Integrated Fuel Filter with Variable Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional fuel system for vehicles requires two separate filters, increasing production and replacement costs due to the need for both an inlet filter and a fuel filter to remove foreign materials from fuel during refueling and engine operation.
Innovation Solution
An integrated fuel filter device that uses a single filter to remove foreign materials from both fuel supplied to the engine and fuel stored in a bombe, with a variable shut-off valve controlling the flow paths to manage refueling and engine operation, eliminating the need for a separate inlet filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate filters (inlet filter and fuel filter) are used to filter foreign materials from fuel during refueling and engine operation, then the filtration effectiveness is improved, but the production cost and replacement cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inlet filter and fuel filter into a single integrated filter assembly. The filter element is positioned to filter fuel from both the refueling line (inlet filter function) and the fuel supply line to the engine (fuel filter function), eliminating the need for two separate filters while maintaining dual filtration capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The single filter assembly performs multiple functions: it acts as an inlet filter for refueling operations and as a fuel filter for engine supply operations. The filter element is designed to handle both refueling flow and engine supply flow, making it a multi-functional component that replaces two separate filters
2Reliability
If two separate filters (inlet filter and fuel filter) are used in the fuel system, then the filtration coverage is improved, but the maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the inlet filter and fuel filter into one integrated assembly, the patent reduces the number of filters that need to be purchased and replaced. The single filter element serves both filtration needs, thereby reducing maintenance costs and simplifying the replacement process
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 integrated filter reduces production and replacement costs by consolidating the filtration function, effectively filtering foreign materials from both engine-supplied and bombe-stored fuel using a single device.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel filter disposed at a fuel feed line between a bombe and an engine... capable of filtering foreign materials from fuel supplied to an engine
Implementation Method 2
a variable shut-off valve configured to control a flow of the fuel delivered from the pump to the inlet of the fuel filter and a flow of the fuel delivered from the outlet of the fuel filter to the bombe
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated fuel filter device for a vehicle includes a fuel filter disposed at a fuel feed line between a bombe and an engine, a pump for delivering fuel inside the bombe to the engine via the fuel feed line, a first fuel filling line connected to an inlet of the fuel filter and configured to guide fuel refueled from an outside of the vehicle to the inlet of the fuel filter, a second fuel filling line connected between an outlet of the fuel filter and the bombe and configured to guide the fuel passing through the fuel filter to the bombe, and a variable shut-off valve for controlling a flow of the fuel delivered from the pump to the inlet of the fuel filter and a flow of the fuel delivered from the outlet of the fuel filter to the bombe.