Fuel Sub-Tank Inflow Design for Turnover Fuel Loss Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel supply devices for internal combustion engines face issues with fuel loss from the inflow opening when the vehicle turns or brakes abruptly, leading to a need for a solution that prevents fuel outflow without compromising the fuel supply mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A fuel supply device with a sub-tank having a temporary storage region and an air vent hole positioned above the inflow opening, allowing fuel to flow smoothly while preventing outflow through the inflow opening by utilizing the top part of the temporary storage region to retain fuel during vehicle maneuvers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the sub-tank has an inflow opening at the uppermost part to allow fuel to flow in under gravity, then fuel can be temporarily stored in the sub-tank, but fuel may flow out through the inflow opening when the vehicle turns or brakes abruptly
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-tank is divided into two functional regions: a temporary storage region for holding fuel and a discharge region for controlled fuel delivery. This segmentation allows fuel to be stored without risking unintended discharge, as the regions are spatially separated and controlled by different mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the inflow opening at the uppermost part as in conventional designs, the inflow opening is positioned at a lower part of the sub-tank. This inversion prevents fuel from flowing out during vehicle maneuvers while still allowing gravity-driven fuel intake from the main tank.
2Ease of operation
If the inflow opening is positioned at the uppermost part of the sub-tank, then fuel can naturally flow into the sub-tank, but the fuel may discharge as outflow when the vehicle turns
Solution Approach 1:
A check valve is installed at the inflow opening to preliminarily prevent fuel from flowing backward or discharging unintentionally. This preliminary action ensures that even when the vehicle turns or brakes, fuel cannot escape through the inflow opening, maintaining reliable fuel supply.
Solution Approach 2:
A check valve serves as an intermediary component between the main fuel tank and the sub-tank. It mediates the fuel flow, allowing gravity-driven flow into the sub-tank while blocking reverse flow or discharge during vehicle maneuvers.
3Quantity of substance
If the sub-tank stores fuel in a large volume, then more fuel can be temporarily stored, but fuel loss increases during vehicle maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-tank is segmented into a temporary storage region with larger capacity and a controlled discharge region. This allows the system to store large volumes of fuel while controlling discharge through the check valve and regional separation, preventing fuel loss during maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve provides preliminary anti-action by preventing fuel from flowing out through the inflow opening before any discharge can occur. This anticipatory prevention mechanism ensures that large fuel volumes stored in the sub-tank do not result in waste during vehicle turns or braking.
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 effectively prevents fuel loss during vehicle turns and braking by ensuring the fuel remains within the temporary storage region, maintaining a stable fuel supply to the engine even when the vehicle is in motion.
Implementation Method 1
an inflow opening to allow the fuel to flow into the sub-tank under its own weight
Implementation Method 2
the fuel may shift within the temporary storage region itself when a vehicle turns, for example, or at the time of abrupt braking, etc., due to the region having the top part which is positioned higher than the inflow opening
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel supply device includes a fuel pump for delivering fuel within the fuel tank to the outside and a sub-tank having a temporary storage region capable of temporarily storing the fuel. The sub-tank includes an inflow opening to allow the fuel to flow into the sub-tank under its own weight. The temporary storage region includes a top part positioned above the inflow opening.