Umbrella Valve Fuel Module Preventing Particle Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel pump modules suffer from clogging due to excess particles settling in the reservoir, which can prevent fuel flow or cause the valve to remain open, leading to inefficiencies and the need for unique designs to achieve optimal efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fuel pump module with an umbrella valve having an elongated stem that moves between closed and open positions, secured within a central ring of a reservoir aperture with vanes, and a suction filter to prevent large particles from entering, allowing for a universal configuration and steady fuel flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a valve is used to receive fuel from the fuel tank, then fuel flow is enabled, but particles settle in the reservoir and clog the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is divided into multiple vanes that create separate flow paths, preventing particles from settling and clogging the valve while maintaining fuel flow. The vanes segment the aperture opening to guide fuel flow in a specific pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The vanes act as an intermediary structure between the aperture and the valve, modifying the fuel flow path to prevent particle settlement. The vanes mediate the interaction between incoming fuel and the valve area.
2Productivity
If the valve is located at a lower surface offset from the suction filter, then steady fuel flow is achieved, but each fuel pump module requires a unique design
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture with vanes is positioned at the bottom surface of the reservoir, allowing the same reservoir design to be used across different fuel pump module configurations. This universal aperture design eliminates the need for unique valve locations while maintaining steady fuel flow.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of offsetting the valve from the suction filter to achieve steady flow, the invention positions the aperture with vanes at the bottom surface and allows the valve to be centrally located. This inverts the conventional approach while achieving the same flow stability.
3Device complexity
If particles are not prevented from entering the reservoir, then the valve structure is simple, but particles clog the valve and prevent free fuel entry
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is segmented into multiple vanes that create a flow distribution pattern, preventing particle settlement without requiring complex valve structures. The segmentation occurs at the aperture level rather than at the valve level.
Solution Approach 2:
The vanes perform preliminary action by directing and distributing fuel flow before it reaches the valve area. This preliminary flow management prevents particle settlement upstream of the valve, maintaining fuel entry freedom without complicating the valve structure.
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 umbrella valve design prevents particle ingress, ensuring consistent fuel flow and reducing the need for unique module designs, providing a universal configuration that maintains efficiency by effectively managing the opening and closing of the valve based on fuel pressure.
Implementation Method 1
The suction filter may be located in the vicinity of the opening of the fuel pump for preventing large particles in the fuel from entering fuel pump
Implementation Method 2
The valve may be a static valve or may be a one-way valve that opens under the assistance of a vacuum or positive pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel pump module for a vehicle includes a reservoir having a longitudinal axis. An aperture is arranged within a bottom surface of the reservoir. The aperture has a plurality of vanes extending towards a central ring. An umbrella valve having an elongated stem is movably secured within the central ring of the aperture. The elongated stem is movable between a first position completely overlaying the aperture to a second position at a distance from the aperture. A suction filter is located within the reservoir at the bottom surface thereof. The suction filter has an undersurface sized for receipt of the umbrella valve in both the first and second positions.