Fuel Pump Shut-off Valve with Radial Holes and Movable Shutter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shut-off valves for controlling the flow rate of fuel pumps in internal combustion engines are mechanically complex, lack accuracy in flow rate regulation, and have an unfavorable performance/cost ratio, leading to increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A cost-effective shut-off valve with a cylindrical design, featuring a ferromagnetic steel body, an electromagnetic actuator, and a movable shutter with a chromium coating, allowing precise control of the intake stroke duration by an electronic control unit, ensuring a wide passage section with minimal pressure loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a variable section choke is used to regulate flow rate, then flow rate control is achieved, but local pressure loss increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow rate control accuracyVSAvoidlocal pressure loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The valve body is segmented into multiple sections with radial through-holes, allowing fuel to flow through multiple paths simultaneously. This segmentation maintains a wide effective passage section while enabling precise flow control through the movable shutter, thereby reducing local pressure loss while maintaining control accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shutter is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the flow passage area. This dynamic capability enables precise flow rate control without requiring a variable section choke, and the shutter can be actuated by simple electromagnetic, piezoelectric, or shape memory alloy actuators rather than complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If existing shut-off valve designs are used, then flow rate control is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow rate regulation accuracyVSAvoidvalve structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with alternative actuation mechanisms such as electromagnetic actuators, piezoelectric actuators, or shape memory alloy actuators. This substitution maintains precise flow control capability while significantly reducing mechanical complexity and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve design integrates multiple functions into a single compact structure: the valve body with radial holes provides both flow distribution and sealing surfaces, the movable shutter provides both flow control and sealing, and the spring provides both return force and sealing pressure. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of energy

If a shut-off valve with wide passage section is used, then pressure loss is reduced, but flow rate control accuracy may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure lossVSAvoidflow rate control accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The radial through-holes segment the flow path into multiple parallel channels, effectively increasing the total passage area and reducing pressure loss. Meanwhile, the movable shutter can precisely control the opening area of each channel, maintaining flow control accuracy despite the wider overall passage section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the valve have different functional qualities: the radial holes provide wide open flow paths for minimal pressure loss, while the shutter edge provides a precise control point for flow regulation. This local differentiation of quality allows both wide passage and accurate control to coexist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 provides high accuracy and efficiency in controlling the flow rate with a favorable performance/cost ratio, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining optimal sealing and response speed.

Implementation Method 1

the actuator is of the electromagnetic type and comprises a coil (34) arranged externally around the tubular body (25)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

a mobile keeper (37), which has a cylindrical shape, is formed by ferromagnetic material, is mechanically connected to the shutter (29), and is adapted to be magnetically attracted by the magnetic pole (36)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP1895218B1Shut-off valve for controlling the flow rate of a fuel pump for an internal combustion engine
Publication Date: 2010.11.10 FAB ITAL MAGNETI MARELLI SPA
  • EP1895218B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1895218B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1895218B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A shut-off valve (21) of the flow rate of a fuel pump (6) for an internal combustion engine (2); the shut-off valve (21) is provided with: a tubular cylindrical body (25), which is closed on top, displays a cylindrical seat (26), the lower portion of which performs the function of fuel pipe, and comprises a number of radial through holes (27) to allow the introduction of fuel within the cylindrical seat (26); a lower plate (28), which is arranged within the tubular cylindrical body (25) and underneath the radial holes (27) and has a central through hole which defines an outlet opening (24) of the fuel.