Integrated Valve and Filter Assembly for Regeneration Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing regeneration systems for internal combustion engines face challenges in diagnosing and replacing faulty components, particularly check valves, which can lead to the necessity of replacing the entire system if a fault is detected, resulting in inefficiencies and waste.
Innovation Solution
A valve and filter assembly is introduced, featuring a check valve and filter material within a reduced fuel supply passage, with a reversible installation mechanism that allows for the simultaneous removal and replacement of the faulty components, reducing the need for full system replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate fuel filter and check valve components are positioned in the fuel passage, then the system can filter fuel and control flow direction, but the complexity of assembly and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuel filter and check valve into a single integrated assembly that replaces two separate components. The filter housing contains both the filter element and the check valve mechanism, allowing them to be installed and maintained as one unit. This merging reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the separate functional capabilities of filtration and flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the filter element for fuel filtration, houses the check valve for flow direction control, provides mounting interfaces for both components, and offers a unified sealing surface. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall system.
2Reliability
If the entire regeneration system or combustion head must be replaced when a fault is detected, then component reliability is maintained, but waste and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fuel delivery system into modular components: the integrated filter-check valve assembly, the combustion head, and other system components. This segmentation allows the filter and check valve to be replaced independently without affecting the combustion head or other parts of the regeneration system, thereby reducing waste when faults occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly is designed as a replaceable unit that can be removed and replaced as a single component. When the filter or check valve fails, the entire assembly can be discarded and replaced without removing the combustion head or other functional components, which are recovered and reused in the next assembly.
3Ease of repair
If separate check valve and filter components are used, then individual component replacement is possible, but the time required for maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the check valve and filter into a single integrated assembly with a unified mounting interface, the patent reduces the number of separate replacement operations required. Technicians can replace both components simultaneously in one service event, reducing the total time spent on maintenance while maintaining the ability to replace individual components if needed.
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
This solution enables efficient fault identification and replacement of check valves within the regeneration system, minimizing waste and allowing for targeted maintenance without requiring the entire system to be replaced, thus improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of regeneration system maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A check valve is positioned in the reduced fuel supply passage and includes a valve member. The valve member has a biased closed position in which fuel flow through the reduced fuel supply passage is blocked
Implementation Method 2
A filter material is coupled with the assembly housing at the upstream housing end
Implementation Method 3
An O-ring is positioned about the assembly housing and, in an assembled configuration, defines a static seal joint between the valve and filter assembly and the combustion head
Data Source
AI summary
A regeneration system includes a housing defining an exhaust flow path. An inlet of the housing is configured to receive an exhaust flow from the internal combustion engine and an outlet of the housing is configured to direct the exhaust flow toward an exhaust aftertreatment component. A combustion head is coupled with the housing and configured to direct air and fuel to a combustion chamber in fluid communication with the exhaust flow path. A fuel supply passage is defined by the combustion head and is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber. The regeneration system also includes a valve and filter assembly disposed within the fuel supply passage. The valve and filter assembly includes an assembly housing defining a reduced fuel supply passage, a filter material coupled with the assembly housing, and a check valve at least partially disposed within the reduced fuel supply passage.