Suction Jet Pump Integrated Into Tank Sensor

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tank systems for commercial vehicles require a separate fuel pump and connecting lines that run below the frame, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for additional components like tank sensors and unsatisfactory suction jet pump connections.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a suction jet pump into the tank sensor to serve both fuel removal and level measurement functions, allowing the suction jet pump to also handle fuel transfer between the main and auxiliary tanks, enabling the connecting line to be routed arbitrarily, including above the frame, and using returned fuel to drive the pump.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a separate fuel pump is used to remove fuel from the additional tank, then fuel can be pumped from the additional tank, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel removal capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ejector pump is integrated into the tank sensor assembly, merging the fuel removal function with the existing level measurement function. This combination eliminates the need for a completely separate pump system while maintaining fuel removal capability from the additional tank.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ejector pump serves multiple functions: it removes fuel from the additional tank, transfers fuel to the main tank through the connecting line, and can be driven by returned fuel from the engine. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the connecting line is routed below the frame to ensure constant fuel filling, then the connecting line remains filled with fuel, but the adaptability of tank positioning is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnecting line fuel fillingVSAvoidtank positioning flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ejector pump actively pumps fuel through the connecting line from the additional tank to the main tank, ensuring the line remains filled with fuel without relying on gravitational flow or specific routing below the frame. This self-service mechanism allows flexible routing of the connecting line above or below the frame while maintaining reliable fuel transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If a suction jet pump is used as the fuel pump, then fuel can be removed from the fuel tank, but the device complexity increases due to the additional ejector pump component

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel removal capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ejector pump is integrated into the tank sensor assembly, merging the fuel removal function with the existing level measurement function. This combination eliminates the need for a completely separate pump system while maintaining fuel removal capability from the additional tank.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used for fuel removal and level measurement, then each function can be performed independently, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional independenceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The ejector pump is integrated into the tank sensor assembly, merging the fuel removal function with the existing level measurement function. This combination eliminates the need for a completely separate pump system while maintaining fuel removal capability from the additional tank.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ejector pump serves multiple functions: it removes fuel from the additional tank, transfers fuel to the main tank through the connecting line, and can be driven by returned fuel from the engine. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces the need for additional components, allows flexible routing of the connecting line, and integrates the suction jet pump into the tank sensor, creating a multifunctional component that enhances fuel management and reduces structural limitations.

Implementation Method 1

the suction jet pump known per se, or at least not only to use it for removing fuel from the main tank of the tank system, but also to use a suction jet pump for the additional tank in order to remove the fuel from the additional tank and to the to promote main tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3222843B1Tank system with a suction jet pump

Publication Date: 2022.01.12 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE

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AI summary

The invention relates to a fuel tank system (15) for a motor vehicle (16) with an internal combustion engine (17), in particular for a commercial vehicle with a diesel engine (17), comprising a fuel tank (18, 19) for holding fuel, in particular diesel fuel, for operating the internal combustion engine (17) and a jet pump for pumping the fuel from the fuel tank (18, 19). It is proposed that the fuel tank (18, 19) is an auxiliary tank (19) and that the jet pump pumps the fuel from the auxiliary tank (19) into a main tank (18), from which the internal combustion engine (17) is supplied with fuel.