatively, the fixed part122may comprise one or more fasteners, such as button clips, e.g. fir-tree button clips or push-in rivets126, formed integrally with the fixed part122for coupling the fixed part122to the body frame structure4. In some embodiments, additionally or alternatively, the fixed part122may be configured to couple to the body frame structure4using other temporary or permanent fastening methods, such as rivets, brazing, welding, or using an adhesive.

The attachment portion122amay define an attachment surface122bthat contacts, or aligns with, a corresponding surface of the body frame structure4when the fixed part122is coupled to the body frame structure4. At least part of the attachment surface122bmay define the attachment plane P of the fuel line assembly100. When the fixed part122is coupled to the body frame structure4, the attachment surface122bmay be in contact, or aligned, with the corresponding surface of the body frame structure4in, or parallel with, the attachment plane P.

The fixed part122further comprises a coupling portion122cconfigured to moveably, (e.g. slidably), couple with the movable part124.

As depicted inFIGS. 4 and 5, the movable part124comprises a plurality of protrusions124b, which at least partially form a recess124cfor receiving, (e.g. slidably receiving), the coupling portion122cof the fixed part122.

As shown inFIG. 4, the recess124cis arranged such that, when the fixed part122is coupled to the movable part124, (e.g. when the coupling portion122cis received within the recess124c), the recess124cextends in a direction parallel with the attachment plane P. The movable part can thereby be moved relative to the fixed part122in the direction parallel to the attachment plane P in order for the coupling portion122to be received within the recess124c, wherein the moveable part may be moved by an amount equal to or less than the size of the recess124c.

The coupling portion122cof the fixed part122and the protrusions124bof the movable part124thereby facilitate movement of the fuel lines110relative to the body frame structure4in the direction parallel to the attachment plane P in the event of a collision, as described above. Furthermore, movement of the movable part124relative to the fixed part122can lead to decoupling of the movable part124from the fixed part122, e.g. when the coupling portion122cis no longer received within the recess124c, such that the fuel lines110become decoupled from the body frame structure4.

The movable part124further comprises a stop element125configured to abut with a stop face122dof the fixed part122when the movable part124is coupled to the fixed part122. The stop element125resists relative movements of the fixed part122and the movable part124during normal operation of the motor vehicle (e.g., outside of a collision). Additionally, the stop element125and stop face122dare arranged to resist movements of the movable part124relative to the fixed part122that would lead to the movable part124becoming decoupled from the fixed part122. As such, the movable part124may not move during vehicle conditions outside of a collision as forces generated during normal operation of the vehicle are insufficient to overcome a resistance of the stop element125and the stop face122d.

In the arrangement shown, the stop element125comprises a protrusion which extends through an opening formed in the coupling portion122c, and the stop face122dis an internal face of the opening. However, alternative arrangements are also envisaged.

The stop element125is configured such that the stop face122dis able to move past the stop element125when a threshold force is applied to the stop element by the stop face, (e.g. so that the movable part124can move relative to the fixed part122). For example, the stop element125may be formed on a resilient portion128of the movable part124and may comprise a ramped abutment face125aagainst which the stop face122dabuts. When the threshold force is applied to the ramped abutment face125a, the resilient portion128may be deflected such that the stop face122dis able to ride over the ramped abutment face125a.

The threshold force may be equal to or less than the force applied (or expected to be applied) to the fuel line coupler120in the direction parallel to the attachment plane P when the displaceable component10impacts one or more of the impact faces138of the impact structure in the event of a collision. For example, the threshold force may be approximately 0.5 kN, such as 400N. The fuel line coupler120is thereby configured such that the moveable part124can become decoupled from the fixed part122due to the force applied to one or more of the impact faces138in the event of a collision. That is to say, a force applied in a y-z plane (e.g., the attachment plane P) may overcome the stop element125of the resilient portion128to allow the movable part124to move along the x-axis.

As depicted, one or more of the protrusions124bmay form an end face124dof the recess124c, which may prevent further movement of the movable part124relative to the fixed part122into the recess124c, once the coupling portion122cabuts the end face124d.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, when the movable part124is coupled to the fixed part122within the fuel line assembly, the movable part124is oriented such that the force applied on the impact structure130by the displaceable component10in the event of a collision acts to decouple the moveable part from the fixed part, e.g. by moving the coupling portion out of the recess124c, e.g. away from the end face124d.

The fuel line coupler120may be positioned and oriented within the engine compartment6such that motion of the fuel line assembly100is allowed by the fuel line coupler120in an outboard direction of the vehicle, e.g. away from the displaceable component10, such that trapping of the fuel line coupler between the displaceable component and the body frame structure4, or between other components of the vehicle, is blocked in the event of a collision.

For example, the movable part124may be arranged such that the end face124dis arranged on an inboard side of the fuel line coupler120.

In the arrangement described above, the coupling portion122cis formed on the fixed part and the recess124cis formed by the movable part124. However, it is equally envisaged that the coupling portion122cmay be formed on the movable part124and the recess124cformed on the fixed part122.

Similarly, in other arrangements the stop element125may be formed on the fixed part122and the stop face122dmay be formed on the movable part124.

In this way, the fuel line attachment assembly comprises a fixed portion and a movable portion. The fixed portion may be fixedly coupled to an engine body frame structure. A movable portion, which is shaped to receive a fuel return line and a fuel feed line, is coupled to the fixed portion. The coupling between the fixed portion and the movable portion may be adjusted during a vehicle collision, while the coupling may be maintained during all other vehicle conditions. The technical effect of allowing the movable portion to move during a vehicle collision is to move the fuel lines away from a displaceable engine component so that the fuel lines are not degraded during the collision.

In another representation, an embodiment of a fuel line attachment assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a fuel line coupler for coupling a fuel line to a frame of the vehicle in an attachment plane, an impact structure, wherein the impact structure comprises an impact face, the impact face being angled relative to the attachment plane, such that an impact on the impact face acts to displace the fuel line in a direction with a component parallel to the attachment plane.

A first example of the fuel line attachment assembly further comprises where the impact structure comprises a housing configured to house at least a portion of the fuel line within the impact structure.

A second example of the fuel line attachment assembly, optionally including the first example, further includes where the impact structure comprises a shell structure having one or more stiffening features arranged to stiffen the impact face.

A third example of the fuel line attachment assembly, optionally including any of the previous examples, further includes where the impact structure comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first and second portions are configured to couple together about the fuel line in order to couple the impact structure to the fuel line.

A fourth example of the fuel line attachment assembly, optionally including any of the previous examples, further includes where the first and second portions of the impact structure are coupled together by a living hinge.

A fifth example of the fuel line attachment assembly, optionally including any of the previous examples, further includes where the impact structure is a one-piece plastics component.

A sixth example of the fuel line attachment assembly, optionally including any of the previous examples, further includes where the fuel line coupler is configured to decouple the fuel line from the vehicle frame by virtue of the displacement of the fuel line in the direction with a component parallel to the attachment plane.

A seventh example of the fuel line attachment assembly, optionally including any of the previous examples, further includes where the fuel line coupler comprises a fixed part configured to be fixedly coupled to the vehicle frame, and a movable part configured to couple to a fuel line and movably couple to the fixed part.

An eighth example of the fuel line attachment assembly, optionally including any of the previous examples, further includes where the movable part is movable relative to the fixed part in the direction with a component parallel to the connection plane.

A ninth example of the fuel line attachment assembly, optionally including any of the previous examples, further includes where one of the fixed part and the movable part comprises a recess configured to slidably receive a portion of the other of the fixed part and the movable part.

A tenth example of the fuel line attachment assembly, optionally including any of the previous examples, further includes where the fuel line coupler comprises a stop element configured to resist displacement of the fuel lines in the direction parallel to the attachment plane until a threshold displacement force is applied to the fuel line attachment assembly.

An eleventh example of the fuel line attachment assembly, optionally including any of the previous examples, further includes where the stop element is arranged to resist movement of the movable part relative to the fixed part.

An embodiment of a fuel line coupler for coupling a fuel line to a frame of a motor vehicle comprises a fixed part configured to fixedly couple to the vehicle frame in an attachment plane and a movable part configured to couple to the fuel line and movably couple to the fixed part, such that the movable part is movable relative to the fixed part in a direction parallel with the attachment plane.

A first example of the fuel line coupler further includes where the fuel line coupler is configured to decouple the fuel line from the vehicle frame by virtue of the movement of the fuel line in the direction with a component parallel to the connection plane.

A second example of the fuel line coupler, optionally including the first example, further includes where one of the fixed part and the movable part comprises a recess configured to slidably receive a portion of the other of the fixed part and the movable part.

A third example of the fuel line coupler, optionally including any of the previous examples, further includes where the fuel line coupler comprises a stop element configured to resist displacement of the fuel lines in the direction parallel to the attachment plane until a threshold displacement force is applied to the fuel line attachment assembly.

A fourth example of the fuel line coupler, optionally including any of the previous examples, further includes where the stop element is arranged to resist movement of the movable part relative to the fixed part.

A fifth example of the fuel line coupler, optionally including any of the previous examples, further includes where a motor vehicle comprises the fuel line coupler and further comprises a vehicle component, the vehicle component being displaceable in direction towards the impact surface during a collision of the motor vehicle, wherein the impact surface is shaped to at least partially conform to a surface of the vehicle component.

An embodiment of a system comprises a fuel line attachment assembly comprising a fixed portion fixedly coupled to a frame of a vehicle, further comprising a movable portion coupled to the fixed portion via a stop element, the movable portion slides along a recess of the fixed portion in response to a threshold force applied to the stop element.

A first example of the system further comprises where a fuel feed line and a fuel return line extend through the movable portion.

A second example of the system, optionally including the first example, further comprises where an impact structure in face-sharing contact with a face of the moveable portion opposite the fixed portion, wherein the fuel feed line and the fuel return line extend through openings of the impact structure.

A third example of the system, optionally including any of the previous examples, further comprises where the impact structure comprises a first portion coupled to each of a second portion and a third portion, and where the fuel feed line extends through an opening formed between the second portion and the first portion, and where the fuel return line extends through an opening formed between the third portion and the first portion.

A fourth example of the system, optionally including any of the previous examples, further comprises where the second portion and the third portion are pivotable.

A fifth example of the system, optionally including any of the previous examples, further comprises where the impact structure comprises stiffening features including a plurality of circular ribs and a plurality of webs.

A sixth example of the system, optionally including any of the previous examples, further comprises where the plurality of circular ribs protrudes into the impact structure toward the fuel feed line and the fuel return line.

A seventh example of the system, optionally including any of the previous examples, further comprises where the plurality of webs extends from an angled impact face to a side face, wherein the side face is opposite a face of the impact structure in contact with the movable portion, wherein the plurality of webs comprises a rectangular shape.

An eighth example of the system, optionally including any of the previous examples, further comprises where the angled impact face is angled relative to a direction of movement of the movable portion.

A fuel line attachment assembly, comprises a fuel line coupler comprising a fixed portion fixedly coupled to a frame of a vehicle along an attachment plane, wherein the fuel line coupler further comprises a movable portion slidably coupled to the fixed portion along a recess of the fixed portion, wherein the movable portion selectively slides based on a force applied to a stop element arranged in the fixed portion and an impact structure comprising an impact face angled relative to the attachment plane, wherein the impact face displaces a fuel line extending through each of the movable portion and the impact structure in a direction with a displaceable component parallel to the attachment plane.

A first example of the fuel line attachment assembly further comprises where the impact structure is a single-piece.

A second example of the fuel line attachment assembly, optionally including the first example, further comprise where the fuel line coupler decouples the fuel line from the frame of the vehicle when the movable portion slides along the recess in the direction parallel to the attachment plane.

A third example of the fuel line attachment assembly, optionally including any of the previous examples, further comprises where the stop element comprises a protrusion.

A fourth example of the fuel line attachment assembly, optionally including any of the previous examples, further comprises where the stop element comprises a lever-shape, and where the stop element is actuated in a direction angled to the direction parallel to the attachment plane in response to the force being greater than or equal to a threshold force.

A fifth example of the fuel line attachment assembly, optionally including any of the previous examples, further comprises where the threshold force corresponds to a force of a vehicle collision.

A sixth example of the fuel line attachment assembly, optionally including any of the previous examples, further comprises where the angled face is a first angled face, the impact structure further comprising a second angled face adjacent to the first angled face, and where each of the first angled face and the second angled face are angled relative to the attachment plane.

A vehicle fuel line attachment assembly, comprising a fuel line coupler comprising a fixed portion fixedly coupled to a frame of a vehicle along an attachment plane, wherein the fuel line coupler further comprises a movable portion slidably coupled to the fixed portion along a recess of the fixed portion, wherein the movable portion selectively slides based on a force applied to a stop element arranged in the fixed portion and an impact structure comprising an impact face angled relative to the attachment plane, wherein the impact face displaces a fuel line extending through each of the movable portion and the impact structure in a direction with a displaceable component parallel to the attachment plane, wherein the impact structure further comprises stiffening features including a plurality of circular ribs and a plurality of webs extending from the impact face to a side opposite the movable portion.

A first example of the vehicle fuel line attachment assembly further comprises where the fuel line decouples from the frame in response to the movable portion sliding along the recess during a vehicle collision.

A second example of the vehicle fuel line attachment assembly, optionally including the first example, further comprises where the moveable portion comprises a ramped abutment face that is in face sharing contact with the stop element.

A third example of the vehicle fuel line attachment assembly, optionally including any of the previous examples, further comprises where the moveable portion and the impact structure house at least a portion of a fuel return line and a fuel feed line.