Fuel Supply Device Using Compatibilizer for Stable Combustion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuel mixing technologies fail to achieve molecular-level mixing of main fuels and combustion improvers, leading to combustion stability issues and complex, expensive temperature adjustment mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A fuel supply device that uses a compatibilizer to mix a main fuel, such as ammonia or alcohol, with a combustion improver like light oil, utilizing a stirrer, temperature sensors, and a control system to determine compatibilizer supply amounts based on temperature readings, ensuring molecular-level mixing and stable combustion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a surfactant is used to promote mixing of main fuel and combustion improver, then mixing is enhanced macroscopically, but molecular-level mixing is not achieved and combustion stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion stabilityVSAvoidmixing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a compatibilizer as an intermediary substance that has affinity for both the main fuel (ammonia) and the combustion improver (hydrocarbon-based liquid fuel). This compatibilizer acts as a molecular bridge to facilitate molecular-level mixing between the two immiscible fuels, achieving homogeneous mixing at the molecular level rather than just macroscopic mixing with surfactants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If temperature adjustment mechanism is used to maintain mixed fuel properties, then fuel stability is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixed fuel stabilityVSAvoidtemperature adjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a compatibilizer that enables the mixed fuel to maintain its stability and homogeneity through its own chemical properties rather than requiring external temperature control systems. The compatibilizer self-regulates the mixing stability by its molecular interaction with both fuel components, eliminating the need for complex temperature adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Achieves stable combustion by molecular-level mixing of fuels with a simple and cost-effective configuration, avoiding complex temperature maintenance systems.

Implementation Method 1

the mixed fuel is produced by mixing a compatibilizer, the main fuel, and the combustion improver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

mixing of the main fuel and the combustion improver at a molecular level has not been achieved

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMolecular mixing: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP4621207A1Fuel supply device and engine system
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 YANMAR HLDG CO LTD
  • EP4621207A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4621207A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4621207A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

[Problem] To provide a fuel supply device and an engine system capable of obtaining combustion stability by mixing a main fuel and a combustion improver at a molecular level. [Solution] A fuel supply device 5, which is applied to an engine system 1 including an engine 2 that operates with a mixed fuel composed of a main fuel such as ammonia or an alcohol and a combustion improver made from a hydrocarbon-based liquid fuel such as light oil, kerosene, or heavy oil and supplies the mixed fuel to the engine 2, mixes a compatibilizer, the main fuel, and the combustion improver to produce the mixed fuel.