Modular Gas Feed System for Reciprocating Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas feed systems for reciprocating engines are inefficient in terms of installation time, maintenance, and manufacturing costs, particularly in corrosive and vibrating environments, as they require separate support structures and welded components.
Innovation Solution
A modular gas feed system with separate gas line portions arranged between adjacent valve housings, eliminating the need for external support structures and welded connections, featuring a double-walled design with inner and outer gas line portions and a securing mechanism for leak detection and fuel measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate support structures and welded components are used in gas feed systems, then structural integrity is maintained, but installation time increases and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The gas feed system is divided into modular valve housing units, each containing a gas feed valve and integrated support structures. These modular units can be independently manufactured and assembled, eliminating the need for complex welded assemblies and reducing installation time while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is merged with the valve housing to form an integrated assembly. The valve housing itself serves as the support structure, eliminating the need for separate support brackets or frameworks. This integration reduces the number of components, simplifies assembly, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining structural reliability
2Strength
If welded structures are used in gas feed systems, then structural strength is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase and corrosion resistance decreases in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
Welded mechanical connections are replaced with mechanical fastening systems such as bolts, clamps, or interlocking interfaces. This substitution eliminates the need for welding operations, reducing manufacturing costs, avoiding heat-affected zone corrosion, and maintaining structural strength through properly designed mechanical joints that can be assembled and disassembled without specialized welding equipment
3Reliability
If separate support structures are used for gas line portions, then gas lines are securely positioned, but device complexity increases and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is merged into the valve housing structure itself. The valve housing provides integrated mounting features and positioning structures that securely hold the gas line portions in place, eliminating the need for separate external support brackets, clips, or frameworks. This integration simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining reliable gas line positioning
Data Source
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AI summary
The gas feed system (1) for a reciprocating engine comprises intake ports (3) for conducting combustion air and gaseous fuel into cylinders (4) of the engine, gas feed valves (2) for feeding gaseous fuel into the intake ports (3), and valve housings (5) surrounding the gas feed valves (2). The gas feed system (1) further comprises separate gas line portions (7) for conducting gaseous fuel to the gas feed valves (2). Each gas line portion (7) is arranged between two adjacent valve housings (5) so that one end of the gas line portion (7) is in one of the valve housings (5) and the other end is in the other valve housing (5).