Piston Valve Fuel Venting Anti-Drainback System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel system venting mechanisms are complex, prone to contamination, and require high fuel pump pressure, leading to reduced engine performance and shortened filter service life due to the use of multiple valves and narrow fuel passages.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece, non-biased piston valve integrated into the fuel system for air venting and anti-drainback, which reduces pressure requirements and extends filter life by allowing air to vent to the fuel tank or atmosphere while preventing clean fuel backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple valves and narrow passages are used for air venting, then air venting function is provided, but device complexity increases and fuel pump pressure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single piston valve assembly that integrates both air venting and fuel anti-drainback functions. The piston valve has a first position for venting air and a second position for preventing fuel drainback, eliminating the need for separate valves and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable air venting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston valve serves multiple functions: it acts as an air vent valve when in the first position and as an anti-drainback valve when in the second position. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed in the fuel filter assembly while ensuring both air venting and fuel containment functions are reliably provided.
2Reliability
If multiple valves and narrow passages are used for air venting, then air venting function is provided, but fuel pump pressure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the air venting and anti-drainback functions into a single piston valve mechanism, the patent eliminates narrow passages that would restrict fuel flow. The integrated design provides adequate fuel flow paths while maintaining air venting capability, thereby reducing the pressure requirements for the fuel pump.
3Reliability
If two valves are used for air venting and anti-drainback, then both functions are achieved, but mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate valves into a single piston valve assembly. The piston valve can be positioned in a first position to vent air and a second position to prevent fuel drainback, thereby achieving both functions with a single mechanism and reducing overall valve mechanism complexity.
4Reliability
If narrow opening is used for fuel flow, then air venting is effective, but fuel flow capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated piston valve design provides adequate fuel flow paths while maintaining air venting effectiveness. The piston valve assembly is configured to allow sufficient fuel flow capacity when in the appropriate position, eliminating the need for narrow openings that would restrict fuel flow while still achieving effective air venting.
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 solution simplifies air venting and anti-drainback operations, reduces fuel pump pressure requirements, and extends the service life of the fuel filter by using a single piston valve with elastomeric seals for minimal leakage and efficient fuel flow.
Implementation Method 1
The piston valve is movable relative thereto to: a first position in sealing engagement with the first valve seat; a second position in sealing engagement with the second valve seat; and intermediate positions between the first position and the second position
Implementation Method 2
with optional elastomeric seals for minimized leakage
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel system of an engine is provided with a venting assembly to vent air that accumulates within a fuel filter of the fuel system and provides anti-drainback of clean fuel back toward the fuel filter when the engine is turned off. In one embodiment, the venting assembly includes a piston valve that provides both the vent and anti-drainback. The valve is actuatable by fluid pressure to a first position that restricts drainback, a second position that restricts venting, and intermediate positions between the first and second positions which permit venting.