Multi-Fuel Injector with Mixing Volume and Check Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel injectors for internal combustion engines face challenges in efficiently injecting multiple fuel types, particularly alternative fuels, due to manufacturing complexity, cost, and the need for complex electrical wiring and control systems.
Innovation Solution
A fuel injector system that includes a nozzle with a single set of openings, a check valve member, a primary fuel path, and a pilot fuel path, allowing for the mixing and simultaneous injection of two different fuels, such as a pilot fuel and a primary fuel, through a single nozzle tip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dual check valve design with separate nozzles is used to inject multiple fuel types, then the ability to control injection of multiple fuel types is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fuel injection capabilities into a single nozzle and single check valve assembly. The nozzle contains multiple sets of orifices for different fuel types, and a single check valve member controls flow to all fuel passages, eliminating the need for separate nozzles and check valves for each fuel type while maintaining the ability to selectively inject different fuels
Solution Approach 2:
The single check valve member and single nozzle assembly serve multiple functions by controlling and directing different types of fuel through different passages and orifices. The check valve member can direct flow to primary fuel passages or pilot fuel passages or both, providing multi-functional capability in a unified structure
2Measurement precision
If separate sets of orifices are provided for each fuel type in dual check valve injectors, then the control precision for each fuel type is improved, but the device complexity and wiring complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fuel control functions into a single check valve assembly that manages flow for both primary and pilot fuels through integrated passages and a unified valve mechanism, reducing the number of separate control systems and wiring required while maintaining precise control over each fuel type's injection
3Ease of operation
If a needle with internal fuel passage and variable fuel injection orifice is used, then the fuel injection control is improved, but the fuel mixing capability within the nozzle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fuel delivery system into separate primary fuel passages and pilot fuel passages that converge at the nozzle tip. This segmentation allows independent control and delivery of different fuel types through dedicated passages while enabling mixing at the point of injection through the shared nozzle orifices
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 and controlled injection of multiple fuels in a single event, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining precise control over fuel injection, thereby improving engine performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a check valve member with a tip located within the nozzle, the check valve member being movable between an injection position in which fuel is injected via the openings and a closed position in which the openings are closed
Implementation Method 2
a mixing volume within the nozzle and connecting the primary fuel path and the pilot fuel path when the check valve member is in the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel injector is capable of injecting a plurality of different fuels in a single fuel injection event, the fuel injector including: a nozzle at an end of the fuel injector, the nozzle having a tip, openings in the tip of the nozzle through which fuel is configured to be injected, and a check valve member with a tip located within the nozzle, the check valve member being movable between an injection position in which fuel is injected via the openings and a closed position in which the openings are closed. The fuel injector further includes a primary fuel path within the fuel injector, a pilot fuel path within the fuel injector, and a mixing volume connecting the primary fuel path and the pilot fuel path when the check valve member is in the closed position.