Auto Valve Priming Pump Integrating Flow Control and Plunger Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current priming pumps in fuel systems are restrictive and require additional systems and structures for fuel routing, leading to increased size and cost, which is not suitable for modular fuel systems that need less restrictive and easier operation.
Innovation Solution
A spring-biased control knob mechanism that allows the flow control valve to switch between direct-flow and by-pass orientations, minimizing flow restriction and enabling efficient priming by redirecting fuel flow through the priming pump when needed, using a plunger chamber and ball valves to manage fuel flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional priming pump is used to block and redirect fuel flow, then priming function is achieved, but flow restriction increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow control valve and priming pump into a single integrated assembly. The flow control valve has a body that houses the priming pump, and the control knob operates both the flow control valve and the priming pump plunger simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need for separate priming pump components and routing structures, directly reducing system complexity while maintaining the priming function.
Solution Approach 2:
The control knob serves multiple functions: it operates the flow control valve to switch between direct-flow and by-pass orientations, and it simultaneously operates the priming pump plunger to draw and push fuel. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate control mechanisms needed, simplifying the overall system while achieving both flow control and priming operations.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional priming pump is used to redirect fuel flow, then priming function is achieved, but additional systems and structures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the priming pump within the flow control valve body eliminates the need for additional external priming pump components and complex fuel routing structures. This compact integrated design is more suitable for modular fuel systems as it reduces the number of parts that need to be adapted and connected.
3Ease of operation
If a flow control valve is used to block direct fuel flow for priming, then fuel redirection is achieved, but flow restriction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control valve is designed to be dynamically positionable between two orientations: direct-flow orientation where fuel flows directly from inlet to outlet with minimal restriction, and by-pass orientation where fuel is redirected through the priming pump. This dynamic positioning allows the system to optimize fuel flow rate based on operational requirements, reducing flow restriction during normal operation while enabling fuel redirection during priming.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a non-restrictive and efficient priming pump that reduces system complexity and cost by allowing direct fuel flow when not in use and efficient priming when required, addressing the limitations of existing pumps.
Implementation Method 1
the control knob being positionable in either a locked position or a priming position. When the control knob is in the locked position, the fuel flow valve is opened... When priming is required or desired, the described control knob is rotated to an unlocked position and moves under a spring-biased force to an up position.
Implementation Method 2
When the flow control valve is in the by-pass orientation, fluid is drawn into the plunger chamber by way of the inlet flow valve as the control knob moves upwardly. Fluid is pushed out of the plunger chamber through the outlet flow valve as the control knob moves downwardly.
Data Source
AI summary
A priming pump for fluid delivery arranged with a base defining a flow inlet, a flow outlet, and a control valve positioned therebetween. The priming pump includes a housing assembled to the base with an inlet flow valve positioned in an inlet valve compartment and an outlet flow valve positioned in an outlet valve compartment. The valve compartments are in communication with a plunger chamber including an axially movable plunger. A spring-biased control knob is assembled to the plunger and to the control valve for controlling its position between either a direct-flow orientation or a by-pass orientation. With the control valve in the by-pass orientation, upward movement of the control knob draws fluid into the inlet valve compartment and into the plunger chamber. The down stroke of the control knob pushes the fluid out of the plunger chamber.