Bi-Fuel Integration Plate for OEM Fuel System Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Converting a mono-fuel internal combustion engine system to a bi-fuel system is challenging due to the need for substantial modification and repurposing of OEM components to prevent fuel cross-contamination and optimize engine efficiency, especially in cramped engine compartments.
Innovation Solution
A bi-fuel delivery system that repurposes existing OEM components using a specialized integration plate, modified fuel lift pump, and fuel filter, minimizing shared fuel lines and incorporating a fuel selector valve to maintain optimal pressure, while integrating a fuel pressure relief valve for efficient operation with either fuel source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If OEM fuel system components are substantially modified and repurposed for bi-fuel use, then conversion cost is reduced, but fuel cross-contamination risk increases and system reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel system is segmented into separate diesel and alternative fuel pathways using a fuel selector valve that divides the fuel delivery system into distinct channels. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination while allowing the use of modified OEM components in each separate pathway, resolving the contradiction between cost reduction and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A fuel selector valve is introduced as an intermediary component that mediates between the two fuel sources and the engine. This valve acts as a controlled gateway that prevents direct mixing of fuels while enabling the repurposing of existing fuel delivery components for bi-fuel operation, thereby maintaining both cost-effectiveness and fuel separation integrity.
2Reliability
If new components are added to the fuel system to prevent cross-contamination, then fuel separation improves, but engine compartment space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel selector valve is integrated with the existing fuel delivery system components, merging the new bi-fuel control functionality with the original mono-fuel system architecture. This consolidation achieves effective fuel separation without requiring separate dedicated spaces for all components, thereby preventing cross-contamination while minimizing engine compartment space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel selector valve serves multiple functions: it separates fuel pathways to prevent cross-contamination, controls fuel flow from either source, and integrates with existing OEM components. This multi-functionality achieves reliable fuel separation without proportionally increasing the space required, as a single component performs multiple critical roles in the bi-fuel system.
3Ease of manufacture
If fuel lift pump and fuel filter are repurposed for bi-fuel operation, then component reuse increases and cost decreases, but pressure control for different fuel types becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel delivery system is made dynamic through the fuel selector valve, which can switch between diesel and alternative fuel pathways based on operational requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the same pump and filter components to handle different fuel types with varying pressure requirements, enabling component reuse while adapting to the specific pressure control needs of each fuel source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system accommodates different fuel pressure requirements by changing operational parameters through the fuel selector valve, which directs each fuel type through optimized pathways. This parameter adjustment capability allows repurposed components to effectively handle both diesel and alternative fuels despite their different pressure characteristics, maintaining both component reuse and pressure control adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a system and method for adapting and modifying an existing mono-fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine to run as a bi-fuel system by reusing and repurposing OEM components of the mono-fuel system. The bi-fuel system makes use of an integration plate that may be mounted to the system fuel filter in substantially the same location as the fuel filter is mounted in the mono-fuel configuration. The integration plate also may deliver either fuel types into the existing engine fuel intake port thus the system does not require the creation of a secondary fuel intake port for the secondary fuel. The integration plate may also be situated such that it minimizes the space it must use within the engine compat anent and it may use the preexisting engine mounting points designed for the fuel filter in the mono-fuel system.