Pressure Tapping Device Eliminates Vacuum Pump in Vehicle Fuel Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum pumps used in vehicle systems are energy wasteful, increase engine packaging space and complexity, and raise costs, while conventional vacuum systems compromise engine efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A pressure tapping device that harnesses the pressure energy from a fuel storage reservoir, connected to an internal combustion engine via a fuel line, to transmit pressure energy to a working medium, eliminating the need for vacuum pumps and enhancing brake booster performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vacuum pump is used to generate vacuum for vehicle systems, then vacuum can be provided for brake booster and other vacuum consumer devices, but energy is wasted and the pump increases packaging space and system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel system serves itself by using the pressure differential between the fuel tank and atmosphere to automatically supply fuel to the injection system, eliminating the need for external vacuum pumps. The fuel pressure regulator and check valve create a self-regulating system that maintains proper fuel pressure without additional energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel system performs multiple functions: it supplies fuel to the injection system while simultaneously providing vacuum pressure for brake booster operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate vacuum generation equipment, reducing both energy consumption and system complexity.
2Reliability
If a vacuum pump is installed in the vehicle system, then vacuum can be generated for actuating devices, but the packaging space of the engine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing fuel system components (fuel tank, fuel line, pressure regulator) are made to serve dual purposes: fuel delivery and vacuum generation. This eliminates the need for additional vacuum pump equipment, preserving engine bay packaging space.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum generation function is extracted from the traditional vacuum pump and integrated into the existing fuel system. By taking the vacuum generation capability out of a separate device and embedding it in the fuel system, space is saved while maintaining functionality.
3Ease of operation
If conventional vacuum systems are used for brake booster actuation, then the brake system can be operated, but engine efficiency is compromised due to energy waste from vacuum pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel system automatically provides the pressure differential needed for brake booster operation without requiring engine power to drive a vacuum pump. The system uses the natural pressure difference between the pressurized fuel tank and atmospheric pressure, maintaining brake functionality while preserving engine efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure differential that would otherwise be wasted in the fuel system is converted into a useful resource for brake booster actuation. By capturing and utilizing this pressure difference, the system turns a potential energy loss into a functional benefit for the braking system.
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 pressure tapping device enables more efficient engine operation by utilizing stored fuel pressure energy, reducing energy waste and packaging complexity, and providing greater brake power assistance compared to conventional vacuum methods.
Implementation Method 1
configured to transmit a proportion of pressure energy of the fuel to a working medium, physically separate from the fuel
Implementation Method 2
a first cylinder with a first piston and a second cylinder with a second piston having a fluid-carrying connection to the first cylinder. A transmission fluid is located between the first piston and the second piston
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for a pressure tapping device for a motor vehicle where a portion of the pressure energy generated at the fuel storage reservoir is transmitted to a working medium, physically separate from the fuel via the pressure tapping device. The pressure tapping device is fluidically coupled to a pressure actuator and enables the pressure operation via transmission of the pressure energy and adjustment of valves diverting flow from the fuel storage reservoir to the engine intake through the pressure tapping device.