Diesel Fuel Supply Pump Geolocation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing diesel fuel supply systems in motor vehicles face premature wear of the high pressure pump due to sudden loss of lubrication when the vehicle stops, as the electrical supply to the low-pressure pump is cut, causing a rapid decrease in fuel pressure upstream of the high-pressure pump.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a geolocation-based method to control the low-pressure pump at maximum pressure when the vehicle is in predetermined probable stopping zones, maintaining higher pressure and lubrication for the high-pressure pump, thereby extending its operational life without significantly increasing electricity consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the electrical supply to the first pump is cut when the vehicle stop command is given, then electricity consumption is reduced, but the second pump is no longer supplied with fuel and is therefore no longer lubricated, causing premature wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectricity consumptionVSAvoidwear of the second pump
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit maintains the first pump in operation for a predetermined time after the stop command is given, before cutting electrical supply. This preliminary continuation of pump operation ensures the second pump remains lubricated during the transition period, preventing wear while still achieving energy savings once the pump is fully stopped.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical supply to the first pump is controlled dynamically based on the vehicle's operational state. The pump operates at variable speed during normal operation, continues at current speed for a predetermined time after stop command, then is fully stopped. This dynamic control strategy optimizes both energy consumption and pump protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If the first pump stops very quickly when the vehicle stop command is given, then electricity consumption is reduced, but the pressure in the circuit upstream of the second pump decreases more quickly, causing insufficient lubrication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectricity consumptionVSAvoidlubrication time of the second pump
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a preliminary continuation of pump operation for a predetermined time after the stop command is issued. This ensures that fuel pressure is maintained at adequate levels long enough to lubricate the second pump through its full stop sequence, preventing wear while still achieving energy savings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The first pump continues to supply fuel to maintain pressure and lubrication for the second pump during the stop transition period. The system uses its own operational capacity to protect itself, eliminating the need for external intervention or additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the first pump is controlled at maximum pressure in probable stopping zones, then the second pump is lubricated for a longer period, but electricity consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelife of the second pumpVSAvoidelectricity consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit applies maximum pressure operation only in specific geographic zones where the vehicle is likely to stop, rather than maintaining maximum pressure universally. This localized approach protects the second pump during critical stopping scenarios while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation in other zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system anticipates stopping by maintaining maximum pressure in advance when the vehicle enters probable stopping zones. This preliminary high-pressure operation ensures adequate lubrication before the actual stop occurs, protecting the second pump while limiting energy consumption to only the periods when protection is actually needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3071820B1Method and system for supplying diesel to a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.01.31 RENAULT SA
  • EP3071820B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A method controls a system for supplying diesel fuel on a motor vehicle. The system includes a fuel tank, a first pump that is a low-pressure pump taking fuel from the tank and delivering the fuel to a second pump that is a high-pressure pump. The method includes controlling the first pump to regulate the quantity of fuel provided as a function of the needs of the second pump, and determining a geographical position of the vehicle. The first pump is controlled to a maximum pressure level when the vehicle is in one of several predefined probable stopping zones.