Claims:We claim:
1. A fluid reservoir (100) for a Unified Pump Injector (UPI) (120), said UPI (120) functions as a positive displacement pump, said fluid reservoir (100) comprises:
an inlet path (110) to receive fluid from an external source, and
a receptacle (104) having an outlet port (132) on a base surface (126), characterized in that
said fluid reservoir (100) comprises at least one constructional feature selected from a group of constructional features such as said receptacle (104) with a tapered design of said base surface (126), and said inlet path (110) having a predetermined orientation.

2. The fluid reservoir (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tapered design radially extends from said outlet port (136) towards a wall 136 of the receptacle 104 in a decreasing slope.

3. The fluid reservoir (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said group of at least one constructional feature further comprises a drain port (122) at an intersection of said base surface (126) and a wall (136) of said receptacle (104).

4. The fluid reservoir (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said drain port (122) is closable with a drain plug (106).

5. The fluid reservoir (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said orientation of said inlet path (110) comprises inclination of said inlet path (110) at predetermined angle from a central axis (202) of said fluid reservoir (100).

6. The fluid reservoir (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said orientation of said inlet path (110) comprises positioning said inlet path (110) tangential to a wall (136) of said receptacle (104) of said fluid reservoir (100).

7. The fluid reservoir (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein an opening (134) of said inlet path (110) inside said receptacle (104) is in such a manner that direction of flow of a fluid is along an internal surface of said wall (136) causing swirling motion inside said receptacle (104).

8. The fluid reservoir (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said group of at least one constructional feature further comprises an emulsifier (108) integrated externally and around said outlet port (132).

9. The fluid reservoir (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said emulsifier (108) is at least one of removably integrated with said receptacle (104) and permanently integrated with said receptacle (104) as a single body.

10. The fluid reservoir (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said inlet path (110) is in fluid communication with gravity fed fluid system.
, Description:Complete Specification:
The following specification describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

Field of the invention:
[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid chamber for a Unified Pump Injector (UPI).

Background of the invention:
[0002] A patent literature 3875/CHE/2013 discloses a pulse count injector module. The PCI module comprises a PCI holder and a PCI cover which form a PCI housing to enclose a PCI. The PCI module further includes a fuel inlet adapter; a fuel chamber is formed between the PCI and said PCI housing, a vapor separator, and a fuel outlet. The PCI module in accordance with one embodiment of the invention can replace the existing gasoline fuel injector without major changes to the intake manifold or the existing throttle body assembly.

[0003] In the PCI module as disclosed above, a general construction is taken into consideration involving the PCI and the PCI housing. The PCI comprises a piston, a movement of a piston inside due to electrical current, magnetic, mechanical, and hydraulic forces acting upon it, leads to pumping action which creates a depression transporting / sucking fuel into the pumping chamber through the small passageways. Upon removal of electrical current, the piston moves down due to spring force, creating a pressure in the enclosed volume. As the force acting on a poppet, due to the pressure inside the enclosed volume overcomes the poppet spring force, the poppet moves down provide an outlet passage for fuel to be injected in the intake manifold through the outlet valve assembly hole. This completes one pulse and the same process it repeated for the subsequent pulses. Due to above operation and working, particles or dust from the fuel supply path after the fuel filter or generated out of components gets accumulated in the bottom portion of the PCI module and surrounds the inlet of the PCI. There are high chances of particles taking the inlet of the PCI, causing the wear on moving component in turn affecting the injection quantity drift / variation. The fluid inlet path as a gravity feed, may hit / falls only one region (depending on orientation and position) creating turbulent mixture of fuel with already settled particles beneath. The velocity of the fuel flow path from the fuel tank inside reservoir is not optimized. Hence, there is a need for improved housing and functionalities.

Brief description of the accompanying drawings:
[0004] An embodiment of the disclosure is described with reference to the following accompanying drawing,
[0005] Fig. 1 illustrates an exploded view and assembled view of a fluid reservoir for a Unified Pump Injector (UPI), according to an embodiment of the present invention, and
[0006] Fig. 2 illustrates a side view and a top view of the fluid reservoir, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of the embodiments:
[0007] Fig. 1 illustrates an exploded view and assembled view of a fluid reservoir for a Unified Pump Injector (UPI), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The UPI 120 functions as a positive displacement pump with sub-units comprising an injector unit 118, a valve element 116, and a delivery nozzle 114. The UPI 120 is similar to the Pulse Count Injector (PCI) as referenced above. The fluid reservoir 100 comprises an inlet path 110 to receive fluid from an external source, and a receptacle 104 having an outlet port 132 on a base surface 126. The UPI 120 is positioned in the outlet port 132 such that the sub-units comprising the injector unit 118 and the valve element 116 are inside the receptacle 104 and the delivery nozzle 114 is outside the receptacle 104, characterized in that, the fluid reservoir 100 comprises at least one constructional feature selected from a group of constructional features comprising/such as the receptacle 104 with a tapered design of the base surface 126, and the inlet path 110 having a predetermined orientation . The tapered design radially extends from the outlet port 136 towards a wall 136 of the receptacle 104 in a decreasing slope. The valve element 116 abuts to the valve seat provided on the base surface 126 and fluidly couples with the outlet port 132 in a sealing manner.

[0008] An assembled view 130 of the fluid reservoir 100 shows the placement of the UPI 120, where the delivery nozzle 114 is inserted through the outlet port 132. An exploded view 140 of the fluid reservoir 100 is also illustrated just below the assembled view 130. The fluid reservoir 100 is composed of the receptacle 104 and a cover 102. The cover 102 comprises a vapor outlet path 138 and electrical connection 112 for the UPI 120. The cover 102 and the receptacle 104 are removable fixed or permanently fixed to each other in leakproof manner. Both the assembled view 130 and the exploded view 140 are shown either side of a dashed line for simplicity in understanding.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the group of at least one constructional feature further comprises a drain port 122 at an intersection of the base surface 126 and an internal wall 136 of the receptacle 104. The drain port 122 is closable with a drain plug 106 (or screw/ thread insert) through a washer 124 such as a sealing ring, O ring, etc. The drain port 122 with drain plug 106 enables cleaning or flushing of impurities or dust particles or contaminants from the receptacle 104 in regular intervals. The base surface 126 of the receptacle 104 is designed with tapered design/profile, where the particles settles on outer periphery. The collected particles / dust are taken out in frequent service intervals through the drain port 122.

[0010] The base surface 126 is of taper, sloping outwards so that the particles/ dust does not settle at the central portion of the UPI 120, instead the particles / dust in the fluid takes the outer peripheral zone. The tapered design is to be understood to be of decreasing slope from the central region (valve seat) of the base surface 126 to the periphery of the base surface 126. The drain port 122 with the drain plug 106 and washer 124 seals the receptacle 104 when in function. During servicing, the drain plug 106 and washer 124 are removed for the cleaning and are replaced with new one (or the same based on the conditions) for better sealing function. The design of the base surface 126 and the drain port 122 with drain plug 106 provides the functional robustness and enhances the lifetime of UPI 120.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid reservoir 100 is an intermediate chamber for the UPI 120. The fluid reservoir 100 is therefore in fluid communication with the external source/tank. For example, the in a fuel injection system of a vehicle, the fluid reservoir 100 is positioned between the fuel tank (which is the external source) and an intake manifold of the engine. The same is explained later in the description.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid reservoir 100 for UPI 120 is provided. The UPI 120 functions as a positive displacement pump with sub-units comprising an injector unit 118, a valve element 116, and a delivery nozzle 114. The UPI 120 is similar to the Pulse Count Injector (PCI) as referenced above. The fluid reservoir 100 comprises an inlet path 110 to receive fluid from an external source, and a receptacle 104 having an outlet port 132 on a base surface 126. The UPI 120 is positioned in the outlet port 132 such that the sub-units comprising the injector unit 118 and the valve element 116 are inside the receptacle 104 and the delivery nozzle 114 is outside the receptacle 104, characterized in that, the base surface 126 is tapered out radially extending from the outlet port 132 towards the wall 136 of the receptacle 104 in a decreasing slope.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid reservoir 100 for UPI 120 is provided. The UPI 120 functions as the positive displacement pump with sub-units comprising the injector unit 118, the valve element 116, and the delivery nozzle 114. The fluid reservoir 100 comprises the inlet path 110 to receive fluid from the external source, and the receptacle 104 having the outlet port 132 on the base surface 126. The UPI 120 is positioned in the outlet port 132 such that the sub-units comprising the injector unit 118 and the valve element 116 are inside the receptacle 104 and the delivery nozzle 114 is outside the receptacle 104, characterized in that, the inlet path 110 is arranged in a predetermined orientation and position with respect to the receptacle 104 of the fluid reservoir 100.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid reservoir 100 for UPI 120 is provided. The UPI 120 functions as the positive displacement pump with sub-units comprising the injector unit 118, the valve element 116, and the delivery nozzle 114. The fluid reservoir 100 comprises the inlet path 110 to receive fluid from the external source, and the receptacle 104 having the outlet port 132 on a base surface 126. The UPI 120 is positioned in the outlet port 132 such that the sub-units comprising the injector unit 118 and the valve element 116 are inside the receptacle 104 and the delivery nozzle 114 is outside the receptacle 104, characterized in that, the drain port 122 is provided at the intersection of the base surface 126 and the internal wall 136 of the receptacle 104. The drain port 122 is closable with the drain plug 106 (or screw/ thread insert) through the washer 124 such as the sealing ring, O ring, etc.

[0015] According to the present invention, the constructional features of the fluid reservoir 100 are implementable either independently or in combination.

[0016] Fig. 2 illustrates a side view and a top view of the fluid reservoir, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The side view 210 and top view 220 shows the orientation of the inlet path 110. The orientation of the inlet path 110 comprises the inclination of the inlet path 110 at a predetermined angle (θ) from a central axis 202 of the fluid reservoir 100, The orientation of the inlet path 110 is done based on axis 204.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the orientation of the inlet path 110 further comprises positioning the inlet path 110 tangential to the wall 136 of the receptacle 104 of the fluid reservoir 100. The inlet path 110 orientation on the receptacle 104 is placed in arranged in such way that the fluid passes at inclined angle and takes the outer peripheral path creating swirl motion also in the gravity feed. As the fuel first takes the outer peripheral region on the base surface 126, the particles / dust moves away from centrally placed UPI 120. The position and orientation is optimized to have the appropriate velocity of the fluid. The inclined inlet path 110 and the vertical vapor outlet path 138 for vaporized fuel provides the optimum flow the fuel velocity with the required gravity pressure inside.

[0018] According to the present invention, the positioning of the inlet path 110 is offset from a center of the fluid reservoir 100. Due to the orientation of the inlet path 110, an opening 134 of the inlet path 110 inside the receptacle 104 is in such a manner that direction of flow of the fluid is along the internal wall 136 causing swirling motion inside the receptacle 104.

[0019] In accordance to an embodiment of the present invention, the group of at least one constructional feature further comprises an emulsifier 108 integrated externally and around the outlet port 132 of the receptacle 104. The emulsifier 108 comprises orifices/apertures or holes 128 specifically designed to aid in atomization of the fluid ejected from the delivery nozzle 114. The emulsifier 108 enables atomization of the fluid ejected through the delivery nozzle 114. A part of the inserted delivery nozzle 114 extends into the emulsifier 108. The emulsifier 108 is positioned inside a region of air flow. For example, the emulsifier 108 is positioned inside an intake manifold of an air intake system of an engine of a vehicle. The emulsifier 108 is at least one of removably integrated with the fluid reservoir 100 and permanently integrated with the fluid reservoir 100 as a single body. The inlet path 110 is in fluid communication with gravity fed fluid system.

[0020] In accordance to an embodiment of the present invention, the emulsifier 108 is positioned inside the intake manifold so that the fuel atomization is performed based on natural aspiration of the engine of the vehicle. A forced or pressurized air flow can also be provided. Further, a flange is provided at the interface of the emulsifier 108 and the receptacle 104 to aid in placement when in use, such as in the vehicle.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a gravity fed fuel supply system for the vehicle is provided, characterized in that, the fluid reservoir 100 positioned on the intake manifold of the engine.

[0022] In accordance to the present invention, a controller operates the UPI 120 in the fluid reservoir 100. The controller comprises a memory element such as Random Access Memory (RAM) and/or Read Only Memory (ROM), Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) and a Digital-to-Analog Convertor (DAC), clocks, timers and at least one processor (capable of implementing machine learning) connected with each other and to other components through communication bus channels. The memory element is pre-stored with logics or instructions or programs or applications or modules and threshold values, reference values and conditions which is/are accessed by the processor as per the defined routines. The internal components of the controller are not explained for being state of the art, and the same must not be understood in a limiting manner. The controller may also comprise communication units to communicate with the cloud server through wireless or wired means such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), 3G, 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, serial networks, and the like.

[0023] In accordance to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller is any one of an Engine Management System (EMS) control unit and an Engine control Unit (ECU) or other controller interfaced with the EMS. The controller and/or the fluid reservoir 100 is preferably for an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) based vehicles or machines such as but not limited to motorcycle, scooter type two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, snow-mobiles, water sports vehicles, portable or small-size machines and the like.

[0024] According to the present invention, a working of the fluid reservoir 100 is explained, and the same must not be understood in limiting manner. In the gravity-feed/fed fuel supply system for vehicles such as motorcycles, the function of fluid reservoir 100 is to store the fuel from the gravity fed fuel tank of the vehicle and hold the UPI 120 assembly inside the receptacle 104. The fuel is the fluid under consideration. The fluid reservoir 100 is positioned on the intake manifold of an engine. The UPI 120 is a single unit working as a positive displacement pump as well as an injector. The bottom portion of the fluid reservoir 100 is called as the emulsifier 108 through which the mixture of fuel and air is delivered to the intake manifold of the engine by means of high frequency pulses at varying duty cycle controlled/operated by the controller. The number of pulses per cycle is controlled using the controller based on the various vehicle and engine inputs measured by respective sensors such as engine speed, throttle input, temperature, intake pressure, atmospheric pressure, vehicle speed, lambda/oxygen sensor and the like.

[0025] Due to the operation of the UPI 120 and other deteriorations, impurities/ contaminants/ and dust particles are collected in the receptacle 104. To avoid any deterioration in the performance of the UPI 120, the vehicle is taken to a service center, where the drain plug 106 is removed and the receptacle 104 is flushed or cleaned. The flushing results in removal of any accumulated dust particles. The fluid reservoir 100 is ready for use again. The flushing may also be possible by self-servicing. Further, the dust particles are accumulated at the periphery of the base surface 126 due to tapered design. Still further, the flow of fuel through the inlet path 110 also disturbs the accumulation of the dust particles near to the valve element 116, and instead bring them closer to the periphery of the base surface 126.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a modular fluid reservoir 100 with optimized inlet path 110 and drain port 122 for UPI 120 is provided. The fluid reservoir 100 addresses the removal of stored particles/dust contaminations in the receptacle 104, improves the inlet flow of fuel from the fuel tank and provide the path for vaporized fuel in the vapor outlet path 138 and back to the fuel tank. A novel and unique concept and design of drain port 122 in the receptacle 104 and the inlet path 110 and fuel outlet path to achieve the appropriate velocity of fuel in the gravity feed supply is provided.

[0027] It should be understood that embodiments explained in the description above are only illustrative and do not limit the scope of this invention. Many such embodiments and other modifications and changes in the embodiment explained in the description are envisaged. The scope of the invention is only limited by the scope of the claims