LPG Vehicle Refueling System Using Fuel Pump Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-temperature conditions, the pressure in an LPG vehicle's LPG bombe exceeds the filling pressure, preventing refilling with LPG due to the inability of the filling gun to inject LPG effectively.
Innovation Solution
A fuel-filling system that uses a fuel pump to forcibly feed LPG from the bombe through a fuel pressurizing line into a fuel injection pipe, pressurizing new LPG injected from the filling gun and returning it to the bombe, aided by a three-way solenoid valve and check valve to manage flow and prevent backflow, with an LPG sensor to monitor and control the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the filling gun is used to refill the LPG bombe, then the LPG bombe can be filled with LPG under normal conditions, but refilling becomes impossible when the pressure in the LPG bombe exceeds the LPG filling pressure due to high external temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to force LPG into the high-pressure bombe from the filling gun, the system reverses the flow direction by using the fuel pump to extract LPG from the bombe and force it through the fuel injection pipe back into the bombe, utilizing the existing pressure differential in reverse to achieve refilling
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel pump and fuel injection pipe act as intermediary components between the filling gun and the LPG bombe, creating a new flow path that bypasses the pressure limitation by using the pump to actively move LPG through the system rather than relying on passive pressure differential
2Productivity
If the fuel pump is operated to forcibly feed LPG through the fuel pressurizing line, then new LPG can be pressurized and injected into the LPG bombe even under high pressure conditions, but the system complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel pump and fuel injection pipe, which are existing components in the LPG vehicle system, are repurposed to serve the dual function of both normal fuel supply and active refilling operation, eliminating the need for separate dedicated refilling equipment and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing components (fuel pump, fuel injection pipe, LPG sensor) to perform the refilling operation without requiring external assistance or additional specialized equipment, making the vehicle self-sufficient in overcoming the pressure limitation
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 efficient refilling of the LPG bombe with new LPG even in hot weather by utilizing the existing LPG pressure to pressurize and atomize new LPG, reducing the bombe's temperature and pressure through mist formation, facilitating effective refueling.
Implementation Method 1
The LPG remaining in the LPG bombe may flow along the fuel pressurizing line due to the pumping force of the fuel pump operated in response to a control signal from a controller
Implementation Method 2
A spray unit mounted to an outlet of the overfilling prevention valve to atomize and spray LPG in a mist form
Implementation Method 3
reducing the bombe's temperature and pressure through mist formation
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel-filling system of an LPG vehicle is provided. LPG remaining in an LPG bombe is forcibly fed to a fuel injection pipe using a fuel pump and is used to pressurize new LPG, which is injected into the fuel injection pipe, toward the LPG bombe. Thus, the LPG bombe is refilled with new LPG despite warmer weather conditions.