Inflatable Bladder Fuel System Primer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automobile fuel systems lack a simple and efficient method to recharge the fuel pump and fuel line after extended idle periods or when the engine runs out of fuel, requiring prolonged engine starting to prime the system, which can be difficult due to battery drain.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable bladder system with a pump and pressure relief valve is inserted into the fuel tank filler neck, allowing for manual pressurization of the fuel system by compressing air into the bladder, creating a seal and releasing air to prime the fuel pump without needing extended engine operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine is run with the starter motor to recharge the fuel pump and fuel line, then the fuel system is primed, but the battery charge is depleted and the process takes extended time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a manual pump to introduce compressed air into a bladder within the fuel tank. The air pressure deforms the bladder to displace fuel from the tank through the fuel pump and line, priming the system without requiring engine operation. This pneumatic approach replaces the electrical energy-intensive starter motor method.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses manual pumping by the operator to generate the necessary air pressure directly at the fuel tank, making the fuel system self-priming without relying on the battery or starter motor. The operator's manual input replaces the need for electrical power during the priming process.
2Reliability
If the engine is run with the starter motor for several minutes to prime the fuel system, then the fuel pump and line are recharged, but the process takes extended time
Solution Approach 1:
Compressed air introduced into the bladder creates immediate pressure to displace fuel through the system. This pneumatic pressure delivery is more direct and faster than the gradual priming achieved by running the starter motor and fuel pump for extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The bladder is positioned within the fuel tank and pre-connected to the fuel pump inlet. When air is introduced, the bladder immediately begins displacing fuel, preparing the system for operation without the delay of extended engine cranking required in conventional methods.
3Ease of operation
If a primer button is provided to feed fuel to the carburetor, then fuel delivery is improved, but no such configuration is provided for automobile engines
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder is nested within the existing fuel tank structure, utilizing the available space without requiring external additions. This nested configuration provides primer-button-like functionality while maintaining compact integration within the automobile's existing fuel system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The bladder acts as an intermediary device between the manual pump and the fuel pump inlet. It translates manual pumping action into direct fuel displacement, providing ease of operation similar to a primer button while integrating with the existing automobile fuel system without major modifications.
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
Enables quick and efficient recharging of the fuel system without prolonged engine starting, ensuring the fuel pump and line are primed effectively, even when the engine has been idle for an extended period.
Implementation Method 1
A pump is coupled to the inlet of the inflatable bladder and is configured to supply compressed air to the interior of the inflatable bladder
Implementation Method 2
In the expanded state, the exterior surface of the inflatable bladder is configured to provide an air-tight seal in a filler neck of a fuel tank
Implementation Method 3
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
An automobile fuel system pressurization apparatus includes an inflatable bladder having a proximal end, a distal end, an exterior surface, and an inlet accessing an interior. The inflatable bladder being deformable between an expanded state and a deflated state. In the expanded state, the exterior surface of the inflatable bladder is configured to provide an air-tight seal in a filler neck of a fuel tank. A pump is coupled to the inlet of the inflatable bladder and is configured to supply air pressure to the interior of the inflatable bladder. A pressure relief valve is disposed at the distal end of the inflatable bladder and is in fluid communication with the 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 air pressure from the interior of the inflatable bladder into the fuel tank.