Fuel Delivery Unit with Selective Jet Pump Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel delivery systems consume excessive energy due to the permanent operation of suction jet pumps, which is not necessary in all situations, and require additional active components and wiring for switchable valves.
Innovation Solution
A fuel delivery unit with a fuel pump and a suction jet pump, where the suction jet pump is operated by a propulsion jet from a second outlet that can be selectively opened or closed by a valve connected to the electric motor, allowing for needs-based activation and deactivation without additional active components or control units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the suction jet pump is permanently operated to ensure complete emptying of the fuel tank, then the fuel delivery reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of the suction jet pump based on actual needs. The pump is activated only when the fuel level in the swirl pot drops below a threshold, and deactivated when the threshold is reached. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability through selective operation while reducing unnecessary energy consumption during periods when the fuel pump can handle delivery alone.
2Use of energy by moving object
If switchable valves are added to activate and deactivate suction jet pumps selectively, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing fuel pump itself to control the suction jet pump activation. When the fuel pump delivers fuel, it automatically creates the propulsion jet that activates the suction jet pump. When the swirl pot fills up, the fuel pump's operation naturally deactivates the suction jet pump. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external valves and control systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control function for the suction jet pump is merged with the fuel pump's operation. The fuel pump serves dual purposes: delivering fuel to consumers and simultaneously controlling the suction jet pump through its propulsion jet output. This merging eliminates separate control components (valves, drivers, wiring) while achieving the desired selective activation and deactivation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional active components and control units are added to switch valves, then the suction jet pump can be activated selectively, but the manufacturing cost and wiring complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel pump serves as its own control mechanism for the suction jet pump. The propulsion jet from the fuel pump automatically activates the suction jet pump when needed, and the system self-deactivates when the swirl pot is sufficiently filled. This eliminates the need for additional active components, control units, and wiring, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining selective activation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel pump is given multiple functions: it delivers fuel to consumers, fills the swirl pot, and simultaneously controls the suction jet pump operation through its propulsion jet. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control components, reducing both manufacturing cost and wiring complexity while achieving adaptable selective activation.
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 solution reduces energy consumption by only activating the suction jet pump when necessary, minimizing additional costs and complexity by using a mechanical coupling to the electric motor for valve actuation, allowing efficient fuel delivery to remote regions of the tank.
Implementation Method 1
Suction jet pumps are based on the principle that a negative pressure is generated by the delivery of a propulsion jet through an intake manifold in the region of an intake point, with the result that fuel located in the vicinity is carried along.
Implementation Method 2
a voltage being applied to the electric motor connected to a pump stage, a fuel volume can be delivered
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel delivery unit in a fuel tank includes a fuel pump drivable by an electric motor. The fuel pump has at least one suction jet pump for delivering fuel, the suction jet pump being operated by a propulsion jet that is deliverable by the fuel pump. The fuel pump is arranged in a swirl pot, which is fillable by the suction jet pump, and the fuel pump has a first outlet, through which fuel is deliverable to a consumer, and a second outlet openable or closable by a valve.