Compact Fuel Supply Device with Integrated Buffer Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel supply devices for diesel engines are bulky, difficult to install, and prone to pressure losses due to complex pipe routing, with materials constraints limiting pipe material choices and sensitivity to thermal radiation.
Innovation Solution
A compact fuel supply device design featuring a pump with a buffer volume enclosed by two casings, where the casings can be made of plastic or metal, and a pressure relief valve to manage fuel pressure, reducing the need for external pipes and minimizing pressure losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filtration device with buffer tank and connecting lines is installed, then fuel pressure can be regulated, but the device occupies large volume and requires complex installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the buffer tank and filtration device into a single integrated unit with the pump, eliminating the need for separate connecting lines and external buffer tanks. This integration directly reduces the overall device volume while maintaining fuel pressure regulation functionality through the internally designed buffer chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer tank is nested within the housing structure of the pump assembly, with the buffer chamber formed as an internal void space between the pump body and the outer housing. This nesting approach eliminates external connecting lines and reduces the total volume occupied by the filtration device.
2Loss of energy
If connecting lines are routed with few bends to avoid pressure losses, then pressure losses are reduced, but installation complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the buffer tank and connecting lines within the pump housing, the patent eliminates external pipe routing entirely. The fuel flow paths are formed as internal channels within the housing structure, completely removing pressure losses from external line bends and simplifying installation to a single unit mounting operation.
3Weight of moving object
If buffer tank is made of plastic to reduce weight, then weight is reduced, but material selection is constrained by thermal radiation sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different components: the buffer chamber is formed as a void space within the housing rather than a separate tank, allowing the housing material to be selected based on thermal requirements while the overall assembly remains lightweight. The housing can be made of plastic for weight reduction or metal for thermal resistance depending on specific application requirements.
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 results in a lightweight, robust, and easy-to-install fuel supply device that minimizes pressure losses and thermal sensitivity, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing acoustic impact while simplifying installation and reducing the risk of leaks.
Implementation Method 1
a pump (11) capable of pressurizing fuel
Implementation Method 2
This filtration device makes it possible in particular to regulate the fuel pressure upstream of the pump
Implementation Method 3
The second fuel outlet (32) may include a valve (34), the valve being capable of opening if the fuel pressure in the buffer volume (23) exceeds a pressure threshold
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Fuel supply device (10), characterised in that it comprises: · a pump (11) suitable for pressurising a fuel, · a first housing (21) at least partially surrounding the pump (11), · a buffer volume (23) defined between the first housing (21) and the pump (11), · a fuel inlet (33) to the buffer volume (23) intended to be connected upstream to a fuel tank (5), · a first fuel outlet (31) from the buffer volume (23) to the pump (11), · a second fuel outlet (32) from the buffer volume (23) intended to be connected downstream to a fuel tank (5).