Inflatable Bladder Fuel Primer for Rapid System Pressurization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automobile fuel systems without a primer configuration face difficulties in recharging the fuel pump and fuel line after extended idle periods, requiring prolonged engine starting to prime the system, which can be challenging due to battery discharge issues.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable bladder with a pressure relief valve and an air pump is inserted into the fuel tank filler neck, allowing for quick pressurization of the fuel system by supplying compressed air to prime the fuel pump without needing extended engine operation, using a manually operated air pump to ensure safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine is run with the starter motor for several minutes to recharge the fuel pump and fuel line, then the fuel system can be primed, but the battery may not have enough charge to sustain the starter motor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the fuel system into two separate priming paths: (1) the traditional path using the fuel pump and fuel line, and (2) a new path using a separate primer pump and primer fuel line that connects directly to the carburetor. This segmentation allows priming to occur independently of the main fuel system, enabling reliable fuel delivery without requiring extended starter motor operation and battery charge
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a primer pump as an intermediary device that directly delivers fuel to the carburetor bypassing the fuel pump and fuel line. This intermediary primer pump system enables fuel priming without relying on the starter motor and battery, resolving the contradiction between achieving fuel system priming and conserving battery charge
2Reliability
If the engine is run for extended periods to prime the fuel system, then the fuel pump and fuel line can be recharged, but the process becomes time-consuming and difficult particularly after extended idle periods
Solution Approach 1:
The primer pump system is pre-configured and ready for immediate use, allowing fuel priming to occur quickly without requiring the engine to be cranked for extended periods. The separate primer fuel line and carburetor connection enable immediate fuel delivery to the carburetor, significantly reducing the time required for fuel system priming compared to traditional methods
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the fuel delivery system into a separate primer pump path that connects directly to the carburetor, the invention eliminates the time-consuming process of cranking the engine to prime the fuel system. This segmented approach allows rapid fuel priming independent of engine operation, directly addressing the time loss issue
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
This solution enables quicker and more efficient recharging of the fuel system, reducing the need for prolonged engine starting and ensuring a reliable fuel supply even after extended idle periods.
Implementation Method 1
an air pump coupled to an inlet of the inflatable bladder and configured to supply compressed air to an interior of the inflatable bladder
Implementation Method 2
a pressure relief valve disposed at a distal end of the inflatable bladder and in fluid communication with an interior of the inflatable bladder. When the inflatable bladder is in the expanded state, the pressure relief valve is configured to release a portion of the compressed air from the interior of the inflatable bladder into the fuel tank
Data Source
AI summary
Automobile fuel system pressurization apparatuses include systems that are positionable against or insertable into a filler neck of a fuel tank to provide quicker methods of recharging a fuel pump and a fuel line in an automobile without having to run a starter motor for an extended period. One embodiment of the automobile fuel system pressurization apparatus includes an air pump and an inflatable bladder coupled to the air pump, which is deformable between an expanded state and a deflated state. Another embodiment of the automobile fuel system pressurization apparatus includes an air pump coupled to a filler neck sealing element. The air pump directly provides compressed air to the fuel tank, after compressed air is routed through a centrally positioned thru-hole of the filler neck sealing element. Methods of pressurizing an automobile fuel tank to prime a fuel pump, using automobile fuel system pressurization apparatus are also disclosed.