Dual Pump Fuel Conditioning Module for High-Pressure Injection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel conditioning systems for combustion engines face challenges in achieving effective filtration and system packaging efficiency, particularly in meeting the filtration performance and cost constraints for high-pressure fuel injection systems.
Innovation Solution
A fluid conditioning system comprising a first pump operating in a fluid recirculation loop with a first filter, and a second pump delivering fuel through a second filter, where the first pump operates at a higher flow rate than the second pump, enabling multiple passes through the first filter and finer filtration media usage, improving fuel quality and component service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single pump and filter system is used, then the system complexity is reduced, but the filtration performance is insufficient for high-pressure fuel injection systems
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel conditioning system is divided into two separate pump-filter modules: a first pump-filter combination for initial fuel conditioning at lower pressure, and a second pump for high-pressure delivery with its own filter. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function, achieving high overall filtration performance while keeping individual modules relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a temporal dimension to filtration by implementing multiple filtration stages at different points in the fuel delivery process. Fuel passes through the first filter before high-pressure pumping, and then through a second filter after high-pressure pumping, creating a multi-dimensional filtration approach that enhances overall performance
2Reliability
If the first pump operates at a higher flow rate than the second pump, then finer filtration media can be used and fuel quality improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first pump is designed with a higher flow rate capability specifically optimized for the filtration stage, while the second pump is optimized for high-pressure delivery at lower flow rates. Each pump's local characteristics are tailored to its specific function in the fuel conditioning process
Solution Approach 2:
The first pump-filter module performs preliminary fuel conditioning by filtering fuel at lower pressure before it enters the high-pressure second pump. This preliminary action removes larger particulates first, allowing the second filter to focus on finer filtration at high pressure
3Reliability
If multiple filters and pumps are used in series, then filtration performance increases, but the packaging volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each pump is merged with its own filter assembly in an integrated module design, where the filter housing and pump housing are connected through internal passages. This merging eliminates the need for separate filter housings and connecting plumbing, reducing overall packaging volume
Solution Approach 2:
The filter elements are nested within the pump assemblies, with the filter housing integrated into the pump housing structure. The first pump-filter module and second pump module are arranged in a compact series configuration that minimizes external dimensions
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 enhances fuel filtration performance, extends component service life, and maintains compact and cost-effective design by operating the first pump at a flow rate at least twice that of the second pump, allowing for improved fuel cleanliness and reduced particulate sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
a first pump operatively coupled to the first motor, an outlet of the first pump being fluidly coupled to the first filter inlet port via a first filter inlet conduit, an inlet of the first pump being fluidly coupled the first filter outlet port via a first filter outlet conduit
Implementation Method 2
filtering the fluid flow through a first filter
Implementation Method 3
a second pump, an inlet of the second pump being fluidly coupled to the first filter outlet port via the first filter outlet conduit, an outlet of the second pump being fluidly coupled to the second filter inlet port via a second filter inlet conduit
Implementation Method 4
filtering the second portion of the fluid flow through a second filter
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid conditioning system includes a first filter mount having a first filter inlet port and a first filter outlet port, a first motor, a first pump operatively coupled to the first motor, a second filter mount having a second filter inlet port, a second pump, and a controller operatively coupled to the first motor. The controller is configured to operate the first pump at a flowrate that is higher than a flowrate of the second pump. An outlet of the first pump is fluidly coupled to the first filter inlet port via a first filter inlet conduit, and an inlet of the first pump is fluidly coupled the first filter outlet port via a first filter outlet conduit. An inlet of the second pump is fluidly coupled to the first filter outlet port via the first filter outlet conduit.