Fuel Filter Riser Pipe Constriction for Gas Bubble Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel filters in heaters, particularly in diesel vehicles, are prone to gas bubbles forming and entering the pump, leading to fuel pressure collapse and heater failure, which current solutions address using additional and costly venting devices or components.
Innovation Solution
A fuel filter design with a constriction section in the riser pipe, reducing its inner diameter to prevent large gas bubbles from reaching the pump, breaking them into smaller bubbles that can be safely suctioned without collapsing fuel pressure, thus avoiding the need for external venting devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the riser pipe has a normal diameter, then fuel flow is smooth, but large gas bubbles can pass through and cause pump pressure collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the riser pipe's inner diameter parameter. The riser pipe has a reduced inner diameter (smaller than the outflow channel) to prevent large gas bubbles from passing through to the pump, while still allowing filtered fuel to flow. This parameter modification directly addresses the harmful effect of gas bubbles causing pump pressure collapse.
2Reliability
If additional venting devices are used to remove gas bubbles, then pump pressure collapse is prevented, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gas bubble removal function from separate external venting devices and integrates it directly into the riser pipe structure. By incorporating the gas bubble prevention function within the existing fuel filter assembly through the narrowed riser pipe, the design eliminates the need for additional Tigerloop venting devices or other external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the gas bubble prevention function with the existing riser pipe structure. The riser pipe serves dual purposes: it allows filtered fuel to pass from the filter element to the outflow channel while simultaneously preventing large gas bubbles from reaching the pump due to its reduced diameter. This combines multiple functions into a single integrated component.
3Reliability
If the riser pipe diameter is reduced, then gas bubbles are blocked, but fuel flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a localized diameter reduction specifically in the riser pipe section where gas bubbles are most likely to accumulate and cause problems. The narrowed section is positioned strategically to intercept gas bubbles before they reach the pump, while the rest of the fuel flow path maintains adequate dimensions to minimize flow resistance.
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 enhances heating operation safety and reduces maintenance and costs by preventing fuel pressure collapse and allowing continued heater operation without additional components, while maintaining compatibility with existing filter heads and risers.
Implementation Method 1
the pump generates a vacuum on the suction side
Implementation Method 2
a collapse of the fuel pressure on the outlet side of the pump, the known device has a gas collection space
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A fuel filter (1') comprises a filter head (3) and a filter pot (2) detachably connected to it, the pot containing a filter element (10). The filter head (3) has both an inlet channel (6) and an outlet channel (7) for the fuel, such that the fuel flow path extends from the inlet channel (6) in the filter head (3) through the filter pot (2) and the filter element (10) located therein to the outlet channel (7) in the filter head (3). The filter head (3) is connected to a riser pipe (12) projecting into the filter element (10). The riser pipe (12) includes a constricted section (14) with a cross-sectional area no larger than that of a circle with a diameter of 0.9 cm.