Development of a new concept of product: fuel level sender unit integrated to the fuel valve for motorcycle's fuel tanks 2007-01-2681

Optimize a product that exists for years, is not always an easy task. These products, of simple concept, are created and maintained without significant changes along its life. This is the case, for example, of the fuel level senders and valves of motorcycle's fuel tanks. This work presents an example of a new product that add value to the fuel tank system with a reduced global cost. Usually, the concern relies on the improvement of individual parts. The concept developed looked for an integration of both parts in just one product. The advantages of this integration are: reduction of fuel tank system components by 40% in average, reduction of fuel leak potential, increase of the value add, cost reduction and improvement at the motorcycle assembly line, etc. This work start with a study of the motorcycle market, analyzing current products and then concluding with showing the advantages and differences of the new product concept.