Vehicle Suction System with Dynamic Orifice Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suction systems for liquids, such as aqueous solutions and fuels, face challenges with high energy consumption and complexity, particularly when dealing with dynamic conditions like vehicle movement, which can lead to unpriming of pump circuits and inefficient liquid distribution.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle suction system with a suction line featuring multiple suction branches and orifices, equipped with blocking means to prevent air and vapor ingress and a heater for temperature control, allowing for efficient liquid extraction with reduced energy consumption and improved distribution, even at low liquid levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple jet pumps are used to ensure liquid suction under dynamic conditions, then the reliability of liquid supply is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple suction functions into a single pump system. Instead of using multiple jet pumps, the invention employs one pump with multiple suction branches that can selectively draw liquid from different locations in the tank, reducing the number of pumps needed while maintaining reliable liquid supply under dynamic vehicle conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic suction orifices that can be selectively opened or closed based on liquid level and vehicle motion. The suction branches are equipped with controllable valves or passive mechanisms that adapt to dynamic conditions, allowing the system to maintain reliability without requiring multiple continuously operating high-power pumps.
2Reliability
If multiple suction points are provided for each jet pump, then the suction coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple suction points into a single integrated suction line system with multiple branches. Instead of having separate jet pumps at each suction point, the invention uses one central pump connected to multiple suction branches, each with its own orifice and blocking mechanism, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive suction coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction line is segmented into multiple independent branches, each capable of drawing liquid from different locations. This segmentation allows selective activation of individual branches based on liquid level and vehicle dynamics, providing comprehensive coverage without requiring all components to be active simultaneously, thus simplifying control.
3Loss of substance
If suction orifices are positioned at different locations in the compartment, then the dead volume is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction system is divided into multiple branches with orifices positioned at different locations within the compartment. This segmentation enables the system to access liquid from various zones, minimizing dead volume by ensuring that liquid remains accessible regardless of its position in the tank during vehicle motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction orifices are designed with dynamic blocking mechanisms that adapt to liquid level changes. When liquid recedes from certain areas, the corresponding orifices are automatically blocked, preventing air ingestion while maintaining suction from remaining liquid zones. This dynamic adaptation reduces dead volume without requiring complex manual control.
4Reliability
If blocking means are added to suction orifices to prevent air ingress, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking means are designed to operate automatically based on liquid level and pressure differential, without requiring external control systems. When liquid covers an orifice, the blocking mechanism self-activates or self-deactivates based on the physical conditions, providing reliable air prevention while minimizing control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking mechanisms utilize pneumatic or hydraulic principles, such as pressure differentials or float mechanisms, to automatically open or close suction orifices. This approach leverages the existing fluid dynamics in the system to control blocking, avoiding the need for additional electrical actuators or complex control systems.
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 system achieves efficient liquid suction with reduced energy consumption and enhanced distribution, minimizing dead volumes and ensuring reliable operation under dynamic conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one thermal conductive bridge connected between the suction line heater and the suction line to facilitate the heat conduction therebetween
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3E
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The invention related to a vehicle suction system comprising a compartment (200) for storing an aqueous liquid (L); and a suction line (20) arranged for sucking the aqueous liquid out of the compartment (200); said suction line (20) comprising at least one suction branch and the at least one suction branch being provided with at least two suction orifices (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) positioned at different positions in the compartment (200); wherein at least one suction orifice is provided with a blocking means (40) configured for blocking at least a part of said suction orifice when the suction orifice is not in the aqueous liquid and for allowing the aqueous liquid to be sucked through the suction orifice when the suction orifice is in the aqueous liquid.