Solenoid Fuel Pump Layout for High Back Pressure Serviceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solenoid fuel pumps are bulky, difficult to assemble, and require removal from their plumbing for servicing. They are also limited by back pressure, typically operating only up to about 10 psi, and lack control over timing and water-tightness.
Innovation Solution
A compact solenoid fuel pump design with a case comprising a hub and a hole, a filter bowl removably connected to secure a filter, and a valve assembly with a solenoid coil to control fluid displacement. The pump includes a microcontroller to control the solenoid coil, allowing for timing control and operation beyond previous back pressure limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a linear spring is used to bias the plunger, then the pump can operate with lower back pressure, but the pump cannot operate with back pressure over about 10 psi
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spring geometry from linear to conical, which fundamentally alters the force-displacement relationship. The conical spring provides progressively increasing biasing force as the plunger moves, enabling the pump to overcome higher back pressures (up to 50 psi or more) while maintaining proper operation across varying pressure conditions.
2Volume of moving object
If the pump design is made compact, then the pump size is reduced, but assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is divided into modular sections including a pump housing, valve assembly, and filter assembly that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for manufacturing while maintaining a compact overall design, and facilitates easier assembly and servicing.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly and filter assembly are integrated within the pump housing in a nested arrangement, with the check valve and plunger assembly contained within the pump chamber. This nesting achieves a compact design while maintaining accessibility for assembly and servicing of individual components.
3Ease of repair
If the pump is designed to be serviceable without removal, then maintenance is easier, but the pump structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is designed as a separate removable module that can be accessed and serviced independently from the main pump body. The check valve assembly is also configured to be accessible through the pump housing without requiring removal of the entire pump from the fuel system, enabling easy maintenance while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
4Stress or pressure
If the pump operates at higher back pressure, then the pump performance is improved, but the spring biasing force must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from a linear spring to a conical spring, the patent achieves a non-linear force-displacement relationship where the spring provides progressively increasing biasing force. This allows the spring to generate sufficient force to overcome high back pressures (50 psi or more) during the pump cycle while maintaining appropriate force characteristics during other phases of operation, avoiding the need for a uniformly high-strength spring that would compromise other aspects of pump operation.
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 design enables a compact, easily assembled, and serviceable fuel pump that can operate at higher back pressures and be controlled via a microcontroller, improving efficiency and reliability while preventing water ingress.
Implementation Method 1
a coil operatively arranged to apply a magnetic field to the valve assembly to selectively displace fluid therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel pump, including a case, including a first section including a hub and a hole, a second section circumferentially arranged around the first section, wherein a radial space is arranged between the first section and the second section, an inlet in fluid communication with the radial space, a housing chamber arranged adjacent to the first section, and an outlet in fluid communication with the hole, a filter bowl removably connected to the second section, the filter bowl fluidly connecting the radial space with the hole, a valve assembly arranged at least partially in the first section and at least partially in the housing chamber, and a coil operatively arranged to apply a magnetic field to the valve assembly to selectively displace fluid therethrough.