Fuel Delivery Device Temperature Control via Feed Pump Dynamics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern common rail fuel systems experience frequent switching between control modes at low temperatures, leading to inefficient energy use and potential filter clogging due to temperature fluctuations, which can cause engine shutdowns.

Innovation Solution

The method involves controlling the feed pump's delivery rate based on temperature in the hydraulic line to maintain a stable temperature between the feed pump and high-pressure pump, using a throttle device and volume regulation to adjust fuel flow and pressure, preventing filter clogging and reducing component stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the system switches between DRV control and suction throttle mode at low temperatures, then the fuel temperature can be adjusted, but frequent switching occurs leading to inefficient energy use and potential filter clogging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel temperatureVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies dynamics by making the feed pump's delivery rate variable rather than fixed. The pump's delivery rate is continuously adjusted based on real-time temperature measurements in the hydraulic line, allowing the system to adapt smoothly to changing temperature conditions without abrupt mode switching. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the frequent switching between DRV control and suction throttle mode while maintaining optimal fuel temperature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of the feed pump's delivery rate from a fixed value to a variable parameter that depends on temperature. By continuously monitoring the temperature in the hydraulic line and adjusting the delivery rate accordingly, the system maintains fuel temperature within a desired range without requiring switching between different control modes, thereby improving system stability and preventing filter clogging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If the feed pump delivers fuel at high flow rate, then the fuel temperature increases, but excessive temperature may stress components and lines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel temperatureVSAvoidcomponent stress
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements feedback control by continuously measuring the temperature in the hydraulic line and using this information to adjust the feed pump's delivery rate. When the temperature approaches the upper limit, the system reduces the delivery rate to prevent excessive temperature that could stress components. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the fuel temperature remains within safe operating limits while avoiding component stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the feed pump's delivery rate based on real-time temperature conditions. Rather than operating at a fixed high flow rate, the pump's delivery rate is continuously modulated to maintain fuel temperature within acceptable ranges, preventing excessive thermal stress on components and lines while still achieving the necessary temperature increase when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Temperature

If the feed pump delivers fuel at low flow rate, then the fuel temperature decreases, but the filter may clog due to poor flow properties at low temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel temperatureVSAvoidfilter clogging risk
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses feedback control to monitor the temperature in the hydraulic line and adjust the feed pump's delivery rate accordingly. When the temperature drops toward the lower limit, the system increases the delivery rate to raise the fuel temperature, preventing the poor flow properties and solid phase separation that cause filter clogging. This continuous feedback ensures the fuel remains above the temperature threshold for reliable flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The feed pump's delivery rate is dynamically adjusted based on temperature measurements to maintain fuel above the minimum temperature required for proper flow properties. This dynamic control prevents the fuel from cooling to temperatures where solid phase separation occurs, thereby eliminating filter clogging risks while ensuring continuous reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Use of energy by moving object

If the system uses suction throttle control, then energy consumption is reduced, but the fuel temperature drops below the lower limit for reliable operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidfuel temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the binary choice between DRV control and suction throttle mode with a continuous dynamic adjustment of the feed pump's delivery rate. This allows the system to operate in an intermediate regime that maintains fuel temperature above the lower limit while consuming less energy than full DRV control, eliminating the need to switch to suction throttle mode and its associated temperature drops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter from fixed control modes to a continuously variable delivery rate. By adjusting the feed pump's delivery rate to match actual temperature requirements, the system maintains sufficient fuel temperature for reliable operation while minimizing energy consumption, avoiding the temperature drops that occur with suction throttle control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach eliminates the need for frequent mode switching, maintains optimal fuel temperature, prevents filter clogging, and ensures efficient energy use by adjusting fuel flow and pressure according to operating conditions.

Implementation Method 1

A temperature sensor (20) arranged in the hydraulic line (32)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 2

A feed pump (10) feeds fuel through a hydraulic line (32) to a suction side of at least one high-pressure pump (16)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Implementation Method 3

The at least one high-pressure pump (16) compresses fuel, which originates from the intake side of the high-pressure pump (16), and pumps it into a high-pressure area (18)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 4

A throttle device (14) can be arranged in the hydraulic connection (32) in order to adapt the fuel quantity delivered by the delivery pump (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThrottling:

Implementation Method 5

The pressure in the high-pressure area (18) can be regulated via a device for volume regulation (24)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVolume regulation:

Implementation Method 6

The arrangement of a branch line with a device for volume regulation between the hydraulic line and the reservoir is advantageous, since heated fuel is diverted through the branch line, which leads to rapid heating of the fuel in the reservoir

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2825764B1Fuel delivery device, and method for actuating a fuel delivery device
Publication Date: 2016.01.20 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2825764B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2825764B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A fuel delivery device for a fuel injection device of an internal combustion engine is proposed having a delivery pump (10) which delivers fuel from a storage vessel (12) via a hydraulic line (32) to a high pressure pump (16). The high pressure pump (16) delivers fuel into a high pressure region (18). A temperature sensor (20) which is connected to a control device (22) is arranged in the hydraulic line (34). The delivery quantity of the delivery pump (10) can be controlled in a manner which is dependent on the temperature at the temperature sensor (20).