Liquid Propane Fuel System with Integrated Cooling Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing propane delivery systems for internal combustion engines face issues with evaporation loss (EVAP emissions) due to the boiling nature of liquid propane at normal pressure, leading to system failures and delayed engine start times. Additionally, these systems lack a singular distribution system for liquid propane, and fuel pumps are not easily accessible for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A propane delivery system that incorporates a singular distribution assembly capable of monitoring temperature and pressure, featuring a fuel pump assembly, a base tank valve adaptor, and rail assemblies. This system includes both proportional and direct injection capabilities, with a design that maintains liquid propane in a state suitable for injection, reducing EVAP emissions and allowing for easier maintenance without removing fuel from the tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a cooling system is added to maintain liquid propane below boiling temperature, then EVAP emissions are reduced, but system complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuel delivery system and cooling system into a single integrated unit. The fuel pump, distribution block, and cooling channels are merged into one assembly, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems and reducing the number of connection points where failures could occur. This integration maintains propane below boiling temperature while improving system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution block serves as an intermediary component that both delivers fuel and provides cooling channels. It acts as a heat exchanger that cools the liquid propane as it passes through, preventing evaporation without requiring a separate cooling system. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by embedding cooling functionality within the fuel delivery path.
2Productivity
If prior art propane delivery systems are used, then fuel can be delivered to the engine, but EVAP emissions occur due to propane evaporation at normal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the liquid propane by incorporating cooling channels in the distribution block. This temperature reduction keeps the propane below its boiling point, preventing evaporation and EVAP emissions while maintaining continuous fuel delivery to the engine.
3Productivity
If fuel pumps are located internally within the fuel tank or in remote locations, then fuel can be pumped, but maintenance time increases due to difficulty of access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fuel delivery system into modular components including the fuel pump, distribution block, and cooling channels as an integrated assembly that can be easily removed and serviced. This modular design allows maintenance personnel to access and service the pump without draining the tank or performing complex disassembly procedures.
4Productivity
If delayed purging of the system is implemented upon ignition, then fuel can be distributed, but start time is delayed due to evaporation of fuel in the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary cooling action through the distribution block's cooling channels, which continuously cool the fuel as it passes through before injection. This preliminary cooling prevents evaporation during system operation and eliminates the need for delayed purging, allowing immediate engine start without time loss.
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 system effectively reduces the possibility of system failure and EVAP emissions by maintaining liquid propane in a stable state throughout the distribution system, thereby reducing start time delays and improving overall system reliability. The accessible fuel pump design also reduces maintenance time.
Implementation Method 1
the distribution assembly is equipped to monitor the temperature and/or pressure of the fuel advancing through the distribution assembly
Implementation Method 2
the distribution assembly is equipped to monitor the temperature and/or pressure of the fuel advancing through the distribution assembly
Implementation Method 3
a cooling system to maintain the liquid fuel within the propane delivery systems, Butane in the case of Kaufmann, below the boiling temperature prior to supplying the fuel to the injection system
Implementation Method 4
The fuel may be advanced to the fuel rail system through the use of a pump, located internally within the fuel tank or external from the fuel tank
Data Source
AI summary
A system according to the present invention provides for a liquid injected propane fuel system for internal combustion engines which provides for a fuel pump assembly, a base tank valve adaptor, a distribution assembly, and rail assemblies; a first embodiment of the liquid injected propane fuel system may provide for proportional fuel injection, a second embodiment may provide for direct fuel injection providing for at least substantial reduction in evaporation (EVAP) emissions, is disclosed, a third embodiment of the liquid injected propane fuel system may provide for a combination of proportional fuel injection and direct fuel injection; the invention comprising at least one of a fuel tank, an external fuel tank, a distribution block, a fuel rail and a ECU.