DESC:Integrated Fuel Supply System
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an integrated fuel supply system for storing
and supplying fuel, and more specifically to a fuel tank with integrated filter system.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventionally, fuel supply systems include multitude of components working in
combination with each other to supply clean diesel fuel for combustion. Diesel, not only just
acts as an energy source but also provides cooling for fuel injection system and
simultaneously acts as a cleansing agent for the multitude of components of the fuel supply
systems. The most inherent contaminant from refining process of diesel fuel include organic
contaminants like paraffin wax, asphaltenes, etc. The organic contaminants may block the
multitude of components due to their ability to flocculate and/or change viscosity based on
varying temperatures during summer and winter months.
[0003] Diesel fuel may further be contaminated by external contaminants like dirt and
sediment during its circulation via the fuel systems. This contaminated diesel fuel may affect
the fuel supply systems in terms of faster wear and tear. Another common external
contaminant is water introduced into the diesel fuel during refueling or due to leakages or
poor maintenance of the fuel supply system. Water may also get introduced due to faulty
design of any component exposed to rain or other such environmental conditions.
[0004] Water in diesel fuel adversely affects the fuel supply systems and the multitude of
components by causing rust and creating a corrosive environment. As diesel fuel injectors
operate at higher pressures and water is heavier than the diesel fuel, presence of water may
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lead simply to faultier operation of the fuel injector or more aggressively to causing tip of the
fuel injectors to blow off. Thus, there is a constant requirement to provide contaminant free
diesel fuel for safety of the multitude of components of the fuel supply systems.
[0005] The multitude of components generally include a fuel tank for storage, various types
of filter elements, pressure pumps for supplying fuel from the fuel tank to fuel rail(s) via fuel
lines, etc. Some of the multitude of components are generally attached to vehicle’s engine
and some to vehicle’s chassis. The multitude of components are integrated functionally via
attachment or mounting assemblies, fuel line connectors, fuel line clips, fuel jumper lines,
etc.
[0006] Presently, fuel supply systems include a fuel tank to receive and store the fuel during
vehicle’s refuelling to supply when needed. The fuel tank generally includes an opening to
receive fuel, a fuel indicator to ascertain the fuel level, a venting arrangement for the fuel
tank, a drain hole to enable emptying of the fuel tank. Further, a primary filter or fuel strainer
is used generally between the fuel tank and fuel outlet. Another filter, i.e. a water fuel
separator is fit into fuel supply line to separate water from the fuel and to further store the
separated water or dispose off the separated water in an environmental friendly manner.
Furthermore, a main filter is coupled upstream to the water fuel separator for separating 10
micron or larger particles.
[0007] Generally, a low pressure pump is also integrated to either produce a suction for
bringing fuel out of the fuel tank or to produce a pressure to push fuel out of the fuel tank and
to fuel supply lines. In most cases, a high pressure pump is installed to pump the fuel to the
vehicle’s engine or to a high-pressure common rail at a requisite pressure. A fuel return line
is used to return the unused fuel back from vehicle’s engine or the high-pressure common rail
to the fuel tank.
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[0008] These fuel supply systems are finally controlled and timed by vehicle’s engine control
module or are configured manually to perform. Designs of fuel supply systems presently in
use allocate the vehicle’s engine control module, the low pressure pump, the high pressure
pump, and the main filter to be attached to the vehicle’s engine. While vehicle’s fuel tank,
fuel indicator, fuel strainer, and other such components are allocated to be attached to the
vehicle’s chassis. Other variations have been also implemented allocating attachment of the
multitude of components either to the vehicle’s engine or the vehicle’s chassis.
[0009] The usual problem with such fuel supply systems is huge cost and time consumed
during regular maintenance work. As entire fuel supply system is spread all over the vehicle,
identifying a specific component with maintenance problem requires a thorough
time-consuming investigation. Another problem arises in terms of safety of passengers if any
of the multitude of components malfunction hazardously due to an accidental damage, as
restricting the damage would be a full-scale operation spreading from the vehicle’s engine to
the vehicle’s chassis.
[0010] Furthermore, such fuel systems have increased no. of joints, thus increasing leakage
points and reducing reliability and durability of entire fuel supply systems. Above-mentioned
fuel supply systems also have increased no. of components on the vehicle’s engine, reducing
scope of implementing newer designs with availability of extra space on the vehicle’s engine.
Such fuel supply systems also have increased no. of the multitude of components making
assembly of vehicle more complex with increased assembly time.
[0011] In light of the above-mentioned shortcomings associated with existing methods and
systems for fuel supply systems, it is highly desirable to have a system and method that
provides durable, reliable, safe, and easy to assemble and maintain fuel supply system.
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SUMMARY
[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as
solutions to one or more above-mentioned technical problems recognized by the inventor in
conventional systems.
[0013] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a system and method for a fuel supply system is
provided.
[0014] In another aspect, a system and method for an integrated fuel supply system is
provided.
[0015] In yet another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and
method for a fuel tank with integrated filter system. In one aspect, the present disclosure
provides a system and method for a fuel tank with integrated fuel water separator, integrated
main filter, and integrated low pressure pump. In a further aspect, the present disclosure
provides a system and method for a fuel tank with integrated three stage fuel water separator,
integrated low pressure pump, and integrated main filter.
[0016] Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would
be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative
embodiments.
[0017] It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being
combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure
as defined by the below mentioned detailed description and drawings.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0018] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative
embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For
the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, example constructions of the disclosure are
shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and
instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the
drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical
numbers.
[0019] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example
only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view depicting an integrated fuel supply system attached to vehicle’s
chassis and engine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 2A and 2B depict exemplary perspective views showing a fuel tank with integrated filter
system, in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
Fig. 3A and 3B are exemplary front cut away/sectional views of the fuel tank with integrated
filter system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 4A and 4B are exemplary schematic illustrations depicting working of the integrated fuel
supply system, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an
item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined
number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking
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the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied
by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which
the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure
and manners by which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the
present disclosure has been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other
embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible. The
person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of
embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that this invention is not
limited to the particular methodology, protocols, and the like, described herein and as such
may vary. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is
defined solely by the claims.
[0022] Unless stated otherwise, or implicit from context, the following terms and phrases
include the meanings provided below. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, or apparent from
context, the terms and phrases below do not exclude the meaning that the term or phrase has
acquired in the art to which it pertains. The definitions are provided to aid in describing
particular embodiments of the aspects described herein, and are not intended to limit the
claimed invention, because the scope of the invention is limited only by the claims. Further,
unless otherwise required by the context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural
terms shall include the singular.
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[0023] As used herein, the term “comprising” or “comprises” is used in reference to
compositions, methods, and respective component(s) thereof, that are essential to the
invention, yet open to the inclusion of unspecified elements, whether essential or not.
[0024] The singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless context
clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, references to the “method” includes
one or more methods, and/or steps of the type described herein, and/or which will become
apparent to those persons skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and so forth.
[0025] Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be
used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described
below. The term “comprises” means “includes”. The abbreviation, “e.g.” is derived from the
Latin exempli gratia and is used herein to indicate a non-limiting example. Thus, the
abbreviation “e.g.” is synonymous with the term “for example”.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an integrated fuel supply system is
provided to store and supply diesel fuel to a vehicle’s engine. In another embodiment, the
integrated fuel supply system includes a fuel tank with integrated filter system, a plurality of
fuel lines, a fuel rail, a plurality of fuel line clips, and a plurality of fuel line connectors. In an
aspect of the present disclosure, the fuel tank with integrated filter system is attached to a
vehicle’s chassis. In an example, the fuel tank with integrated filter system may be coupled to
the vehicle’s chassis by a plurality of mounting assemblies.
[0027] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuel tank with integrated filter
system may include a filling cap for allowing refueling, a fuel outlet for supplying the diesel
fuel to the vehicle’s engine, a fuel level sensor module for integrating a fuel level sensor with
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a connector for fuel level sensor, a fuel return module to enable return of the unused diesel
fuel from the fuel rail, and a tank breather module to enable venting via a tank breather line.
[0028] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the fuel tank with integrated filter system may
include a strainer to separate dissolved solid matter from the diesel fuel. In an aspect, a low
pressure pump may be coupled upstream of the strainer for creating suction required for the
diesel fuel to flow via the strainer. The diesel fuel may then pass to a multi-stage fuel
filtration module placed upstream of the low pressure pump. In an embodiment, the
multi-stage fuel filtration module may include a fuel water separator integrated with the main
fuel filter. In another embodiment, the multi-stage fuel filtration module may include a
multi-stage fuel water separator integrated with the main fuel filter.
[0029] In an aspect, the multi-stage fuel filtration module may filter water and other solid
impurities from the diesel fuel and the filtered water may then be collected in a water
collector so as to be drained via a water drain valve included within the water collector. In
another aspect, the multi-stage fuel filtration module may filter water and other solid
impurities from the diesel fuel and the filtered water may then be immediately absorbed
within the multi-stage fuel filtration module.
[0030] In further aspects of the present disclosure, the integrated fuel supply system may
include a high pressure pump positioned upstream of the multi-stage fuel filtration module.
The high pressure pump may create and maintain extremely high pressures for the injection
of the filtered diesel fuel into the vehicle’s engine, according to various embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0031] Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate, or at least partially
address, problems in the prior art, and assist the customers and OEM manufacturers.
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[0032] Hereinafter, an integrated fuel supply system and its embodiments will be described
with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an integrated
fuel supply system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] In an aspect of the present disclosure, an integrated fuel supply system 100 is
depicted. As illustrated, the integrated fuel supply system 100 includes a fuel tank with
integrated filter system 110. In an example, the fuel tank with integrated filter system 110
may be preferably made of plastic. In other exemplary embodiments, the fuel tank with
integrated filter system 110 may be made of metal, alloys, composites, or any other suitable
material. As may be seen clearly, the fuel tank with integrated filter system 110 may have a
rectangular shape according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In another example,
the fuel tank with integrated filter system 110 may have a square shape, a cylindrical shape,
or other suitable geometrical structures capable of withholding and carrying diesel fuel.
[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the fuel tank with integrated filter system 110 is coupled to a
vehicle’s chassis 120. The vehicle’s chassis 120 includes structural elements 130 arranged
such that the vehicle’s chassis 120 may support a required load and simultaneously provide
structural integrity. It may be understood that the vehicle’s chassis 120 may include multiple
numbers of the structural elements 130 arranged in a variety of designs according to the
required load to be supported.
[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the integrated fuel supply system 100 may include a
plurality of fuel lines 140. As shown, the plurality of fuel lines 140 are coupled to the fuel
tank with integrated filter system 110. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the fuel lines
140 may allow passage of the diesel fuel from the fuel tank with integrated filter system 110
to a vehicle’s engine (not shown) via a fuel rail 150. The fuel lines 140 may allow return of
the diesel fuel from the fuel rail 150 to the fuel tank with integrated filter system 110,
according to another aspect of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, the fuel
rail 150 may include a highly pressurized fuel rail to supply diesel fuel to the vehicle’s
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engine. In another exemplary embodiment, the fuel rail 150 may include a common rail, an
inline or rotary distributor pump, an individual control pump, or any other such injection
system.
[0036] In another exemplary embodiment, the integrated fuel supply system 100 may include
a plurality of fuel line clips 160 to attach the fuel lines 140 to the vehicle’s chassis 120.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuel supply system 100 may
further include a plurality of fuel line connectors (not shown) for coupling the plurality of
fuel lines 140 to each other. It must be understood that FIG. 1 is an exemplary illustration of
the integrated fuel supply system 100 and other modifications are possible according to
various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0037] Now referring to FIG. 2A, a perspective view of the fuel tank with integrated filter
system 110 is depicted. As shown, the fuel tank with integrated filter system 110 includes a
mounting assembly 200. In an embodiment, the mounting assembly 200 may include a
plurality of mounting assemblies 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting assembly
200 attaches the fuel tank with integrated filter system 110 to the vehicle’s chassis 120.
[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the fuel tank with integrated filter system 110 may
include a filling cap 202 for facilitating refuelling and preventing overflow or theft of the
diesel fuel. In another exemplary embodiment, the fuel tank with integrated filter system 110
may include a fuel outlet 204 for facilitating supply of filtered diesel fuel to the vehicle’s
engine (not shown) via the fuel rail 150.
[0039] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the fuel tank with integrated filter system 110
may include a fuel level sensor module 206. The fuel level sensor module 206 may be used to
integrate a connector for fuel level sensor (not shown) and a fuel level sensor (not shown),
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, the fuel
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tank with integrated filter system 110 may include a fuel return inlet 208 integrated with the
fuel level sensor module 206 for facilitating return of the diesel fuel from the vehicle’s engine
(not shown). In another exemplary embodiment, the fuel tank with integrated filter system
110 may include a tank breather 210 integrated with the fuel level sensor module 206 for
facilitating coupling of a tank breather (not shown) via a tank breather line 212.
[0040] Further, as may be seen in FIG. 2A, the fuel tank with integrated filter system 110
may include a water collector 214 for collecting water dissolved in the stored diesel fuel. In
an exemplary embodiment, the water collector 214 may include a water in fuel sensor 216
(hereinafter referred as WIF sensor). In another exemplary embodiment, the water collector
214 may include a water drain valve 218 for facilitating removal of water collected in the
water collector. In an exemplary embodiment, the water drain valve 218 may be a manually
operated valve and/or an automatically controlled valve operated according to capacity of the
water collector 214 vis-a-vis quantities of water collected therein.
[0041] Fig. 2A is merely an example. A person skilled in the art will recognize many
variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of the fuel tank with integrated filter system
110’, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As depicted, the fuel tank
with integrated filter system 110’ may include a mounting assembly 200’ which attaches the
fuel tank with integrated filter system 110’ to the vehicle’s chassis 120, a filling cap 202’ for
facilitating refuelling and preventing overflow or theft of the diesel fuel, a fuel outlet 204’ for
facilitating supply of filtered diesel fuel to the vehicle’s engine (not shown), a fuel level
sensor module 206’ which may be used to integrate a connector for fuel level sensor (not
shown) and a fuel level sensor (not shown), a fuel return inlet 208’ for facilitating return of
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the diesel fuel from the vehicle’s engine (not shown), and a tank breather 210’ for facilitating
coupling of a tank breather (not shown) via a tank breather line 212’.
[0043] Fig. 3A illustrates an exemplary front sectional view of the fuel tank with integrated
filter system 110, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As depicted, the
fuel tank with integrated filter system 110 includes a strainer 300. In an exemplary
embodiment, the strainer 300 separates solid matter from the diesel fuel. As shown, the
strainer 300 may be coupled to a multi-stage fuel filtration module 302. According to various
embodiments of the present disclosure, the multi-stage fuel filtration module 302 acts both as
a primary filter and a secondary filter. In another embodiment, the multi-stage fuel filtration
module 302 simultaneously filters and removes any water content dissolved in the diesel fuel
and any solid impurities inside the diesel fuel being supplied via the strainer 300.
[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the multi-stage fuel filtration module 302 may include
a fuel water separator 304 integrated with a main fuel filter 306. In another embodiment, the
multi-stage fuel filtration module 302 may include a multi-stage fuel water separator 304
integrated with the main fuel filter 306.
[0045] In another exemplary embodiment, the multi-stage fuel filtration module 302 may
include a first stage using a pleated paper element for changing water particles in large
enough droplets to fall by gravity and be separated from the diesel fuel. In another exemplary
embodiment, the multi-stage fuel filtration module 302 may include a second stage made of
silicone treated nylon or any other similar material capable of removing water particles which
avoided the first stage. In a further exemplary embodiment, the multi-stage fuel filtration
module 302 may include the main fuel filter 306 for filtering solid impurities inside the diesel
fuel. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the multi-stage fuel filtration module 302 may
include a hydrophobic membrane (not shown) in either the first stage, the second stage, or in
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both. In another exemplary embodiment, the multi-stage fuel filtration module 302 may be
coupled to the water collector 214 via a water separator line 308.
[0046] FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary front sectional view of the fuel tank with integrated
filter system 110’ of FIG. 2B, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As
depicted, the fuel tank with integrated filter system 110’ includes a strainer 300’. In an
exemplary embodiment, the strainer 300’ separates solid matter from the diesel fuel. As
shown, the strainer 300’ may be coupled to a multi-stage fuel filtration module 302’.
According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the multi-stage fuel filtration
module 302’ acts both as a primary filter and a secondary filter. In another embodiment, the
multi-stage fuel filtration module 302’ simultaneously filters and removes any water content
dissolved in the diesel fuel and any solid impurities inside the diesel fuel being supplied via
the strainer 300’.
[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the multi-stage fuel filtration module 302’ may include
a fuel water separator 304’ integrated with a main fuel filter 306’. In another embodiment, the
multi-stage fuel filtration module 302’ may include a multi-stage fuel water separator 304’
integrated with the main fuel filter 306’.
[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the multi-stage fuel filtration module 302’ may include
a first stage using a pleated paper element for changing water particles in large enough
droplets to fall by gravity and be separated from the diesel fuel. In another exemplary
embodiment, the multi-stage fuel filtration module 302’ may include a second stage made of
silicone treated nylon or any other similar material capable of removing water particles which
avoided the first stage. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the multi-stage fuel filtration
module 302’ may include a hydrophobic membrane (not shown) in either the first stage, the
second stage, or in both.
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[0049] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the multi-stage fuel filtration module 302’ may
include a third stage in which filtered water may be absorbed immediately inside the
multi-stage fuel filtration module 302’. In an embodiment, the multi-stage fuel filtration
module 302’ is eco-friendly in design as filtered water or water-fuel mixture may not be
drained to the environment. In another embodiment, the multi-stage fuel filtration module
302’ may not allow the filtered water to re-emulsify or mix with the diesel fuel. Essentially,
design of the multi-stage fuel filtration module 302’ of FIG. 3B may not require the water
collector 214 and the water separator line 308 of FIG. 3A for functioning.
[0050] Fig. 4A is a schematic illustration depicting working of the fuel tank with integrated
filter system 110, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0051] Referring to Fig. 4A, the integrated fuel supply system 100 includes a first part 400
coupled to the vehicle’s chassis and a second part 402 coupled to the vehicle’s engine. In an
embodiment, the first part 400 includes the fuel tank with integrated filter system 110. As
depicted, a fuel drain 404 may be provided at the bottom of the fuel tank with integrated filter
system 110 for draining purposes. In another exemplary embodiment, the first part 400 may
include a low pressure pump 406. The low pressure pump 406 may be coupled downstream
of the multi-stage fuel filtration module 302 for creating suction such that the diesel fuel may
flow via the strainer 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0052] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the multi-stage fuel filtration
module 302 may include the main fuel filter 304 and the fuel water separator 306 integrated
together and positioned upstream of the low pressure pump 406. In an exemplary
embodiment, the multi-stage fuel filtration module 302 may simultaneously remove water,
dirt, rusts, and other contaminants dissolved in the diesel fuel.
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[0053] Further referring to FIG. 4A, a high pressure pump 408 may be coupled upstream of
the multi-stage fuel filtration module 302, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure. The high pressure pump 408 creates and maintains requisite injection pressure for
the diesel fuel to be supplied to the fuel rail 150, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure. As depicted further and in an embodiment, a fuel
return line 410 may be coupled from the high pressure pump 408 to the fuel return inlet 208
for returning unused diesel fuel.
[0054] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an engine control module
(hereinafter ECM) 412 may be functionally integrated to the second part 402. In another
exemplary embodiment, the ECM 412 may control flow of the diesel fuel via the low
pressure pump 406 and the high pressure pump 408. In yet another exemplary embodiment,
the ECM 412 may control the integrated fuel supply system 100. In a further embodiment,
the ECM 412 may control the multi-stage fuel filtration module 302 for controlling flow of
filtered water to the water collector 214 via the water separator line 308 or for controlling
draining of the water collector 214 when it may become full with filtered water.
[0055] Fig. 4A is merely an example. A person skilled in the art will recognize many
variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0056] FIG. 4B depicts a schematic illustration of working of the fuel tank with integrated
filter system 110’, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 4B, the integrated fuel supply system 100’ includes a first part 400’
coupled to the vehicle’s chassis and a second part 402’ coupled to the vehicle’s engine. In an
embodiment, the first part 400’ includes the fuel tank with integrated filter system 110’. As
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depicted, a fuel drain 404’ may be provided at the bottom of the fuel tank with integrated
filter system 110’ for draining purposes.
[0058] In another exemplary embodiment, the first part 400’ may include a low pressure
pump 406’. The low pressure pump 406’ may be coupled downstream of the multi-stage fuel
filtration module 302’ for creating suction such that the diesel fuel may flow via the strainer
300’, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As water is filtered from the
diesel fuel, the multi-stage fuel filtration module 302’ absorbs the filtered water immediately.
[0059] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the multi-stage fuel filtration
module 302’ may include the main fuel filter 304 and the fuel water separator 306 integrated
together and positioned upstream of the low pressure pump 406’. In an exemplary
embodiment, the multi-stage fuel filtration module 302’ may simultaneously remove water,
dirt, rusts, and other contaminants dissolved in the diesel fuel.
[0060] Further referring to FIG. 4B, a high pressure pump 408’ may be coupled upstream of
the multi-stage fuel filtration module 302’, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure. The high pressure pump 408’ creates and maintains requisite injection pressure
for the diesel fuel to be supplied to the fuel rail 150, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure. As depicted further and in an embodiment, a fuel
return line 410’ may be coupled from the high pressure pump 408’ to the fuel return inlet
208’ for returning unused diesel fuel.
[0061] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an engine control module
(hereinafter ECM) 412’ may be functionally integrated to the second part 402’. In another
exemplary embodiment, the ECM 412’ may control flow of the diesel fuel via the low
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pressure pump 406’ and the high pressure pump 408’. In yet another exemplary embodiment,
the ECM 412’ may control the integrated fuel supply system 100’.
[0062] FIG. 4B is merely an example. A person skilled in the art will recognize many
variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure. ,CLAIMS:What is claimed is:
1. A fuel tank with integrated filter system, the fuel tank with integrated filter system coupled to a vehicle’s chassis and configured to store diesel fuel for supplying to a vehicle’s engine, the fuel tank with integrated filter system comprising:
a multi-stage fuel filtration module, the multi-stage fuel filtration module comprising:
a fuel water separator, the fuel water separator comprising:
a first stage using a pleated paper element for changing water particles in large enough droplets to fall by gravity; and
a second stage made of any material capable of removing water particles which avoided the first stage; and
a main fuel filter for filtering solid impurities, the main fuel filter integrated with the fuel water separator;
a strainer for separating solid matter from the diesel fuel, the strainer coupled to
the fuel water separator;
a filling cap for facilitating refuelling;
a fuel outlet for facilitating supply of filtered diesel fuel; and
a tank breather module for relieving both vacuum and pressure of the fuel tank
with integrated filter system;
characterized in that:
a water collector is coupled to the fuel water separator for collecting water separated from the stored diesel fuel and is placed outside the storage area of the fuel tank with integrated filter system.
2. The fuel tank with integrated filter system of claim 1, wherein the water collector comprising:
a water in fuel sensor; and
a water drain valve for facilitating removal of water collected in the water collector.
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3. The fuel tank with integrated filter system of claim 1, wherein the water collector is coupled with the fuel water separator via a water separator line.
4. The fuel tank with integrated filter system of claim 1, wherein a plurality of mounting assemblies couple the fuel tank with integrated filter system to the vehicle’s chassis.
5. The fuel tank with integrated filter system of claim 1, further comprising a hand priming pump to bleed the integrated fuel supply system.
6. The fuel tank with integrated filter system of claim 1, further comprising a fuel return module for facilitating return of diesel fuel from the vehicle’s engine.
7. The fuel tank with integrated filter system of claim 1, further comprising a fuel level sensor module enabling fuel level recognition.
8. The fuel tank with integrated filter system of claim 1, further comprising a hydrophobic membrane included in either the first stage or the second stage or in both stages of the fuel water separator.
9. The fuel tank with integrated filter system of claim 1, wherein the second stage is made of silicone treated nylon. 10. A fuel tank with integrated filter system, the fuel tank with integrated filter system coupled to a vehicle’s chassis and configured to store diesel fuel for supplying to a vehicle’s engine, the fuel tank with integrated filter system comprising:
a multi-stage fuel filtration module, the multi-stage fuel filtration module comprising:
a fuel water separator, the fuel water separator comprising:
a first stage using a pleated paper element for changing water particles in large enough droplets to fall by gravity; and
a second stage made of any material capable of removing water particles which avoided the first stage; and
a main fuel filter for filtering solid impurities, the main fuel filter integrated with the fuel water separator;
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a strainer for separating solid matter from the diesel fuel, the strainer coupled to
the fuel water separator;
a filling cap for facilitating refuelling;
a fuel outlet for facilitating supply of filtered diesel fuel; and
a tank breather module for relieving both vacuum and pressure of the fuel tank
with integrated filter system;
characterized in that:
the fuel water separator comprises a third stage in which filtered water is absorbed immediately inside the fuel water separator.
11. The fuel tank with integrated filter system of claim 10, wherein a plurality of mounting assemblies couple the fuel tank with integrated filter system to the vehicle’s chassis.
12. The fuel tank with integrated filter system of claim 10, wherein further comprising a hand priming pump to bleed the integrated fuel supply system.
13. The fuel tank with integrated filter system of claim 10, further comprising a fuel return module for facilitating return of diesel fuel from the vehicle’s engine.
14. The fuel tank with integrated filter system of claim 10, further comprising a fuel level sensor module enabling fuel level recognition.
15. The fuel tank with integrated filter system of claim 10, further comprising a hydrophobic membrane included in either the first stage or the second stage or in both stages of the fuel water separator.
16. The fuel tank with integrated filter system of claim 10, wherein the second stage is made of silicone treated nylon.
17. An integrated fuel supply system for a vehicle having an engine and a chassis, the integrated fuel supply system comprising:
a first part coupled to the vehicle’s chassis, the first part comprising:
a multi-stage fuel filtration module, the multi-stage fuel filtration
module comprising:
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a fuel water separator, the fuel water separator comprising:
a first stage using a pleated paper element for changing water particles in large enough droplets to fall by gravity; and
a second stage made of any material capable of removing water particles which avoided the first stage; and
a main fuel filter for filtering solid impurities, the main fuel filter integrated with the fuel water separator;
a strainer for separating solid matter from the diesel fuel, the strainer coupled to the fuel water separator;
a filling cap for facilitating refuelling;
a fuel outlet for facilitating supply of filtered diesel fuel; and
a tank breather module for relieving both vacuum and pressure of the fuel tank with integrated filter system; and
a second part coupled to the vehicle’s engine, the second part comprising:
a low pressure pump coupled upstream of the fuel water separator;
a main filter positioned upstream of the low pressure pump, the main
filter removing particles left after filtration via the fuel water separator;
a high pressure pump coupled upstream of the main filter, the high pressure pump configured to create and maintain requisite injection pressure; and
an engine control module functionally integrated to the second part, the engine control module configured to control the flow of diesel fuel via the low pressure pump and the high pressure pump;
characterized in that:
a water collector is coupled to the fuel water separator for collecting water separated from the stored diesel fuel and is placed outside the storage area of the fuel tank with integrated filter system.
18. The integrated fuel supply system of claim 17, wherein the engine control module controls flow of filtered water from the fuel water separator to the water collector.
19. The integrated fuel supply system of claim 17, wherein the engine control module controls draining of the water collector.
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20. The integrated fuel supply system of claim 17, wherein the second part further comprising a fuel return line coupling the high pressure pump to the fuel return module.
21. An integrated fuel supply system for a vehicle having an engine and a chassis, the integrated fuel supply system comprising:
a first part coupled to the vehicle’s chassis, the first part comprising:
a multi-stage fuel filtration module, the multi-stage fuel filtration
module comprising:
a fuel water separator, the fuel water separator comprising:
a first stage using a pleated paper element for changing water particles in large enough droplets to fall by gravity; and
a second stage made of any material capable of removing water particles which avoided the first stage; and
a main fuel filter for filtering solid impurities, the main fuel filter integrated with the fuel water separator;
a strainer for separating solid matter from the diesel fuel, the strainer coupled to the fuel water separator;
a filling cap for facilitating refuelling;
a fuel outlet for facilitating supply of filtered diesel fuel; and
a tank breather module for relieving both vacuum and pressure of the fuel tank with integrated filter system; and
a second part coupled to the vehicle’s engine, the second part comprising:
a low pressure pump coupled upstream of the fuel water separator;
a main filter positioned upstream of the low pressure pump, the main
filter removing particles left after filtration via the fuel water separator;
a high pressure pump coupled upstream of the main filter, the high pressure pump configured to create and maintain requisite injection pressure; and
an engine control module functionally integrated to the second part, the engine control module configured to control the flow of diesel fuel via the low pressure pump and the high pressure pump;
characterized in that:
the fuel water separator comprises a third stage in which filtered water is absorbed immediately inside the fuel water separator.
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22. A vehicle comprising:
a chassis;
an engine; and
a fuel tank with integrated filter system;
characterized in that:
the fuel tank with integrated filter system comprising:
a multi-stage fuel filtration module, the multi-stage fuel filtration module comprising:
a fuel water separator, the fuel water separator comprising:
a first stage using a pleated paper element for changing water particles in large enough droplets to fall by gravity; and
a second stage made of any material capable of removing water particles which avoided the first stage; and
a main fuel filter for filtering solid impurities, the main fuel filter integrated with the fuel water separator;
a strainer for separating solid matter from the diesel fuel, the strainer coupled to the fuel water separator;
a filling cap for facilitating refuelling;
a fuel outlet for facilitating supply of filtered diesel fuel; and
a tank breather module for relieving both vacuum and pressure of the fuel tank with integrated filter system;
characterized in that:
a water collector is coupled to the fuel water separator for collecting water separated from the stored diesel fuel and is placed
outside the storage area of the fuel tank with integrated filter system.
23. A vehicle comprising:
a chassis;
an engine; and
a fuel tank with integrated filter system;
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characterized in that:
the fuel tank with integrated filter system comprising:
a multi-stage fuel filtration module, the multi-stage fuel filtration module comprising:
a fuel water separator, the fuel water separator comprising:
a first stage using a pleated paper element for changing water particles in large enough droplets to fall by gravity; and
a second stage made of any material capable of removing water particles which avoided the first stage; and
a main fuel filter for filtering solid impurities, the main
fuel filter integrated with the fuel water separator;
a strainer for separating solid matter from the diesel fuel, the strainer coupled to the fuel water separator;
a filling cap for facilitating refuelling;
a fuel outlet for facilitating supply of filtered diesel fuel; and
a tank breather module for relieving both vacuum and pressure of the fuel tank with integrated filter system;
characterized in that:
the fuel water separator comprises a third stage in which filtered
water is absorbed immediately inside the fuel water separator.