DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to a fuel supply system in automotive vehicles, and more particularly to the fuel supply system having an integrated device to supply gaseous fuel to engine of an automotive vehicle.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[002] With rising concerns of global warming, aggravating emissions, and depleting fossil fuel resources, clean technologies are much needed to cater the transportation needs of the fast-paced world. The conventional automotive vehicles running on petrol/ diesel are popularly being converted into automotive vehicles running on environmentally acceptable gaseous fuels. Some of such fuels currently being used are liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG), and alike.
[003] Considering large dimension of fuel cylinder of the compressed or liquefied gaseous fuel, and limited space availability on the automotive vehicle, there remains space and packaging constraints for mounting components of the fuel supply system such as regulator, filter, valve, and alike, results in complex and scattered packaging of components of the fuel supply system on the automotive vehicle.
[004] Further, channelling hoses in the fuel supply system through limited space is challenging. Such constraints may lead to mounting of components away from each other, which cause the use of long hoses to connect components of the fuel supply system. The hoses needs to be of higher strength to sustain high pressure of gaseous fuel; further the hoses also strictly needs to be leak proof as any leakage may cause serious accidents or safety issues. Therefore, high strength metal hoses are generally used to supply gaseous fuel which comes at substantially higher cost, which increases overall cost of the vehicle significantly.
[005] Also, access, maintenance, servicing, life cycle, and durability of the hoses and the components of the fuel supply system are adversely affected due to complex assembly and possible exposure to dust, dirt, heat, and moisture.
[006] Further, in existing arts, the scattered arrangement of the components of the fuel supply system and long connecting hoses also leads to problem of fuel flooding. Further, the hoses generally have twist and turns. Hence, path for fuel supply becomes long, also larger amount of fuels remain trapped in the hoses when vehicle operation stops. Such trapped fuels cause fuel flooding, when the vehicle is started. This also hampers ideal stream-lined flow of gas towards engine and disturbs engine operation. Hence, there are chances of considerable delay and higher effort required at the time of starting the automotive vehicle.
[007] Furthermore, existing arts requires multiple mounting brackets to assemble each component of the fuel supply system separately on the frame structure of the automotive vehicle. Also, for servicing, maintenance, and repair work, each component requires to be dismantled separately, and it becomes time consuming complex procedure.
[008] Therefore, there is a need to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies to overcome packaging challenges and to reduce fuel flooding in gas-fuelled automotive vehicles.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[009] It is an object of the present invention to avoid scattered arrangement of the components of gaseous fuel supply system on frame structure of an automotive vehicle.
[010] Another object of the present invention is to prevent flooding of the gaseous fuel in engine of the automotive vehicle, and thereby reduce effort required during cold starting the automotive vehicle.
[011] Yet another object of the present invention is to reduce the number of mounting brackets required to install the fuel supply system on the frame structure of the automotive vehicle.
[012] Further, object of the present invention is to significantly reduce hoses in the fuel supply system and to provide compact packaging of its components in the automotive vehicle which is easy to assemble, maintain and service.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[013] With above-mentioned objects in view, the present invention provides an integrated device in a fuel supply system to supply gaseous fuel from a storage cylinder to an engine of an automotive vehicle.
[014] According to an exemplary embodiment, a fuel supply system with an integrated device of an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The integrated device includes a filter; a pressure reducer; and an integrated electronic gate valve. The integrated electronic gate valve and the filter are directly mounted on the pressure reducer.
[015] According to another exemplary embodiment, the integrated device includes a linear passage for supply of gaseous fuel from the filter to the pressure reducer, and from the pressure reducer to the integrated electronic gate valve. The filter is mounted at an inlet side of the pressure reducer to receive gaseous fuel. The integrated electronic gate valve is provided at an outlet of the pressure reducer to receive and supply gaseous fuel from the pressure reducer of the automotive vehicle. The integrated electronic gate valve regulates supply of gaseous fuel for vehicle operation.
[016] According to another exemplary embodiment, the fuel supply system includes a control system to control supply of gaseous fuel of a storage cylinder from the integrated device to an engine through a fuel injector rail. Also, the fuel supply system includes an electronic gate valve installed at a supply end of the storage cylinder and before the integrated device. The electronic gate valve and the integrated electronic gate valve are electronically controlled by the control system based on one or more predefined parameters. The one or more predefined parameters include status of an ignition switch, and status of engine cranking.
[017] According to another exemplary embodiment, the control system switches ON the electronic gate valve and the integrated electronic gate valve, when the ignition switch is ON, and engine cranking is started.
[018] According to another exemplary embodiment, the control system switches ON the electronic gate valve and the integrated electronic gate valve remains switched OFF when the ignition switch is ON and engine cranking is not started.
[019] According to another exemplary embodiment, the control system keeps both the electronic gate valve and the integrated electronic gate valve switched OFF when the ignition switch remains OFF.
[020] The fuel supply system, the integrated device and the method thereof, as described above, is conveniently applicable for a two wheeled/ three wheeled/ four wheeled automotive vehicle such as a motorcycle, scooter, auto-rickshaw, car, and the like.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[021] The vehicle of the present invention may be more fully understood from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[022] Figure 1a illustrates a schematic outline of a fuel supply system of an automotive vehicle driven by gaseous fuel, in accordance with a prior art.
[023] Figure 1b illustrates an assembly of the fuel supply system of an automotive vehicle, and passage for supply of gaseous fuel from the storage cylinder through the fuel supply system to an engine of the automotive vehicle, in accordance with a prior art.
[024] Figure 2a illustrates a schematic outline of a fuel supply system of an automotive vehicle driven by gaseous fuel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[025] Figure 2b illustrates an assembly of the fuel supply system of an automotive vehicle, and passage for supply of gaseous fuel from the storage cylinder through the fuel supply system to engine of the automotive vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[026] Figure 3 illustrates all components of the fuel supply system of the automotive vehicle to supply gaseous fuel from the storage cylinder to the engine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[027] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic outline of an integrated device which is installed in the fuel supply system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[028] Figure 5 illustrates mounting arrangement of the fuel supply system on chassis of a three-wheeled automotive vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[029] Figure 6 illustrates a block diagram of a control system of the fuel supply system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[030] Figure 7 illustrates a method of the control system of the fuel supply system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description:
[031] The invention along with preferred embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The preferred embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
[032] It will be readily understood that components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the invention as represented in the figures is not intended to limit the scope of the invention but is merely representative of certain examples of presently contemplated embodiments in accordance with the invention. The presently described embodiments will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout.
[033] Figures 1a-b illustrates a schematic outline and assembly respectively of a fuel supply system (10) of an automotive vehicle driven by gaseous fuel, in accordance with a prior art. Also, a passage for supply of the gaseous fuel from the storage cylinder (1) to an engine (7) of the automotive vehicle in the prior art is indicated in Figure 1b, though arrows.
[034] As illustrated in Figures 1a-b, gaseous fuel from the storage cylinder (1) enters into the fuel supply system by switching ON a first solenoid valve (2) integrated on the mouth of the storage cylinder (1). The gaseous fuel is supplied though a hose H1 to a filter-solenoid assembly (3) having a filter (3a) and a second solenoid valve (3b). The operation of switching ON or OFF of the first solenoid valve (2) and the second solenoid valve (3b) is controlled by a control system (C1).
[035] Further, gaseous fuel is supplied from the filter-solenoid assembly (3) to the to a pressure reducer (4) through a hose H2. The pressure reducer (4) reduces a high pressure of gaseous fuel received from the storage cylinder (1) to a lower pressure. Gaseous fuel at the low pressure is passed though hose H3 to a filter assembly (5). Further, the gaseous fuel is supplied to a fuel injector (6) or a fuel rail though hose H4. The fuel injector (6) finally injects the gaseous fuel into the engine.
[036] In such fuel supply system (10) of the prior art, there are excess of hoses (H1, H2, H3 and H4) utilised. Also, there are twist and turns in the hoses to provide requisite connections. This leads to disturbs ideal stream-lined flow of gas towards engine and hampers engine operation. Further, there are multiple brackets required to assemble components of the fuel supply system (10), such as filter (3a), solenoid (3b), pressure reducer (4), and main filter assembly (5). Hence, the mounting arrangement of the components of the fuel supply system (10) of the prior art is complex and defect-prone. Also, additional use of hoses and brackets increases vehicle cost drastically.
[037] Further, there is long space left in the fuel supply system (10), within hoses (H3 and H4) and components between the solenoid (3b) and the engine (7) of the vehicle. Hence, even if the solenoid is closed to stop supply of the gaseous fuel, residual fuel remains in the passage between the filter-solenoid assembly (3) and engine (5) that causes fuel flooding at the time of cold start of the vehicle, which hampers engine efficiency and causing higher harmful emissions.
[038] Figures 2a-b illustrates a schematic outline and assembly respectively of a fuel supply system (100) of an automotive vehicle driven by gaseous fuel, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Also, a passage for supply of the gaseous fuel from a storage cylinder (101) to an engine (106) of the automotive vehicle in the exemplary embodiment is indicated in Figure 2b, through arrows.
[039] As illustrated in Figures 2a-b, and 3 the gaseous fuel from the storage cylinder (101) enters into the fuel supply system by switching ON an electronic gate valve (102) preferably integrated on the mouth of the storage cylinder (101). The electronic gate valve (102) is any gate valve, such as butterfly valve, solenoid valve, shut off valve and alike, which is electronically operated through a control system (C2). The control system (C2) is configured to switches ON or switches OFF the electronic gate valve (102) by sending an electronic signal based on one or more pre-defined parameters.
[040] When the electronic gate valve (102) is switched ON, the gaseous fuel is supplied though a hose HA to an integrate device (103). The integrated device (103) filters out impurities for the gaseous fuel, reduces pressure of the gaseous fuel and regulates supply of the gaseous fuel towards a fuel injector (105), which further injects fuel to the engine (106) of the automotive vehicle. In a different exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the gaseous fuel from the integrated device (103) enters into a gas mixer [not shown] or a carburettor [not shown], where the gaseous fuel mixes with air and then enters into an engine for operating the automotive vehicle.
[041] The working of the integrated device (103) is controlled electronically by the control system (C2) based on one or more pre-defined parameters to operate the automotive vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the integrated electronic gate valve (103c) of the integrated device (103) is electronically controlled by the control system (C2) to supply gaseous fuel from the storage cylinder (101) to the engine (106) to operate the automotive vehicle.
[042] Within the integrate device (103) the pressure of the gaseous fuel is reduced significantly, due to which slurry is formed. Therefore, a main filter (104) is further installed in the fuel supply system (100) to clear out the slurry from the gaseous fuel at low pressure exiting from the integrated device (103). Accordingly, from the integrated device the gaseous fuel is supplied to a main filter (104) through hose HB. Further, from the main filter (104) the gaseous fuel is supplied to the fuel injector (105) that injects the gaseous fuel into the engine (106) for vehicle operations. The main filter in an exemplary embodiment is a coalescing-type filter. The main filter in another exemplary embodiment is a pleated paper type filter with a metal mesh or metal perforated sheet.
[043] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic outline of an integrated device, the integrated device (103) including a primary filter (103a), a pressure reducer (103b), and an integrated electronic gate valve (103c). The integrated device (103) includes a linear passage for supply of the gaseous fuel from the primary filter (103a) to the pressure reducer (103b), and from the pressure reducer (103b) to the integrated electronic gate valve (103c). In an exemplary embodiment, the primary filter (103a) is inline mesh type filter with simple and compact construction made of plastic/ metal/ alloy. In another exemplary embodiment, the primary filter (103a) is pleated paper in a cylindrical construction with gaseous fuel entering at outer diameter of the cylindrical construction and gets filtered from inner diameter of the cylindrical construction.
[044] Any hose between primary filter (103a), a pressure reducer (103b), and an integrated electronic gate valve (103c), is eliminated in the integrated device. Rather, the primary filter (103a) is directly mounted at an inlet side of the pressure reducer (103b) to receive the gaseous fuel from storage cylinder (101), preferably through removable connections like bolting, connectors, threading, adhesive bonding or similar methods. The removable connections helps in easy replace-ability of components, though fix type connections may also be used based on the requirement, like welding or manufacturing a complete device as a single component. Similarly, the integrated electronic gate valve (103c) is directly mounted at an outlet side of the pressure reducer (103b) to receive and supply gaseous fuel from pressure reducer (103b) towards the engine (106). Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment involving threading and bolting for removable direct connection of the primary filter (103a).
[045] Figure 5 illustrates the fuel supply system (100) installed on a three- wheeled automotive vehicle chassis (500). The gaseous fuel from the storage cylinder (101) enters into the fuel supply system (100) by switching on an electronic gate valve (102) integrated on the mouth of the storage cylinder (101). Figure 5 illustrates the electronic gate valve (102) is covered within an enclosure (102A) at the mouth of the storage cylinder (101). Further, components of the integrated device (103) are mounted on the frame structure (500) of the three-wheeled vehicle, on a single mounting bracket (107).
[046] Such compact and efficient configuration of the integrated device (103) achieves reduced requirement of connecting hoses and simplifies the assembly of the fuel supply system (100) on the vehicle frame structure (500), also, requires less space on the vehicle frame structure (500) for installation of the fuel supply system (100).
[047] Figure 6 illustrates a block diagram of a control system (C2), which controls operation of the electronic gate valve (102) and the integrated electronic gate valve (103c). The control system (C2) includes a controller (300) having a processor and a memory that receives electronic signals from one or more sensors, measuring one or more pre-defined parameters of the automotive vehicle and operates the electronic gate valve (102) and the integrated electronic gate valve (103c) accordingly. The one or more sensors are ignition switch sensor (108), engine RPM sensor (109), and other sensors (110) alike. The one or more pre-defined parameters of the automotive vehicle include status of ignition switch, status of engine cranking, and alike. The control system (C2) in different exemplary embodiment additionally includes pre-defined parameters such as vehicle speed, accelerator or brake pedal position, and alike.
[048] Figure 7 illustrates steps involved in an exemplary method (400) of the control system (C2) operation. At step (401), ignition switch (108A) status is checked.
[049] At step (402), the ignition switch (108A) is ON and engine cranking is not started (i.e.- engine RPM=0) at the time of vehicle start, the control system proceed to step (402) and switches ON the electronic gate valve, however the integrated electronic gate valve (103c) remains switched OFF. Hence, gaseous fuel supply to engine (106) is barred and no fuel flooding occurs if engine (106) is not cranking.
[050] At step (404), ignition switch (108A) is ON and but engine cranking is started, the control system proceed to step (405) and switches ON both the electronic gate valve (102) and the integrated electronic gate valve (103c) for vehicle operation.
[051] At step (406), ignition switch is OFF, and the control system proceed to step (407) and keeps both the electronic gate valve (102) and the integrated electronic gate valve (103c) switched OFF, preventing any fuel leakage toward engine (106) if vehicle is not in operation.
[052] Conclusively, the present invention discloses an integrated device in fuel supply line that eliminates hose from primary filter to pressure reducer leading to cost saving and compact assembly. Generally in automotive vehicles, filters before pressure reducer are mounted separately requiring separate mounting bracket. As in the integrated device, filter is fitted with pressure reducer, it becomes single piece assembly. Requirement of hoses and additional brackets are reduced, so fuel supply system layout becomes clean and simple. The pressure reducer and filter require maintenance service. As both are fitted in single fabrication, their assembly, dismantling, as well as servicing becomes easy. Further, the disclosed integrated device in fuel supply line effectively reduces fuel flooding to engine, leading to less emissions, less fuel wastage and efficient cold start of the vehicle.
[053] Modifications and variations to the automotive vehicle described in the present specification may be apparent to skilled readers of this disclosure. Such modifications and variations are deemed within the scope of the present invention.
,CLAIMS:1. A fuel supply system with an integrated device (103) of an automotive vehicle, the integrated device (103) comprising:
a filter (103a);
a pressure reducer (103b); and
an integrated electronic gate valve (103c);
wherein the integrated electronic gate valve (103c) and the filter (103a) are directly mounted on the pressure reducer (103b).

2. The fuel supply system with the integrated device (103) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the integrated device (103) comprises a linear passage for supply of gaseous fuel from the filter (103a) to the pressure reducer (103b), and from the pressure reducer (103b) to the integrated electronic gate valve (103c).

3. The fuel supply system with the integrated device (103) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filter (103a) is mounted at an inlet side of the pressure reducer (103b) to receive gaseous fuel.

4. The fuel supply system with the integrated device (103) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the integrated electronic gate valve (103c) is provided at an outlet of the pressure reducer (103b) to receive and supply gaseous fuel from the pressure reducer (103b) of the automotive vehicle.

5. The fuel supply system with the integrated device (103) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the integrated electronic gate valve (103c) regulates supply of gaseous fuel for vehicle operation.

6. The fuel supply system with the integrated device (103) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a control system (C2) to control the supply of gaseous fuel of a storage cylinder (101) from the integrated device (103) to an engine (106) through a fuel injector rail (105).
7. The fuel supply system (100) with the integrated device (103) as claimed in claim 6, wherein an electronic gate valve (102) is installed at a supply end of the storage cylinder (101), before the integrated device (103).
8. The fuel supply system (100) with the integrated device (103) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the electronic gate valve (102) and the integrated electronic gate valve (103c) are electronically controlled by the control system (C2) based on one or more predefined parameters.
9. The fuel supply system (100) with the integrated device (103) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the one or more predefined parameters include status of an ignition switch (108A), and status of engine cranking.
10. The fuel supply system (100) with the integrated device (103) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the control system (C2) switches ON the electronic gate valve (102) and the integrated electronic gate valve (103c), when the ignition switch (108A) is ON and engine cranking is started.
11. The fuel supply system (100) with the integrated device (103) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the control system (C2) switches ON the electronic gate valve (102) and the integrated electronic gate valve (103c) remains switched OFF, when the ignition switch (108A) is ON and engine cranking is not started.
12. The fuel supply system (100) with the integrated device (103) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the control system (C2) keeps both the electronic gate valve (102) and the integrated electronic gate valve (103c) switched OFF, when the ignition switch (108A) remains OFF.