LP Gas Evacuation via Fuel Discharge Valve and Vacuum Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for evacuating liquefied petroleum (LP) gas from vehicle fuel distribution systems are slow, hazardous, and result in significant waste, as they involve manual bleeding into the atmosphere, leaving residual gas-phase LP gas in the system.
Innovation Solution
A fuel system with a fuel tank, engine supply line, fuel rail, and strategically placed fuel discharge valves that allow for the isolation and removal of LP gas from the distribution system without emptying the fuel tank, utilizing a supply pump and pressure regulator to manage fuel flow and return unused fuel to the tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual bleeding method is used to evacuate LP gas from the fuel system, then the system can be emptied, but the process is slow and dangerous with fire or explosion risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical bleeding process with an automated vacuum evacuation system. The vacuum pump creates negative pressure to automatically draw LP gas from the fuel distribution system through the fuel discharge valve, eliminating manual operations and associated safety risks while significantly increasing evacuation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fuel discharge valve as an intermediary component between the fuel distribution system and the vacuum pump. This valve provides a controlled interface for evacuation, allowing the system to safely isolate and remove LP gas without direct atmospheric venting, thereby reducing fire or explosion risk while maintaining efficient evacuation.
2Reliability
If manual bleeding method is used to evacuate LP gas, then the system can be emptied, but significant amounts of LP gas are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recovery system where the vacuum pump captures LP gas during evacuation and stores it in a recovery tank. This prevents atmospheric release and waste of LP gas, allowing the fuel to be reused. The system transforms the traditional discard approach into a recover and reuse model, eliminating substance loss while maintaining safety.
3Ease of operation
If the fuel tank is emptied to service the fuel distribution system, then all fuel can be removed, but excessive waste of LP fuel occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fuel system into two independent parts: the fuel tank and the fuel distribution system. The fuel discharge valve is positioned to allow evacuation of only the distribution system (lines, injectors, rail) while leaving the fuel tank isolated and filled. This segmentation enables servicing the distribution system without emptying the entire fuel system, dramatically reducing fuel waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fuel discharge function from the fuel tank and places it in the fuel distribution system. By positioning the fuel discharge valve in the distribution system rather than the tank, the system allows removal of fuel only where needed for servicing, while the bulk fuel remains safely stored in the tank for later use.
4Productivity
If conventional evacuation methods are used, then the fuel system can be emptied, but gas-phase LP gas remains in the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual bleeding with a vacuum evacuation system that applies negative pressure throughout the fuel distribution system. This mechanical vacuum force efficiently removes both liquid and gas-phase LP gas from all system components, achieving complete evacuation that manual methods cannot accomplish, thereby eliminating residual fuel while improving productivity.
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
Enables safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible evacuation of LP gas from the fuel distribution system, reducing waste and minimizing fugitive emissions by allowing for the capture and reuse of LP fuel.
Implementation Method 1
supply pump coupled to the engine supply line for driving fuel flow from the tank outlet port to the fuel rail
Implementation Method 2
pressure regulator to manage fuel flow
Implementation Method 3
fuel discharge valve configured to allow removal of fuel from the isolated portion of the fuel distribution system
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an engine and a fuel system. The fuel system includes a fuel tank that stores liquefied petroleum (LP) fuel. The fuel tank includes a tank outlet port and a tank return port. The fuel distribution system supplies fuel from the fuel tank to the engine and returns unused fuel to the fuel tank. The fuel distribution system includes an engine supply line coupled to the tank outlet port, and a fuel rail disposed on the engine and coupled to the engine supply line. The fuel system includes a fuel discharge valve disposed on the fuel distribution system for removing fuel from the fuel distribution system.