Patent Application
20170234242
Diesel engines have been in widespread use for many decades. BOSCH® P series fuel injection pumps (e.g., P-7100, P-8500, etc., commonly known as “P pumps”) have been utilized by a variety of engine manufacturers over the years for use in a wide range of vehicles and equipment (e.g., automotive, industrial, agricultural, marine, power generation, etc.). These fuel pumps have a reputation for durability and can be tunable for high performance. One common performance enhancement is to modify a fuel plate (also known as a fuel stop plate or a cam plate) of the fuel pump, which affects the amount of fuel the pump can deliver at a given engine speed by providing a mechanical limit or stop. Thus, modifying a “profile” of the fuel plate can have a dramatic effect on performance.
In accordance with examples of the present disclosure, the following is a brief description of the accompanying drawings:
Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the technology as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only. The terms are not intended to be limiting unless specified as such.
It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
In describing embodiments of the present disclosure, reference will be made to “first” or “second” as they relate to spacer threaded portions, for example. It is noted that these are merely relative terms, and a spacer threaded portion described or shown as a “first” threaded portion could just as easily be referred to a “second” threaded portion, and such description is implicitly included herein.
Dimensions, amounts, and other numerical data may be presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, a weight ratio range of about 1 wt % to about 20 wt % should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited limits of about 1 wt % and about 20 wt %, but also to include individual weights such as 2 wt %, 11 wt %, 14 wt %, and sub-ranges such as 10 wt % to 20 wt %, 5 wt % to 15 wt %, etc.
In accordance with these definitions and embodiments of the present disclosure, a discussion of the various systems and methods is provided including details associated therewith. This being said, it should be noted that various embodiments will be discussed as they relate to the systems and methods. Regardless of the context of the specific details as they are discussed for any one of these embodiments, it is understood that such discussion relates to all other embodiments as well.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one example of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in one example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example.
As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the present disclosure may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto equivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present disclosure.
Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the present technology can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosure.
In accordance with these definitions and embodiments of the present disclosure, a discussion of the various systems and methods is provided including details associated therewith. This being said, it should be noted that various embodiments will be discussed as they relate to the systems and methods. Regardless of the context of the specific details as they are discussed for any one of these embodiments, it is understood that such discussion relates to all other embodiments as well.
Although the typical fuel plate modification is effective to improve performance, one drawback of BOSCH® P Series fuel injection pumps when compared to some other fuel injection pumps (i.e., electronically controlled pumps) is the inability to vary the available engine power dynamically while the engine is operating, because fuel plates having different profiles are exchanged when the fuel pump is at least partially disassembled and the installed fuel plate is secured at a fixed position.
Accordingly, the present disclosure is drawn to an adjustable fuel plate device for a diesel fuel pump. In one aspect, the adjustable fuel plate device can vary the power available from the engine while the engine is operating. The adjustable fuel plate device can include a fuel plate to limit travel of a governor arm of a diesel fuel pump for a diesel engine; a translation mechanism to move the fuel plate relative to the governor arm; and a control system coupleable to the translation mechanism to control movement of the fuel plate during operation of the engine.
In another example, an adjustable fuel plate assembly for a diesel fuel pump can include a support member having an opening; a fuel plate disposed at least partially in the opening to limit travel of a governor arm of a diesel fuel pump for a diesel engine; and a translation mechanism to move the fuel plate relative to the governor arm. In this example, the opening can be configured to receive an aneroid fuel control (AFC) arm therethrough and facilitate operation of an AFC with the diesel fuel pump.
In another example, an adjustable fuel plate kit for modifying a diesel fuel pump can include an adjustable fuel plate assembly to be disposed between a diesel fuel pump for a diesel engine and an aneroid fuel control (AFC). The adjustable fuel plate assembly can include a support member having an opening, a fuel plate disposed at least partially in the opening to limit travel of a governor arm of the diesel fuel pump, and a translation mechanism to move the fuel plate relative to the governor arm. The adjustable fuel plate kit can further include a control system coupleable to the translation mechanism to control movement of the fuel plate during operation of the engine, and a replacement AFC arm to replace an original AFC arm of the AFC. The opening of the support member can be configured to receive the AFC arm therethrough and the replacement AFC arm is configured to extend into the diesel fuel pump to facilitate operation of the AFC with the diesel fuel pump.
In another example, a diesel fuel pump system can include a diesel fuel pump for a diesel engine; an aneroid fuel control (AFC); and an adjustable fuel plate device disposed between the diesel fuel pump and the AFC. The adjustable fuel plate device can include a fuel plate to limit travel of a governor arm of the diesel fuel pump, a translation mechanism to move the fuel plate relative to the governor arm, and a control system coupled to the translation mechanism to control movement of the fuel plate during operation of the engine.
In another example, a method for facilitating adjustment of a fuel plate of a diesel fuel pump can include providing an adjustable fuel plate assembly to be disposed between a diesel fuel pump for a diesel engine and an aneroid fuel control (AFC); and facilitating operation of the AFC with the diesel fuel pump. The adjustable fuel plate assembly can include a support member having an opening, a fuel plate disposed at least partially in the opening to limit travel of a governor arm of the diesel fuel pump, and a translation mechanism to move the fuel plate relative to the governor arm.
In another example, a method for modulating fuel conservation of a diesel engine during operation of the engine can include providing a translation mechanism to move a fuel plate of a diesel fuel pump relative to a governor arm of the fuel pump, the fuel plate being configured to limit travel of the governor arm; and facilitating operation of the translation mechanism during operation of the engine, wherein the translation mechanism is operable to move the fuel plate from a first position to a second position, thereby altering the fuel consumption of the diesel engine. In one example, the second position can be more limiting of governor arm movement than the first position, thereby providing improved fuel efficiency. In another example, the first position can be more limiting of governor arm movement than the second position, thereby providing improved diesel engine performance.
In another example, a method for modulating fuel consumption of a diesel engine during operation of the engine can include providing a control system to variably limit travel of a governor arm of a diesel fuel pump; and facilitating control of the governor arm travel by the control system during operation of the diesel engine, wherein a travel limit of the governor arm is changed from a first limit position to a second limit position, thereby altering the fuel consumption. In one example, the second limit position can be more limiting of governor arm movement than the first limit position, thereby providing improved fuel efficiency. In another example, the first limit position can be more limiting of governor arm movement than the second limit position, thereby providing improved performance. In one aspect, the method can further comprise facilitating operation of the control system by a driver of a vehicle that includes the diesel engine. In another aspect, the method can further comprise providing a translation mechanism to move a fuel plate of the diesel fuel pump relative to the governor arm, the fuel plate being configured to limit travel of the governor arm, wherein facilitating control of the governor arm travel by the control system comprises facilitating control of the translation mechanism by the control system to move the fuel plate from the first limit position to the second limit position.
Other embodiments are also disclosed herein including various combinations of the above-identified examples. As such, reference will now be made to various exemplary embodiments, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only. The terms are not intended to be limiting unless specified as such.
Turning now more specifically to
In some embodiments, the adjustable fuel plate device 101 can include a fuel plate and a translation mechanism as part of the adjustable fuel plate assembly 110, which are obscured from view in
With continued reference to
As previously noted, the adjustable fuel plate device 101 includes both the adjustable fuel plate assembly 110 and the control system 120, i.e., control knobs, gears, cable controller, etc. The adjustable fuel plate assembly specifically can include a support member 111, which can be configured to interface with the fuel pump 102 (i.e., a fuel pump housing) and the AFC 103 (i.e., an AFC housing). For example, top and bottom sides 116a, 116b of the support member 111 can be configured to interface with portions of the AFC 103 and the fuel pump 102, respectively. The support member 111 can also include coupling features 117a-d, such as holes, to facilitate coupling the AFC 103, the adjustable fuel plate device 101, and the fuel pump 102 to one another, such as with bolts 104a, 104b or other fasteners, pins, clips, etc. (
As shown in
The translation mechanism 140 can include a lead screw 141 to provide and/or facilitate movement of the fuel plate 130, which can be analogous to a “traveling nut.” In one aspect, the support member 111 can provide support for the translation mechanism 140. For example, the support member 111 can be configured to house and/or support at least a portion of the lead screw 141, such as by facilitating rotation of the lead screw 141 relative to the support member 111. Facilitation of relative rotational movement of the lead screw 141 and the support member 111 can be accomplished in any suitable manner, such as using bearings, bushings, etc.
In one aspect, shown in
Although the translation mechanism 140 is shown as having a lead screw to provide translation of the fuel plate (which can form a type of linear actuator), it should be recognized that any suitable translation mechanism known in the art may be used to provide and/or facilitate translation of the fuel plate in accordance with the present disclosure. Examples of such mechanisms include a rotational to linear motion mechanism (e.g., a crank and slider), a linear actuator (e.g., a lead screw and traveling nut, a hydraulic or pneumatic ram or cylinder, a cam actuator, a wedge actuator, etc.), a multi-bar linkage mechanism (e.g., a Watt's linkage, a Chebyshev linkage, a Hoekens linkage, a Peaucellier-Lipkin linkage, a Sarrus linkage, etc.), a chain, belt, and/or gear drive train, etc. An element or component of the translation mechanism 140 can be caused to move or actuated by any suitable means, such as by a user (i.e., non-powered), and/or a mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical device or mechanism (i.e., powered). Examples of such powered devices or mechanisms include a motor (e.g., a stepper motor), a linear actuator, a rotary actuator (e.g., an electric motor), etc. Thus, the translation mechanism 140 can optionally include any suitable motor or actuator (see 146 in
The control system 120 can control the movement and/or the position of the fuel plate 130 utilizing any suitable device or mechanism known in the art, such as mechanical, electrical, electromechanical devices and mechanisms. In one aspect, the control system 120 can include a user interface, such as a dial, lever, button, knob, switch, keypad, keyboard, touchscreen, etc., to facilitate control of the position and/or movement of the fuel plate 130 by a user. The control system 120 can be coupled 124 to the translation mechanism 140 in any suitable manner, such as by mechanical, electrical, and/or electromechanical devices and mechanisms, to facilitate movement of the fuel plate 130 during operation of the engine and the fuel pump 102. In one example, a coupling feature 123, such as an opening or hole, can be used to facilitate coupling or securing the control system 120 to the translation mechanism 140. The support member 111 can include any number of such coupling features 123, which may be of any suitable configuration to facilitate coupling or securing the control system 120 to the translation mechanism 140. In another example, the control mechanism 120 can be wired and/or wirelessly coupled to the translation mechanism 140. Accordingly, the coupling 124 can include any suitable transmitter, receiver, etc. to facilitate coupling the control mechanism and the translation mechanism to one another. In one aspect, a position sensor (not shown) can be included to identify a position of the fuel plate 130 during operation. This position can be communicated to the control system to facilitate control of the fuel plate's position by a user. In one aspect, the control system can include a processor to interpret user commands and control operation of the translation mechanism accordingly. Various operational aspects of the device 101 can be communicated to the user (e.g., the fuel plate's position, movement of the fuel plate to a new position, the fuel plate located at a range of motion limit, etc.) visually (e.g., a display), audibly (e.g., a tone), and/or haptically (e.g., a vibration or click feel), etc.
In one aspect, the control system 120 can include only mechanical components, such as a control cable and/or a gear mechanism. For example, the user interface can include a dial or knob, which can be turned by a user. The torque provided by the user can be transferred to the translation mechanism 140 via a cable, which can be coupled to an end 142 of the lead screw 141, for example. The end 142 of the lead screw can be of any suitable shape or configuration to facilitate interfacing and/or coupling with the control system 120. In one aspect, the control system 120 can include a gear mechanism 121 (
The fuel plate 130 can have a base portion 131, which can be configured to interface with and/or form a part of the translation mechanism 140. For example, the base portion 131 of the fuel plate 130 can include threads configured to interface with the lead screw 141. In one aspect, a feature of the support member 111, such as a wall 114b defining the opening 112, and the base portion 131 can be configured to interface with one another to prevent rotation of the fuel plate 130 upon rotation of the lead screw 141. Thus, the base portion 131 can be configured to slide along the wall 114b as the fuel plate 130 translates under the influence of the lead screw 141. In addition, the fuel plate 130 can include a governor arm interface portion 132 that includes a governor interface surface or feature 133 configured to interface with the governor arm of the fuel pump 102, which defines a profile that can affect the performance of the fuel pump, as described in more detail hereinafter. In one aspect, the governor arm interface portion 132 can be removable from the base portion 131, such as with fasteners 134, pins, clips, etc., to facilitate the use of different profiles with the fuel pump 102. The base portion 131 and the governor arm interface portion 132 of the fuel plate 130 can be of any suitable shape or configuration to facilitate interfacing and/or coupling with one another.
The various components of the adjustable fuel plate device 101 disclosed herein can comprise any suitable material or combination of materials (e.g., metal, polymer, composite, etc.) that can facilitate adequate operation of the respective component at a range of temperatures that may be experienced by the component during use of the device, such as cold ambient temperatures at engine start-up and hot temperatures generated by the engine. In one example embodiment, the support member 110 can be constructed of aluminum and the lead screw 141 and the fuel plate 130 can be constructed of steel.
With further reference to
The AFC 103 includes an arm 160 that has a governor interface feature 161. In operation, the AFC arm 160 is movable in direction 174 in proportion to pressure from a turbo for the engine. The governor interface feature 161 of the AFC arm 160 serves to limit the range of motion of the governor arm 150 in direction 170 based on the amount of “boost” in the turbo, which in turn limits the range of motion of the rack 151 to the left in direction 172, thereby limiting the amount of fuel that is available to the engine as a result of the rotational position of the plunger 152. This fuel flow control by the AFC 103 can prevent or limit the amount of black smoke discharged from the exhaust. When the boost in the turbo is sufficient, such as at wide open throttle, the AFC arm 160 will move to the left sufficiently to expose the governor interface feature 133 of the fuel plate 130 to the governor arm 150, thus causing the fuel plate 130 to limit the rotational travel of the governor arm 150 to the left in direction 170. As engine speed increases, the governor arm 150 will “ride up” the governor interface feature 133 of the fuel plate. In one aspect, pressure from the turbo to the AFC 103 can be regulated by the control system 120, such as via a flow and/or pressure regulator 163, to control the movement of the AFC arm 160 and therefore vary or change range of motion limits of the governor arm 150.
It is well-known that the profile of the fuel plate governor interface feature 133 can have an impact on the power available from the engine. Various specific profiles of the governor interface feature 133 are used to influence the performance of the engine by strategically limiting the amount of fuel available as engine speed varies.
Referring further to
One advantage of the present technology is the ability to move the fuel plate 130 while the engine is operating, such as by using the control system 120, which may have a user interface available to a driver in the cab of the vehicle. Another advantage of the present technology is that the AFC 103 remains fully functional, thus preserving important drivability aspects (i.e., limiting black smoke) provided by the AFC.
It should be noted that the presence of the adjustable fuel plate assembly 110 between the AFC 103 and the fuel pump 102 increases the distance between these two components by a thickness 106 of the support member 111. Thus, a length 107 of a lower portion 162 of the AFC arm 160 can be increased by a length equal to the thickness 106 to properly position the governor interface feature 161 of the AFC arm 160.
In one aspect, an adjustable fuel plate kit for modifying a diesel fuel pump is provided. The kit can include the adjustable fuel plate assembly 110, which can include the support member 111, the fuel plate 130, and the translation mechanism 140, as discussed above. The kit can also include the control system 120, which can be coupleable to the translation mechanism 140 to control movement of the fuel plate 130 during operation of the engine. In addition, the kit can include a replacement AFC arm (such as AFC arm 160) to replace an original AFC arm of the AFC. The replacement AFC arm can be configured to extend into the diesel fuel pump to facilitate operation of the AFC with the diesel fuel pump.
Furthermore, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for facilitating adjustment of a fuel plate of a diesel fuel pump is disclosed. The method can include providing an adjustable fuel plate assembly to be disposed between a diesel fuel pump for a diesel engine and an AFC, the adjustable fuel plate assembly including a support member having an opening, a fuel plate disposed at least partially in the opening to limit travel of a governor arm of the diesel fuel pump, and a translation mechanism to move the fuel plate relative to the governor arm. The method can also include facilitating operation of the AFC with the diesel fuel pump. In one aspect of the method, facilitating operation of the AFC with the diesel fuel pump includes configuring the opening of the support member to receive an AFC arm therethrough. In another aspect of the method, facilitating operation of the AFC with the diesel fuel pump includes providing an AFC arm configured to extend through the opening of the support member and into the diesel fuel pump. In one aspect, the method can further include facilitating controlling movement of the fuel plate during operation of the engine.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for modulating fuel conservation of a diesel engine during operation of the engine can include providing a translation mechanism to move a fuel plate of a diesel fuel pump relative to a governor arm of the fuel pump, the fuel plate being configured to limit travel of the governor arm; and facilitating operation of the translation mechanism during operation of the engine, wherein the translation mechanism is operable to move the fuel plate from a first position to a second position, thereby altering the fuel consumption of the diesel engine. In one example, the second position can be more limiting of governor arm movement than the first position, thereby providing improved fuel efficiency. In another example, the first position can be more limiting of governor arm movement than the second position, thereby providing improved diesel engine performance. In one aspect of the method, the fuel plate can have a profile configured to improve fuel economy. In another aspect of the method, the translation mechanism can comprise a linear actuator. In one aspect, the method can further comprise facilitating control of the translation mechanism from a cab of a vehicle.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for modulating fuel consumption of a diesel engine during operation of the engine can include providing a control system to variably limit travel of a governor arm of a diesel fuel pump; and facilitating control of the governor arm travel by the control system during operation of the diesel engine, wherein a travel limit of the governor arm is changed from a first limit position to a second limit position, thereby altering the fuel consumption. In one example, the second limit position can be more limiting of governor arm movement than the first limit position, thereby providing improved fuel efficiency. In another example, the first limit position can be more limiting of governor arm movement than the second limit position, thereby providing improved performance. In one aspect, the method can further comprise facilitating operation of the control system by a driver of a vehicle that includes the diesel engine. In another aspect, the method can further comprise providing a translation mechanism to move a fuel plate of the diesel fuel pump relative to the governor arm, the fuel plate being configured to limit travel of the governor arm, wherein facilitating control of the governor arm travel by the control system comprises facilitating control of the translation mechanism by the control system to move the fuel plate from the first limit position to the second limit position.
It is noted that no specific order is required in the methods disclosed herein, though generally in some embodiments, the method steps can be carried out sequentially.
A Bosch® P-7100 911 fuel injection pump with 191 delivery valves, 4000 RPM governor springs, and rack cap (allowing full rack travel) was used with an adjustable fuel plate device shown in the FIGS. in accordance with the present disclosure, with no aneroid fuel control (AFC). The fuel plate was moved through 20 positions. In one example, movement can be by a mechanical control system, e.g., a mechanical dial and gear mechanism such as that shown in
It is to be understood that the embodiments of the technology disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Additionally, the foregoing example is illustrative of the principles of the present technology in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the disclosure. Accordingly, it is not intended that the technology be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.
This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/741,612, filed on Jun. 17, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/135,881, filed Mar. 20, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62135881 | Mar 2015 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14741612 | Jun 2015 | US |
| Child | 15393549 | US |
