Low Pressure Pump Priming Check Valve Shaft Support Against Spring Buckling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure pulsations and flow fluctuations in low pressure pumps of fuel systems for internal combustion engines lead to durability concerns for internal components, particularly the priming check valve, due to the low pressure pump design and fuel system configuration.
Innovation Solution
A priming check valve is positioned between the inlet and outlet of the low pressure pump, featuring a valve member biased by a spring, which engages a seat to regulate fuel flow during priming and operation, minimizing unwanted movement and enhancing durability by restricting displacement and supporting the spring against pressure fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the low pressure pump includes a pressure regulator valve on the outlet side to limit outlet pressure, then the outlet pressure is limited, but flow and pressure fluctuations create durability concerns for internal components such as the priming check valve
Solution Approach 1:
A shaft is introduced as an intermediary element between the valve member and the spring. The shaft extends into the outlet flow path and provides structural support to the spring, preventing it from buckling under pressure fluctuations. This mediator absorbs the mechanical stress caused by pressure variations, protecting the spring and valve member from damage while maintaining the pressure regulation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft is positioned beforehand to support the spring in its uncompressed state, preparing the structure to withstand upcoming pressure fluctuations. By having the shaft in place before pressure variations occur, the system is pre-cushioned against potential buckling and damage to the spring and valve components during operation.
2Ease of operation
If the spring is allowed to compress freely during valve operation, then the valve member can respond to pressure changes, but excessive compression and buckling of the spring occur due to pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft serves as a mediator between the compressive forces acting on the spring and the fixed structure of the valve body. It transmits and distributes these forces, preventing concentration of stress that would lead to buckling. The shaft allows the spring to compress and expand in response to pressure changes while maintaining structural integrity through its supportive presence.
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 priming check valve stabilizes fuel flow and reduces component wear by limiting excessive displacement and buckling of the spring, thereby improving the durability and efficiency of the low pressure pump.
Implementation Method 1
The spring biases the valve member away from the seat to a first position, and the spring compresses as the valve member is displaced to engage the seat
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel system for an internal combustion engine includes a low pressure pump with a priming check valve. The priming check valve extends into the outlet flow path at a junction of the outlet flow path and a priming flow path that connects an inlet flow path of the low pressure pump to the outlet flow path.