Fuel Pump Speed Control via Vibrational Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle fuel pump systems require complex interconnection with the engine or engine control system to monitor fuel demand, increasing development and implementation costs and energy inefficiency due to simplistic high-speed motor operation.
Innovation Solution
A variable speed fuel pump motor controlled by an environmental noise transducer, which converts vibrational energy into electrical signals to adjust motor speed based on fuel demand, eliminating the need for direct engine or engine control system interconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the fuel pump system is interconnected with the engine control system to monitor fuel demand, then the fuel efficiency and component lifespan are improved through dynamic speed adjustment, but the device complexity and implementation cost increase due to additional electrical conductors and connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fuel demand sensing function from the engine control system and relocates it to the fuel pump system itself. The environmental noise transducer and its associated circuitry are integrated into the fuel pump assembly, allowing the pump to independently sense fuel demand through vibrational signals without requiring complex interconnection to the engine control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel pump system performs its own fuel demand sensing and speed control functions autonomously. The environmental noise transducer mounted on the fuel pump housing detects vibrational signals generated by the engine, and the control circuitry processes these signals to dynamically adjust the motor speed accordingly, eliminating the need for external control system intervention.
2Productivity
If the fuel pump motor operates at high speed to meet peak fuel demand, then the fuel delivery capability is sufficient, but the energy efficiency deteriorates and component lifespan decreases due to continuous high-speed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic speed control of the fuel pump motor based on real-time fuel demand conditions. The environmental noise transducer continuously monitors vibrational signals that correlate with engine fuel demand, and the control circuitry adjusts the motor speed dynamically - operating at lower speeds during moderate demand and increasing to higher speeds only when peak fuel delivery is required, thereby optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining adequate productivity.
3Device complexity
If environmental noise transducer is used to sense fuel demand, then the interconnection complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision may be affected by environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the fuel pump housing and mounting structure as an intermediary mechanical pathway to transmit engine vibrational signals to the environmental noise transducer. This indirect coupling through the housing structure allows the transducer to sense fuel demand-related vibrations while being isolated from direct exposure to harsh environmental conditions such as fuel, moisture, and extreme temperatures.
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 enhances fuel efficiency and component lifespan by dynamically adjusting pump speed according to engine demand without additional complexity, reducing energy waste and component exposure to environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an environmental noise transducer, which converts vibrational energy into electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel pump controller includes a detecting device for detecting environmental vibrational energy and converting the environmental vibrational energy into an electrical signal. A motor controller is coupled to a fuel pump motor wherein the electrical signal is used by the controller to command the fuel pump motor to operate at one of a plurality of speeds wherein the commanded speed is at least in part a function of the environmental vibrational energy.