Modular IMV Block for Multi-Valve Fuel Pump Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-pressure fuel pumps often require integrated inlet metering valves (IMVs) from the same supplier, limiting flexibility and reliability, as these IMVs may not match the quality of the preferred fuel pump, leading to maintenance issues and potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
An IMV block that allows for incorporating a selected IMV from one supplier onto a selected IMV block and method of use thereof that differ from those that are currently available. The IMV block may include a plurality of IMV apertures, an internal fuel passage 216, as shown in FIGS 1 through 5. The IMV block includes a body with apertures for multiple IMVs, a fuel inlet and return port, and mounting holes for attachment to the fuel pump, controlled by a control circuit to regulate fuel flow and provide redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the IMV is integrated into the high-pressure fuel pump by the manufacturer, then the fuel pump assembly is simplified and reliability is improved, but the flexibility to choose alternative IMVs from different suppliers is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The IMV block is designed as a separate, removable component from the high-pressure fuel pump. The block includes mounting holes that allow it to be attached to or removed from the fuel pump housing, enabling independent selection and replacement of IMVs without affecting the pump itself. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining assembly simplicity while restoring supplier flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The IMV block serves as an intermediary component between the fuel pump and the IMV. It provides a standardized interface with mounting holes and fluid passages that accommodate various IMV designs from different suppliers. This intermediary design allows the fuel pump to remain unchanged while enabling flexible IMV selection, resolving the adaptability-reliability contradiction.
2Reliability
If only one IMV is used in the system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the redundancy and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The IMV block is designed with multiple IMV apertures that can accommodate one or more IMVs simultaneously. The universal design of the block allows it to function with different numbers of IMVs depending on the application requirements. This multi-functionality enables the system to provide redundancy when needed while maintaining simplicity when a single IMV suffices, resolving the reliability-complexity contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration of the number of active IMVs based on operational requirements. The control circuit can selectively activate one or multiple IMVs connected to the block, enabling the system to adapt its complexity level according to the need for redundancy versus operational simplicity. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple IMVs are incorporated onto the fuel pump, then redundancy and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The IMV block is segmented into standardized components with multiple apertures and mounting holes that can independently accommodate multiple IMVs. This segmentation allows each IMV to be installed and removed independently, simplifying the manufacturing and maintenance process despite having multiple valves. The modular design reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The IMV block design allows for parameter changes in the number of IMVs that can be accommodated without changing the fundamental block structure. The standardized aperture and mounting hole pattern remain consistent regardless of whether one or multiple IMVs are installed. This parameter flexibility enables reliable multi-IMV configurations while avoiding the complexity increases that would result from custom designs for each configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
An inlet metering valve (IMV) block may include a plurality of IMV apertures, wherein each aperture of the plurality of IMV apertures is adapted to receive at least one IMV of a plurality of IMVs. The IMV block may further include an internal fuel passage in fluid communication with the plurality of IMV apertures. The IMV block may further include a fuel inlet port fluidically couplable between a fuel inlet connector and the internal fuel passage, wherein the fuel inlet port is configured to transfer fuel from a fuel source to the internal fuel passage. Further, the IMV block may also include a plurality of mounting holes to releasably attach the IMV block to a fuel pump.