Fuel Additive Dispenser Heating System for Low-Temperature Crystallization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel dispensing systems for diesel exhaust fluid (AUS32) face issues with crystallization at low temperatures, leading to clogs and operational disruptions, with existing solutions being costly, complex, and inefficient in maintaining temperature across all components.
Innovation Solution
A heating system that incorporates a compartment structure to insulate fuel additive-handling components and uses circulating heating fluid to maintain temperatures above the freezing point, with options for direct thermal energy injection via immersion heaters or wires, and a control device to manage temperature and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a large heated cabinet is used to enclose the dispensing system components, then the temperature of AUS32 is maintained above critical temperatures, but the device size and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heating function into separate heating elements positioned at specific locations within the dispensing system (storage tank, hoses, nozzle) rather than using a single large heated cabinet. This segmentation allows targeted heating of only the components that handle AUS32, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies heating locally to specific components (storage tank, hoses, nozzle) that are most susceptible to AUS32 crystallization, rather than heating the entire dispensing system uniformly. This local quality approach maintains temperature where needed while avoiding the complexity and energy consumption of a full-cabinet heating system.
2Temperature
If in-situ heating elements are inserted into hoses to heat AUS32 directly, then heating effectiveness improves, but flow and pressure of fuel additive are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary fluid circulation system where a heating fluid is pumped through a reservoir and distributed to multiple heating zones (storage tank, hoses, nozzle) rather than inserting heating elements directly into the AUS32 flow path. This intermediary approach provides effective heating without obstructing the AUS32 flow and pressure.
3Temperature
If heating fluid circulation system is implemented, then temperature distribution across components is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal heating fluid circulation system that serves multiple functions: heating the storage tank, heating the hoses, and heating the nozzle assembly. This single multi-functional system provides temperature distribution across all components without requiring separate heating systems for each part, thereby reducing overall system 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
Prevents crystallization and solidification of AUS32, ensuring continuous operation in cold environments by effectively maintaining the temperature of fuel additives and reducing the risk of component damage, while minimizing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
uses circulating heating fluid to maintain temperatures above the freezing point
Implementation Method 2
incorporates a compartment structure to insulate fuel additive-handling components
Implementation Method 3
uses a wire, a coil, and/or other element that inserts into the hoses that carry the fuel additive. Energizing these elements injects heat directly into the AUS32 fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Liquid fuel additive dispenser (102) avoiding freezing at low temperatures. A hose (120; 220; 420; 520; 620) is configured to carry fuel additive from a flow meter (116; 216; 416; 516; 616) a compartment structure with a central compartment (236; 536; 636) encloses the flow meter (116; 216; 416; 516; 616); an elongated sleeve (240, 242; 540, 542; 640, 642) coupled with the central compartment (236; 536; 636) surrounds the hose (120; 220; 420; 520; 620); a first fluid heater (244; 464) is coupled in flow connection with the compartment structure to disperse a heating fluid therein; a nozzle (222, 224; 322, 324; 422, 424; 522, 524; 622, 624) is coupled to the hose (120; 220; 420; 520; 620) and a second fluid heater (468) is coupled in flow connection with a nozzle volume (134; 334; 434) that surrounds the nozzle (222, 224; 322, 324; 422, 424; 522, 524; 622, 624).