Electromagnetic Fuel Pump with Nested Pistons for Compact Vapor Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel dispenser systems are costly, bulky, and prone to leakage due to complex arrangements and the need for separate pumps for liquid fuel and vapor recovery, which increases maintenance complexity and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A fluid pump with a piston integrated magnetic device and electromagnetic controller that allows for compact design and efficient pumping of both liquid and gaseous fuels, using a single pump for simultaneous fuel dispensing and vapor recovery, with a controllable fluid flow passage to minimize leakage and optimize chamber volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate pumps are used for liquid fuel and vapor recovery, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate pumps (liquid fuel pump and vapor recovery pump) into a single integrated pump unit with a common cylinder housing that accommodates both pistons. This merging reduces device complexity and space requirements while maintaining the ability to perform both liquid fuel dispensing and vapor recovery functions simultaneously through coordinated piston operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump unit is designed with multi-functionality to perform both liquid fuel pumping and vapor recovery operations. The cylinder housing contains two pistons that can operate independently or in coordination, allowing the same device to handle different fluid types (liquid fuel and vapor) through appropriate valve configurations and control mechanisms.
2Power
If traditional mechanical pumps are used, then pumping capability is achieved, but maintenance complexity and leakage sensitivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical drive mechanisms with electromagnetic actuators that use magnetic fields to move the pistons. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages, reducing maintenance requirements and improving reliability. The electromagnetic pistons are actuated by magnetic fields generated by coil assemblies, eliminating the need for mechanical seals and reducing leakage sensitivity.
3Volume of moving object
If compact pump design is implemented, then space requirements are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where two pistons are positioned within the same cylinder housing, with the pistons arranged in a nested or closely integrated configuration. This nesting allows the pump to maintain a compact overall volume while accommodating multiple functional elements within a shared structural envelope, reducing space requirements without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, compact, and efficient fluid pumping system that reduces maintenance and space requirements while ensuring flexible regulation of fuel dispensing rates and environmentally friendly vapor recovery, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic controller configured to move the piston by altering a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The electromagnetic controller is configured to move the piston by altering a magnetic field, for repeatedly decreasing and increasing the volume of the chambers
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid pump for a fuel dispensing unit comprises a pump housing with a first chamber and a second chamber, each chamber having a fluid inlet valve and a fluid outlet valve, respectively. The chambers are separated by a movable piston arranged to repeatedly decrease and increase the volumes of the chambers. The piston comprises a magnetic device, and an electromagnetic control configured to move the piston by altering a magnetic field, for repeatedly decreasing and increasing the volume of the chambers. A controllable fluid flow passage connected to first chamber and to the second chamber that allows fluid to pass from the first chamber to the second chamber without passing through the any of the fluid inlet valves or the fluid outlet valves so that when there is a flow of fuel from the first chamber to the second chamber via the fluid flow passage and when the piston moves towards the first side the first outlet valve and the second inlet valve remain closed during operation.