Fuel Valve Leak Detection via Segmented Flanges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing and manufacturing a double-walled valve for a fuel supply system in gaseous or dual fuel engines is complex, and existing solutions do not effectively address fuel leakage detection and inert gas purging.
Innovation Solution
A valve with a single-walled valve housing that includes a movable valve body and flanges to communicate with a double-walled connecting element, utilizing sealing members and a solenoid for fluid control, allowing for detection of fuel leaks and inert gas purging without the complexity of a double-walled design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a double-walled valve design is used to provide leak detection space and inert gas purging functionality, then fuel leakage detection capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into separate functional components: a single-walled valve body for fluid control, and a separate double-walled connecting element for leak detection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining leak detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The leak detection space is merged with the connecting element structure rather than being a separate component. The detection space is formed by the annular region between the inner and outer walls of the connecting element, which are already required for structural integrity and fluid distribution.
2Reliability
If a double-walled valve design is used to provide leak detection space, then fuel leakage detection capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into separately manufacturable components (valve body and connecting element). This allows standard manufacturing processes to be used for each component without requiring complex precision double-walled valve manufacturing, while still achieving leak detection functionality through the connecting element's annular space.
3Ease of operation
If electrical components are placed within the valve housing for solenoid operation, then ease of operation is improved, but safety risks from flammable environments increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid and other electrical components are extracted from the valve housing and placed in a separate, safe location. The valve body includes external mounting features that allow the solenoid to be positioned away from flammable fuel environments while still providing effective electromagnetic actuation of the valve.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the remotely positioned solenoid and the valve body. The solenoid generates a magnetic field that acts on a magnet or ferromagnetic component in the valve body, enabling contactless actuation and eliminating the need for electrical contacts within the flammable environment.
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 enables effective detection of fuel leaks and purging of the fuel supply system with inert gas, reducing manufacturing complexity and ensuring electrical components are isolated from flammable environments, while maintaining leak detection functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The valve body is movably disposed within the channel of the valve housing
Implementation Method 2
The second flange may include a passage therethrough in fluid communication with a detection space of the double-walled connecting element
Implementation Method 3
The valve is configured to selectively purge the whole fuel supply system with an inert gas
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve (142) for a fuel supply system (100) of an internal combustion engine (102) is disclosed. The valve (142) may include a valve housing (150) that defines a channel (164) therethrough. The channel (164) may be in fluid communication with an inert gas supply line (110) at a first end (152) of the valve housing (150). The valve housing (150) may include a first flange (158) disposed at a second end (156) thereof. A valve body (174) may be disposed within the channel (164) of the valve housing (150) and may allow the channel (164) of the valve housing (150) to communicate with an inner bore (166) of a double-walled connecting element (114). A second flange (190) may be disposed adjacent to the first flange (158). The first flange (158) and the second flange (190) may be coupled to the double-walled connecting element (114). The second flange (190) may include a passage (202) therethrough in fluid communication with a detection space (172) of the double-walled connecting element (114). The first flange (158) and the second flange (190) may define a detection gap (208) therebetween. The detection gap (208) may be fluidly communicated with the passage (202) of the second flange (190).