Fluid Delivery Device with Integrated Check Valves for Reverse Pumping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid delivery devices for internal combustion engines require additional construction effort and components to handle fluids that solidify at low temperatures, such as urea-water solutions, due to the need for a separate switching valve to reverse fluid flow, increasing costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A fluid delivery device design that integrates two check valves to control the compression space, allowing the pump to operate in both forward and reverse directions without the need for an additional switching valve, using a common actuator like an electric magnet to reduce construction costs and simplify the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an additional 4/2-way switching valve is provided to enable fluid suction from the line leading to the injection valve, then the ability to handle fluids that solidify at low temperatures is improved, but the construction effort and system complexity increase considerably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle fluids that solidifyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the switching valve functionality with the existing check valves in the pump system. Instead of adding a separate 4/2-way switching valve, the invention integrates the flow direction control into the check valve mechanism, merging multiple functions into existing components and thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the capability to handle solidifying fluids.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The check valves are designed to serve multiple functions: they not only prevent backflow during normal pumping operation but also enable reverse flow for clearing the line when fluids may solidify. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated switching valves, reducing construction effort while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a changeover valve is provided in addition to inlet and outlet check valves to enable pumping in opposite direction, then the ability to pump in reverse direction is improved, but the construction cost and volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to pump in reverse directionVSAvoidconstruction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the changeover valve function with the existing check valves. The check valves are configured to automatically redirect flow in reverse direction when needed, combining the functions of separate changeover and check valves into a unified structure, thereby reducing construction costs and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The check valves are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as one-way flow control devices during normal operation and as automatic flow reversal mechanisms when reverse pumping is required. This eliminates the need for additional changeover valves and reduces overall construction cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a changeover valve is provided in addition to inlet and outlet check valves to enable pumping in opposite direction, then the ability to pump in reverse direction is improved, but the system volume and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to pump in reverse directionVSAvoidsystem volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines the changeover valve functionality with the existing check valve structure, merging multiple components into a single integrated assembly. This integration eliminates the need for additional valves and associated piping, thereby reducing the overall system volume and weight while maintaining the ability to pump in reverse direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design reduces construction costs, weight, and volume by eliminating the need for an additional switching valve, while enabling efficient operation with fluids that solidify, such as urea-water solutions, by controlling both inlet and outlet check valves with a single actuator.

Implementation Method 1

The two check valves can be controlled with a common actuator, the actuator preferably being an electric magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetism: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP2225466B1Fluid conveyance apparatus and valve apparatus and method for operating a fluid conveyance apparatus
Publication Date: 2011.10.12 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2225466B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2225466B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2225466B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Fluid conveyance apparatuses for freezing liquids having a pump must be able to be emptied. A direction reversal valve can be provided therefor on the pump for the purpose of reversing the conveyance direction. In the fluid conveyance apparatus (2) proposed here, the possibility for a direction reversal of the conveyance direction (41A, 41B, 42A, 42B) is achieved by a simple construction measure using the valve apparatus (30), which can be produced easily. The fluid conveyance apparatus is provided in particular for vehicles which are naturally subjected to significantly varying temperatures.