Anti-Siphon Jet Pump Outlet Positioning for Fuel Reservoirs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional jet pumps in fuel supply systems face reliability issues due to unwanted siphoning of fuel back into the main tank when the fuel pump is turned off, which can prevent proper re-starting, and the common solution of using a check valve increases complexity and energy wastage.
Innovation Solution
The design positions the jet pump's outlets above the fuel pump reservoir, eliminating the need for a check valve by ensuring fuel flows back into the reservoir only when the pump is operational, and integrates a suction inlet that prevents siphoning without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a check valve is added to the jet pump flow path to prevent fuel siphoning, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the check valve component from the jet pump assembly by redirecting the outlet to discharge above the reservoir. This extraction of the unnecessary component simplifies the device structure while maintaining the anti-siphon function through gravitational drainage instead of mechanical valve control.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a check valve to actively prevent reverse flow, the invention inverts the approach by positioning the outlet to allow fuel to drain back into the reservoir through gravity when the pump stops. This passive gravitational drainage replaces the active mechanical prevention mechanism.
2Reliability
If a check valve is added to the jet pump flow path to prevent fuel siphoning, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is removed from the system, eliminating the energy loss associated with fuel overcoming the valve resistance during normal operation. The gravitational drainage mechanism requires no additional energy input while maintaining the same reliability function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harmful effect of fuel siphoning into a beneficial gravitational drainage mechanism. When the pump stops, fuel naturally drains back into the reservoir using gravity, turning what would be a reliability problem into an energy-efficient passive safety mechanism.
3Reliability
If the outlet is positioned at or above the upper portion of the reservoir, then siphoning is prevented and reliability improves, but the jet pump structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet is repositioned from the traditional lateral discharge location to an elevated position above or at the upper portion of the reservoir. This dimensional change in outlet positioning uses gravity to ensure fuel drains back into the reservoir, preventing siphoning without requiring additional structural components.
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 configuration enhances reliability by preventing fuel siphoning without the need for check valves, reducing complexity and energy wastage while maintaining efficient fuel supply during harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle positioned on an interior of the body in fluid communication with the main inlet and configured to receive the flow of pressurized fuel and to convert the flow from a high pressure, low velocity flow to a low pressure, high velocity flow
Implementation Method 2
The low pressure suction area of the jet pump is in communication with the fuel in the main fuel tank so that the fuel from the main fuel tank is drawn into the suction area of the jet pump
Implementation Method 3
a suction inlet of the body in fluid communication with the mixing tube channel, and configured to be fluidly coupled to a fuel source so that fuel from the fuel source can be drawn into the jet pump through the suction inlet by the pressure differential across the nozzle
Implementation Method 4
The outlet is positioned at or above an upper portion of the reservoir such that fuel pours down into the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel supply system includes a fuel supply pump and a jet pump utilizing flow from the supply pump to supply fuel to a fuel pump reservoir from a main fuel tank. The jet pump includes a body with a main inlet coupled to an outlet of the supply pump provided at its upper end. A nozzle is positioned on an interior of the body. A mixing tube is defined by the body downstream of the nozzle, and defines a channel extending along an axis. A suction inlet of the body is in fluid communication with the mixing tube channel. A jet pump outlet formed in the body is positioned at or above an upper portion of the reservoir such that fuel pours down into the reservoir. The body redirects fuel in a direction away from the axis for discharge through the jet pump outlet.