Electrically Actuated Vapor Separator Vent Valve for Charge Forming Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel injection systems for internal combustion engines face challenges in maintaining optimal fuel and air mixture pressure within the engine, particularly in managing subatmospheric and superatmospheric pressures, which can affect fuel flow and engine efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An electrically actuated vapor separator vent valve is integrated into the charge forming device, which controls fluid flow by moving between open and closed positions based on pressure sensors' readings, maintaining a pressure range of 0.34 mmHg to 19 mmHg within the inlet chamber, and is actuated by a single controller that also manages the fuel metering and throttle valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a vent valve is added to control pressure in the inlet chamber, then pressure control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vent valve is integrated into the charge forming device housing, merging the venting function with the existing fuel injection system structure. This consolidation allows pressure control without requiring a completely separate venting system, thus improving pressure control precision while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent valve serves multiple functions: it controls pressure in the inlet chamber, prevents fuel stagnation, and manages vapor separation. By making this single component multi-functional, the system achieves precise pressure control without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If pressure control is implemented to maintain optimal fuel flow, then fuel flow reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vent valve operation is controlled based on pressure conditions in the inlet chamber, creating a feedback mechanism that maintains optimal pressure for fuel flow. This feedback-based control improves fuel flow reliability by automatically adjusting venting based on actual pressure conditions without requiring complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent valve system is designed to automatically respond to pressure conditions in the inlet chamber, enabling the system to self-regulate fuel flow pressure without requiring complex external control mechanisms. The vent valve opens or closes based on inherent pressure differentials, providing reliable fuel flow control through self-service 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
This solution ensures precise control over fuel and air mixture delivery, enhancing engine efficiency by maintaining optimal pressure conditions and preventing fuel stagnation or evaporation, while reducing the complexity of separate venting systems.
Implementation Method 1
the vent valve being actuated as a function of a pressure within the inlet chamber or the vent passage
Implementation Method 2
pressure sensors' readings, maintaining a pressure range of 0.34 mmHg to 19 mmHg within the inlet chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A charge forming device includes a housing having an inlet chamber in which a supply of fuel is received, a vent passage communicating with the inlet chamber and a throttle bore with an inlet through which air is received, a throttle valve carried by the housing with a valve head movable relative to the throttle bore to control fluid flow through the throttle bore, a vent valve. The vent valve is carried by the housing and has a valve element that is movable between an open position wherein fluid may flow from the inlet chamber through the vent passage and a closed position where fluid is prevented or inhibited from flowing out of the inlet chamber through the vent passage, the vent valve being electrically actuated, and wherein the vent valve is actuated as a function of a pressure within the inlet chamber or the vent passage.