Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A fuel supply system (100) for supplying fuel to a vehicle by suction, said system (100) comprising:
a. a fuel tank (10);
b. an output tube (30) connecting said fuel tank (10) with the engine of the vehicle;
c. a main suction tube (20a) having one end connected to said output tube (30) and a free end configured to be dipped in the fuel resident in said fuel tank (10);
d. a reserve suction tube (20b) having one end connected to said output tube (30) and a free end configured to be dipped in the fuel resident in said fuel tank (10), wherein the free end of said reserve suction tube (20b) is at an operatively lower height than the free end of said main suction tube (20a); and
e. a switching element (50), for selectively connecting said output tube (30) alternately to said main suction tube (20a) and said reserve suction tube (20b).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system (100) is provided with a header unit (40), said header unit (40) encloses said switching element (50) and the ends of said suction tubes (20a, 20b) of said output tube (30) connected to said switching element (50).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said switching element (50) is a solenoid valve.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said switching element (50) is a pneumatically-actuated valve.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said switching element (50) is a mechanical valve.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connection between said output tube (30) and one of said main suction tube (20a) and said reserve suction tube (20b) is achieved by means of male-female connectors (70, 60a-60b).
, Description:FIELD
The present invention relates to fuel supply systems in automobiles.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Sometimes, due to negligence of the vehicle user to fuel indication or even to any malfunctioning or damage to the fuel gauge, the fuel in the tank runs out which leads to stoppage of vehicle while on road. A reserve fuel supply system would enable such a user to drive further to the nearest fuel station without any break for refuelling.
Conventional fuel supply systems have fuel suction tubes leading to the maximum possible depth which is very close to the bottom of the fuel tank to maximize usable volume of the tank. However, fuel lying at the bottom of a fuel tank is generally contaminated with dirt, mud and the like. This leads to suction of this debris all throughout the running of the vehicle irrespective of available volume of fuel therein. This debris gets clogged into the components such as the strainer and the fuel filter in the fuel supply system. This may lead to frequent replacement of the strainer and the fuel filter, which adds to maintenance cost of the vehicle.
Gravity-based fuel supply systems such as those used in two-wheeled vehicles have fuel supply tubes inserted at the bottom face of the fuel tank, the tank being placed at maximum possible height, and the fuel is allowed to flow towards the engine due to gravity. Such an installation of the fuel supply tubes is prone to tampering. Once one of fuel supply tubes is pulled out of the fuel tank, the fuel easily flows out due to gravity. Thus, gravity-based fuel supply system allows easy theft of fuel.
Hence, there is need of a system which ameliorates the aforementioned issues.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment satisfies, are as follows:
A primary object of the present disclosure is to provide a fuel supply system for automobiles.
Another object of the present disclosure is to a fuel supply system for automobiles, which is provides for reserve fuel supply.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fuel supply system for automobiles, which ensures supply of clean fuel from the fuel tank.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fuel supply system for automobiles, which enhances life of associated components.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a fuel supply system for supplying fuel to a vehicle by suction. The fuel supply system comprises a fuel tank, an output tube, a main suction tube, a reserve suction tube and a switching element. The output tube connects the fuel tank with the engine of the vehicle. The main suction tube has one end connected to the output tube and a free end configured to be dipped in the fuel resident in the fuel tank. The reserve suction tube has one end connected to the output tube and a free end configured to be dipped in the fuel resident in the fuel tank. The switching element is for selectively connecting the output tube alternately to the main suction tube and the reserve suction tube. The free end of the reserve suction tube is at an operatively lower height than the free end of the main suction tube.
In an embodiment, the switching element is a solenoid valve. In another embodiment, the switching element is a pneumatically-actuated valve. In yet another embodiment, the switching element is a mechanical valve.
In yet another embodiment, the connection between the output tube and one of the main suction tube and the reserve suction tube is achieved by means of male-female connectors.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
Figure 1 illustrates a fuel supply system of prior art;
Figures 2a and 2b illustrate a fuel supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figures 3a and 3b illustrate a fuel supply system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a fuel supply system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figures 5a and 5b illustrate a fuel supply system according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100’ Fuel supply system of prior art
10 Fuel tank
20’ Suction tube of prior art
20a Main suction tube
20b Reserve suction tube
30 Output tube
40 Header unit
50 Switching element
52 Selection switch
53 Pressurized air supply
53a Solenoid valve
54 Selection knob
60a Connector on main suction tube
60a Connector on reserve suction tub
70 Connector on supply tube
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element is referred to as being “mounted on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or ‘coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
Terms such as “inner”, “outer”, “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
Conventional fuel supply systems comprise of a suction tube which extends to the maximum possible depth of the fuel tank so as to maximize usable volume of the fuel tank. However, such a system does not provide a reserve fuel supply, because the user keeps running the vehicle until all the fuel runs out of the fuel tank and the vehicle comes to a stop from where a fuel station may be too far away to push the vehicle manually thereto. Moreover, since the suction tube extends till the bottom of the fuel tank, where dust, dirt and such other debris settles down due to gravity, the debris gets sucked out of the tank and into the supply line all the time. This leads to clogging of strainers and fuel filters, requiring frequent replacement of these components.
The present disclosure envisages a fuel supply system 100 as illustrated in Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figure 5 for supplying fuel to a vehicle by suction. The fuel supply system 100 comprises a fuel tank 10, a pair of suction tubes including a main suction tube 20a and a reserve suction tube 20b, an output tube 30 and a switching element 50. The suction tubes 20a, 20b are preferably inserted through the top surface of the fuel tank 10 to have one end each external to the fuel tank 10. The output tube 30 is configured to transport fuel from the fuel tank 10 to the engine of the vehicle by means of suction generated by either the engine of the vehicle or by a separate fuel pump or by any other suitable means. The connection of the output tube 30 with one of the main suction tube 20a and the reserve suction tube 20b can be manually switched by the user. The switching element 50 is configured to selectively connecting the output tube 30 alternately to the main suction tube 20a and the reserve suction tube 20b. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the free end of the reserve suction tube 20b is disposed at an operatively lower height than that of the free end of the main suction tube 20a. The free end of the reserve suction tube 20b reaches the maximum possible depth close to the bottom of the fuel tank 10. In an embodiment, a header unit 40 is positioned between the suction tubes 20a and 20b and the output tube 30, and the switching element is contained within the header unit 40. The header unit 40 encloses the switching element 50 and the ends of the suction tubes 20a, 20b and of the output tube 30 connected with the switching element 50. The output tube 30 leads to the vehicle suction line (not shown in Figures), which leads to the cylinder head (not shown in Figures) of the vehicle’s engine (not shown in Figures).
According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure as illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b, the fuel supply system 100 comprises an electrically-operated switching element 50 such as a solenoid valve 50. The solenoid valve 50 is operable by a selection switch 52 accessible to the driver for operating manually. Figure 2a illustrates configuration of the fuel supply system 100 when the selection switch 52 is in a first position (e.g., an ‘OFF’ position OR a ‘mains-ON’ position), wherein fuel is getting sucked through the main suction tube 20a. Figure 2b illustrates configuration of the fuel supply system 100 when the selection switch 52 is in a second position (e.g., an ‘ON’ position OR a ‘reserve-ON’ position), wherein fuel is getting sucked through the reserve suction tube 20b.
According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure as illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b, the fuel supply system 100 comprises a pneumatically-operated switching element 50 such as a pneumatically-actuated valve 50. The pneumatically-actuated valve 50 is operable by a selection switch 52 through a solenoid valve 53a connected to a pressurized air reservoir 53, the selection switch 52 being accessible to the driver for operating manually. Figure 3a illustrates configuration of the fuel supply system 100 when the selection switch 52 is in a first position (e.g., an ‘OFF’ position OR a ‘mains-ON’ position), wherein fuel is getting sucked through the main suction tube 20a. Figure 3b illustrates configuration of the fuel supply system 100 when the selection switch 52 is in a second position (e.g., an ‘ON’ position OR a ‘reserve-ON’ position), wherein fuel is getting sucked through the reserve suction tube 20b.
According to a third embodiment of the present disclosure as illustrated in Figures 4a and 4b, the fuel supply system 100 comprises a mechanically-operated switching element 50 such as a mechanical valve 50. The mechanical valve 50 is operable by a selection knob 54 through a mechanical linkage (not shown in Figure) therebetween, the selection knob 54 being accessible to the driver for operating manually. Figure 4a illustrates configuration of the fuel supply system 100 when the selection knob 54 is in a first position (e.g., an ‘OFF’ position OR a ‘mains-ON’ position), wherein fuel is getting sucked through the main suction tube 20a. Figure 4b illustrates configuration of the fuel supply system 100 when the selection knob 54 is in a second position (e.g., an ‘ON’ position OR a ‘reserve-ON’ position), wherein fuel is getting sucked through the reserve suction tube 20b.
According to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure as illustrated in Figures 5a and 5b, the fuel supply system 100 comprises a manually-operable/manually-selectable means 60a-60b and 70, comprising a connector on main suction tube 60a and a connector on reserve suction tube 60b interchangeably connecting with a connector on output tube 70. The manually-operable/manually-selectable means is a set of quick-fix connectors or a similar type of a receptacle mechanism. In an embodiment, the connector on main suction tube 60a and the connector on reserve suction tube 60b is a quick-fix female connector and the connector on output tube 70 is a quick-fix male connector. The male and female configuration can be reversed, according to another embodiment. Figure 5a illustrates configuration of the fuel supply system 100 when the manually-operable/manually-selectable means 60a-60b and 70 are in a first position (e.g., an ‘OFF’ position OR a ‘mains-ON’ position), wherein fuel is getting sucked through the main suction tube 20a. Figure 5b illustrates configuration of the fuel supply system 100 when the manually-operable/manually-selectable means 60a-60b and 70 is in a second position (e.g., an ‘ON’ position OR a ‘reserve-ON’ position), wherein fuel is getting sucked through the reserve suction tube 20b. Manual connecting/disconnecting the quick-fix connectors (or a similar receptacle mechanism) would fulfil the requirement of switching between the ‘mains’ and the ‘reserve’ modes (i.e., fuel sucked through main suction tube 20a and through reserve suction tube 20b respectively).
One of the first embodiment, the second embodiment and the third embodiment can be packaged inside the header unit 40 (also called as ‘fuel supply module header assembly’) or outside the header unit 40.
Thus, the fuel supply system 100 provides for reserve fuel supply by providing the ability to switch between a main suction tube 20a and a reserve suction tube 20b. Thus, once the suction from the main suction tube 20a stops as the fuel level in the tank 10 goes below the lowest level of the tube 20a and the vehicle stops as a result, the driver is alerted at a time when only a reserve quantity of fuel is available and not when all the fuel gets exhausted. Therefore the driver can still utilize the fuel lying below that level by switching the supply to the reserve suction tube 20b which reaches very close to the bottom of the tank 10. The driver can therefore drive to a nearby fuel station for refilling the tank. Also, since, for most of the time, the vehicle runs on fuel sucked through the main suction tube 20a, suction of clean fuel is ensured for most of the time, or in other words, the debris at the bottom of the fuel tank is not sucked in by the main suction tube 20a. This enhances the life of strainer and fuel filter. Moreover, direct suction of hot return fuel from the engine can be avoided by extending the return line upto the bottom of the tank. Suction-based fuel supply systems such as the one disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure are less prone to theft as compared to gravity-based fuel supply systems. By providing the header element 40, an additional tamper-proofing arrangement is created for the switching element 50 and the ends of the suction tubes 20a, 20b and of the output tube 30 connected with the switching element 50, thus making fuel theft more difficult.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a fuel supply system for automobiles, which:
• provides for reserve fuel supply;
• alerts the user of low fuel level before tank becomes empty;
• ensures supply of clean fuel from the fuel tank for most of the time;
• is less prone to tampering and theft of fuel; and
• enhances life of associated components such as strainer and fuel filter.
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.