Fuel Supply Module With Dual Inlet Pump And Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel supply systems face inefficiencies in controlling fuel pumps, leading to increased electrical energy consumption and reduced performance, particularly in managing fuel pressure and purging air and fuel vapor from reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
A fuel supply module with a reservoir and fuel pump system that includes a manifold and pressure sensor, where the fuel pump has separate inlets for liquid fuel and air, and a control system that adjusts power supply based on sensor inputs to optimize fuel delivery and pressure, reducing energy consumption and improving system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fuel pump operates continuously at high power to maintain fuel pressure and supply engine demand, then fuel delivery reliability is improved, but electrical energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel pump motor operates in multiple modes (off, low power, high power) based on real-time system conditions including fuel pressure sensor feedback and engine demand signals. The controller dynamically adjusts pump operation to match actual needs, avoiding continuous high-power operation while maintaining fuel delivery reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A fuel pressure sensor provides continuous feedback to the controller about the actual fuel pressure in the system. The controller uses this feedback along with engine demand signals to determine when and how much to operate the fuel pump, enabling closed-loop control that optimizes energy consumption while maintaining required fuel pressure.
2Productivity
If the fuel pump inlet is positioned lower to improve fuel intake from the reservoir, then fuel pumping efficiency is improved, but air and fuel vapor purging capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel pump is equipped with two separate inlet ports: a first inlet positioned lower for efficient fuel intake, and a second inlet positioned higher specifically for air and fuel vapor purging. This segmentation allows each inlet to perform its dedicated function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the fuel pump inlet structure have different functions: the lower first inlet is optimized for fuel intake with larger opening area, while the upper second inlet is optimized for vapor purging with smaller opening area. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between pumping efficiency and vapor management.
3Measurement precision
If the pressure sensor is positioned to directly communicate with the fuel reservoir for accurate pressure measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A manifold serves as an intermediary component that distributes fuel to multiple locations including the pressure sensor. The manifold provides a controlled communication path between the fuel system and the pressure sensor, enabling accurate pressure measurement without requiring direct sensor placement in the reservoir, thus maintaining simplicity.
4Productivity
If the fuel pump motor operates at high speed to meet peak engine fuel demand, then fuel supply capability is improved, but electrical energy consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel pump operates in periodic cycles, alternating between off period, low power period, and high power period based on engine demand and fuel pressure conditions. This periodic operation allows the system to meet peak fuel demand when necessary while reducing energy consumption during normal or low-demand operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the operational parameters of the fuel pump motor (power level, speed) based on real-time conditions. The motor can operate at different power levels (low power, high power) or remain off, allowing the system to adapt fuel supply capability to actual engine needs while minimizing energy consumption.
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
The solution enhances fuel delivery efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and effectively manages air and fuel vapor purging, leading to improved engine performance and extended fuel pump lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a first inlet communicating with the internal volume to take fuel into the fuel pump from the internal volume and a second inlet spaced above the first inlet relative to the direction of the force of gravity to take fluid into the fuel pump from the internal volume
Data Source
AI summary
In at least some implementations, a fuel supply module includes a reservoir and a fuel pump carried by the reservoir. The reservoir may include a body and a lid that define an internal volume to contain a supply of fuel, and the reservoir may include an inlet through which fuel enters the internal volume and an outlet from which fuel is discharged from the fuel supply module. The fuel pump is carried by the reservoir and has a first inlet communicating with the internal volume to take fuel into the fuel pump from the internal volume and a second inlet spaced above the first inlet relative to the direction of the force of gravity to take fluid or vapors into the fuel pump from the internal volume. The fuel pump includes an outlet from which fluid is discharged for delivery to an engine through the reservoir outlet.