Direct Magnetic Inlet Valve Assembly for Low-Leakage Fuel Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
High complexity, cost, noise, and risk of fuel leakage due to the intricate magnetic armature and connecting members in magnetically controlled inlet valve actuators for high pressure fuel pumps, which are prone to damage and impact-related issues.
Innovation Solution
Hydraulically isolating the actuation module containing the electromagnetic coil from the delivery module with a breakaway connection, eliminating the separate armature and connecting member by directly applying magnetic flux to the inlet valve member, reducing reciprocating masses and noise, and ensuring fuel integrity in case of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate magnetic armature and connecting member are used to control the inlet valve, then the magnetic actuation function is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic armature and connecting member functions into a single integrated inlet valve member. The inlet valve member directly receives magnetic force from the coil assembly and translates it to valve operation, eliminating the need for separate armature and connecting member components while maintaining the magnetic actuation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet valve member is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the valve element that controls fuel flow and as the magnetic armature that receives direct magnetic force from the coil assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while achieving the same actuation purpose.
2Reliability
If a separate magnetic armature and connecting member are used, then the magnetic actuation is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the magnetic armature and connecting member into a single inlet valve member, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-checked. This integration directly reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining the magnetic actuation capability through the same inlet valve member.
3Reliability
If a separate magnetic armature and connecting member are used, then the magnetic actuation function is achieved, but the reciprocating mass and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the separate magnetic armature and connecting member components from the system. By removing these additional moving parts, the total reciprocating mass is reduced, which in turn reduces the impact forces and noise generated during energizing and de-energizing events while maintaining the essential magnetic actuation function through the inlet valve member itself.
4Ease of operation
If the electromagnetic actuator is integrated with the delivery module, then the control function is achieved, but the fuel leakage risk increases upon damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fuel pump into distinct modules: the delivery module containing fuel passages and the actuation module containing the coil assembly. The actuation module is positioned outside the fuel-containing chambers and connected through a controlled interface. This segmentation ensures that if the actuation module is damaged, fuel cannot leak from it since it does not contain fuel, while the control function is maintained through the magnetic actuation of the inlet valve member.
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
This solution reduces the cost and noise of the inlet valve actuator, minimizes the risk of fuel leakage, and enhances controllability and power efficiency by directly magnetically actuating the inlet valve, while maintaining hydraulic integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a selectively energizable coil for generating a magnetic flux directly magnetically coupling the pole and the valve member
Implementation Method 2
direct a magnetic flux path such that a magnetic force is directly applied to the inlet valve member when a coil is energized
Data Source
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AI summary
An inlet valve assembly for a fuel pump comprises a valve assembly inflow path and valve assembly outflow path; a magnetic valve member situated in an intermediate flow path fluidly linking the inflow path and the outflow path; a magnetic pole adjacent the valve member; and a selectively energizable coil for generating a magnetic flux directly magnetically coupling the pole and the valve member; whereby the valve member opens and closes fluid communication between the inflow path and the outflow path in response to the energized state of the coil.