Parallel Plunger Fuel Pump Structure for Lower Processing Costs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fuel pumps for diesel engines have complex structures due to large plunger units and complicated connection structures with the common rail, leading to increased processing costs and fuel pressure pulsation.
Innovation Solution
A fuel pump design featuring parallel-mounted plunger barrel units, suction and discharge valve units, and a communication channel system that simplifies the structure and reduces processing costs while suppressing fuel pressure pulsation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plungers and plunger barrels are disposed corresponding to multiple cams with plunger units connected in series, then the fuel pump can achieve proper fuel pressurization, but the plunger unit becomes large and the plunger barrel has a complicated shape making processing difficult and increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel pump is divided into multiple independent plunger barrel assemblies, each containing a plunger, plunger barrel, suction valve, and discharge valve. These modular assemblies are arranged radially around the cam shaft rather than being connected in series, allowing each to be manufactured separately and then assembled together, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the fuel pressurization function
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger barrel assemblies are arranged radially in the circumferential direction around the cam shaft rather than being connected in the axial direction. This spatial reconfiguration reduces the axial length of each plunger unit while distributing the components across multiple radial positions, simplifying the overall structure and manufacturing
2Adaptability or versatility
If each fuel discharge unit is connected to the common rail via separate connection pipes, then individual fuel discharge control is achieved, but the connection structure becomes complicated and pressure pulsation occurs at different timings
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fuel discharge units are merged into a single common fuel discharge chamber that is radially positioned. The discharge valves of different plunger barrel assemblies discharge into this common chamber, which then connects to the common rail through a single connection. This merging approach maintains individual discharge control through separate valves while simplifying the connection structure and synchronizing pressure pulsation timing
3Reliability
If plungers and plunger barrels are disposed corresponding to multiple cams with complex connection structures, then complete fuel pump functionality is achieved, but the overall structure becomes complicated increasing processing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel pump is segmented into identical modular plunger barrel assemblies that can be manufactured using the same process and then assembled in a radial pattern. This standardization reduces the variety of unique parts needed and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining complete fuel pump functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Each plunger barrel assembly is designed as a universal module that performs the complete fuel pressurization function (suction, compression, and discharge). These identical multi-functional modules are arranged radially, eliminating the need for differentially designed components and reducing overall structural complexity
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
The simplified structure reduces processing costs and effectively suppresses fuel pressure pulsation, ensuring stable fuel discharge.
Implementation Method 1
In a case where the plunger moves inside the plunger barrel in one direction, the suction valve is opened and the fuel is inhaled into the pressurization chamber
Implementation Method 2
In a case where the plunger moves inside the plunger barrel in the other direction, the fuel in the pressurization chamber is pressurized, and the discharge valve is opened to discharge the high-pressure fuel
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel pump according to the present invention includes: a pump head; a plurality of plunger barrel units that are mounted in parallel with the pump head and that include a plurality of pressurization chambers in which a plurality of plungers are movably supported, and in which fuel is pressurized by movement of the plungers; a plurality of discharge valve units disposed in a plurality of fuel discharge channels provided to the pump head so as to each communicate with the plurality of pressurization chambers; a plurality of suction valve units disposed in a plurality of fuel suction channels provided to the pump head so as to each communicate with the plurality of pressurization chambers; a fuel discharge side communication channel by which the plurality of fuel discharge channels are communicated; and a connector that is capable of externally supplying fuel in the fuel discharge side communication channel.