Fuel System Cover Integrating Leak Sensor for Marine Engine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fuel systems for internal combustion engines face challenges with fuel leakage, particularly in marine environments, where existing solutions require additional components or special configurations, and additional fuel leak detection equipment, increasing costs.

Innovation Solution

A fuel system cover is designed to encapsulate external fuel system components, featuring a housing with a chamber that mounts to the cylinder head assembly, incorporating a fuel leak sensor to detect leaks and prevent environmental contamination, while maintaining compatibility with various engine types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If double wall components are provided for redundant protection, then fuel leak prevention is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel leak preventionVSAvoidcomponent structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the protective enclosure and fuel system components into a single integrated fuel system cover assembly. The cover houses fuel lines, fittings, and sensors within one encapsulated structure, eliminating the need for separate double-wall components while maintaining leak prevention functionality through the sealed chamber design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If special configuration requirements are provided for fuel system components, then fuel leak prevention is improved, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel leak preventionVSAvoidcomponent compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel system cover is designed as a universal enclosure that can accommodate various fuel system configurations including different fuel line arrangements, fittings, and sensor types. The standardized cover design with appropriate mounting features allows it to be adapted to multiple engine types and fuel system layouts without requiring specialized components for each application.

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

3Measurement precision

If fuel leak detection equipment is added, then leak detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel leak detectionVSAvoiddetection system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The leak detection sensor is integrated directly into the fuel system cover assembly, merging the detection function with the protective enclosure. This integration eliminates the need for separate external detection equipment and complex wiring systems, as the sensor is positioned within the sealed chamber to directly monitor for fuel leaks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If external fuel system components are enclosed in a cover, then fuel leak prevention is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel leak preventionVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel system cover assembly is designed as a modular unit that can be manufactured separately and then installed as a complete assembly. The cover, housing, and sensor components are produced as discrete parts that are subsequently assembled, allowing for specialized manufacturing processes for each component while simplifying the overall installation process on the engine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12012913B2Fuel system cover for an internal combustion engine
Publication Date: 2024.06.18 CUMMINS INC
  • US12012913B2 patent drawing
  • US12012913B2 patent drawing
  • US12012913B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A fuel system cover is provided for an internal combustion engine. The fuel system cover is configured to be mounted on the cylinder head assembly to encapsulate a portion of the fuel system to provide leak prevention, mitigation, and detection capabilities.