Downstream Fuel Filter System with Integrated Control Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel supply systems for diesel engines with fuel filters downstream of the feed pump face increased production costs and complexity due to the need for additional valves and a bypass path for priming, which complicates mountability and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A fuel supply system with a control valve that regulates fuel pressure between the fuel filter and high-pressure pump, using a return path to manage pressure and flow rate, eliminating the need for a pressure control valve, relief valve, and check valve, thereby simplifying the structure and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fuel filter is disposed downstream of the feed pump to improve filtration capability, then the mesh size of the filter medium can be decreased to trap smaller foreign objects, but the production cost increases due to the need for additional pressure control valve, relief valve, bypass path, and check valve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated control valve assembly. The control valve performs both pressure control and flow rate control functions, eliminating the need for separate pressure control valve and relief valve. The check valve function is integrated into the same assembly, reducing the total number of components and simplifying the overall system structure while maintaining downstream filter placement for improved filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs pressure regulation, flow rate control, and acts as a check valve. This universal component replaces multiple specialized valves, reducing system complexity and production costs while enabling the fuel filter to be positioned downstream of the feed pump for better filtration capability.
2Reliability
If the fuel filter is disposed downstream of the feed pump to improve filtration capability, then the mesh size of the filter medium can be decreased to trap smaller foreign objects, but the production cost increases due to additional valves and bypass path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve functions into a single integrated control valve assembly, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate pressure control valve, relief valve, and check valve, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining the downstream filter configuration for improved filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve is designed as a universal component performing multiple functions (pressure control, flow rate control, check valve functionality), reducing the total component count and associated manufacturing costs. This multi-functional design enables cost-effective production while maintaining the filtration benefits of downstream filter placement.
3Reliability
If the fuel filter is disposed downstream of the feed pump, then the pressure difference across the filter can be increased to improve filtration, but the system requires a bypass path and check valve for fuel priming which complicates mountability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bypass path control function with the main control valve assembly, eliminating the need for a separate check valve and simplifying the priming process. This integration reduces the number of components that need to be installed and configured, improving mountability while maintaining the pressure difference necessary for effective filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve assembly serves as a multi-functional component that handles both normal operation control and priming pathway management, reducing the number of separate components needed for installation. This universal design simplifies the overall system configuration and improves ease of mounting while preserving the filtration performance benefits.
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 system achieves a simplified structure for easier mountability and lower production costs while maintaining effective fuel filtration and pressure control, preventing clogging and performance issues at low temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
When the pressure of the fuel in the second fuel path between the fuel filter and the flow rate control valve exceeds a first set pressure, the control valve is placed in an open position to open the return path to return the fuel from downstream to upstream of the feed pump to keep the pressure of fuel between the fuel filter and the flow rate control valve below the first set pressure
Implementation Method 2
a feed pump that pumps fuel out of a fuel tank through a first fuel path and feeds the fuel to a second fuel path
Implementation Method 3
a high-pressure pump that pressurizes and supplies the fuel, as fed from the feed pump through the second fuel path, to the accumulator
Implementation Method 4
a fuel filter disposed in the second fuel path between the feed pump and the high-pressure pump to filter the fuel, as delivered from the feed pump to the high-pressure pump
Implementation Method 5
a flow rate control valve disposed in the second fuel path between the fuel filter and the high-pressure pump to control a flow rate of the fuel delivered to the high-pressure pump
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel supply system for an accumulator fuel injection system designed to inject fuel, as stored in an accumulator, into an internal combustion engine through a fuel injector The fuel supply system includes a feed pump working to pump the fuel out of a fuel tank and a fuel filter disposed between the feed pump and a high-pressure pump working to deliver the fuel to the accumulator. The fuel supply system also includes a return path and a control valve. When the pressure of the fuel between the fuel filter and the flow rate control valve exceeds a first set pressure, the control valve opens the return path to return the fuel from downstream to upstream of the feed pump to keep the pressure of fuel supplied to the flow rate control valve below the first set pressure, thereby controlling the flow rate of the fuel passing through the fuel filter.