Fuel Supply Branch Portion Asymmetry for Pulsation Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In engines with fuel injection valves on each cylinder, particularly in V-type engines, pressure pulsations in fuel delivery pipes lead to vehicle vibration, noise, and decreased fuel economy due to unstable combustion, as existing piping structures amplify these pulsations and fail to maintain desired fuel pressure.
Innovation Solution
A fuel supply apparatus with a branch portion where all inflow and outflow directions of fuel are orthogonal to each other, reducing pressure pulsation amplification by dispersing the flow through a joint member with a three-dimensionally orthogonal configuration, and using elastic deformation of connecting pipes to absorb vibration-induced stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a T-shaped piping structure with connecting pipes extending in opposite directions coaxially is used, then the fuel supply can be distributed to both cylinder rows, but the pressure pulsation is amplified along the axial direction of the connecting pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the symmetric T-shaped configuration (with pipes extending in opposite directions) to an asymmetric configuration where the pair of connecting pipes extend in different directions that are not opposite to each other. This asymmetric arrangement prevents pressure pulsation amplification while maintaining fuel distribution capability to both cylinder rows
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional axial arrangement (pipes extending along the same straight line) to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement where pipes extend in different directions. This dimensional change allows the connecting pipes to branch off at angles, disrupting the pressure pulsation propagation path while still delivering fuel to both cylinder rows
2Device complexity
If connecting pipes extend in the same straight line in opposite directions, then the piping structure is simple, but the pressure pulsation is amplified and vibration impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the pipe arrangement by having connecting pipes extend in different directions rather than opposite directions. This maintains relative simplicity while eliminating the harmful pressure pulsation amplification and vibration effects associated with symmetric opposite-direction configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of pressure pulsation amplification into a benefit by strategically positioning the connecting pipes at non-opposite directions. The same piping structure that could amplify pulsations is redesigned to naturally dampen them, turning a harmful configuration into a beneficial one
3Ease of manufacture
If the fuel supply pipe uses a conventional T-shaped configuration, then installation is straightforward, but unstable combustion occurs due to inability to maintain desired fuel pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the conventional symmetric T-shaped configuration to an asymmetric arrangement where connecting pipes extend in different directions. This maintains ease of installation while ensuring stable fuel pressure delivery for reliable combustion
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 configuration effectively reduces pressure pulsations and stress on delivery pipes, minimizing vibration-induced damage and maintaining stable fuel pressure, thus improving fuel economy and reducing noise.
Implementation Method 1
using elastic deformation of connecting pipes to absorb vibration-induced stress
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel supply apparatus for an engine, includes a first cylinder group, a second cylinder group, first fuel injection valves, second fuel injection valves, a fuel supply pipe, a branch portion, a first connecting pipe, a second connecting pipe, a first delivery pipe, and a second delivery pipe. The branch portion has an inflow direction along which fuel is to flow from the fuel supply pipe into the branch portion. The branch portion has a first outflow direction along which fuel is to flow from the branch portion into the first connecting pipe. The branch portion has a second outflow direction along which fuel is to flow from the branch portion into the second connecting pipe. All of the inflow direction, the first outflow direction, and the second outflow direction are provided not to lie in a same straight line.