U.S. patent application number 13/109574 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-22 for pump system and method of use.
This patent application is currently assigned to HOLLEY PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS. Invention is credited to Larry Joe Tipton, Shane Weckerly.
Application Number | 20120294731 13/109574 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47175039 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120294731 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weckerly; Shane ; et
al. |
November 22, 2012 |
Pump System and Method of Use
Abstract
A multi-pump assembly and method of use including a housing and
at least two pumps contained within the housing is described,
wherein each pump has a performance level. In an embodiment, the
performance level of each pump is the same. In another embodiment,
the performance level of each pump is different. The assembly may
also include a common electrical inlet, a common fuel inlet
connection, a common fuel outlet connection, a pressure regulator,
a final filter, an outlet check valve connected to each pump, a
plurality of over pressure relief valves connected to each pump and
an over pressure relief passage formed around the pumps in the
housing, an electronic controller capable of operating each pump
independently, a fuel filter and a pressure regulator in the
housing to form a returnless fuel supply, and/or a final filter.
The assembly may be used in a multiple carburetor or fuel injection
applications.
Inventors: |
Weckerly; Shane; (Bowling
Green, KY) ; Tipton; Larry Joe; (Bowling Green,
KY) |
Assignee: |
HOLLEY PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
Bowling Green
KY
|
Family ID: |
47175039 |
Appl. No.: |
13/109574 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
417/53 ;
417/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04B 23/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/53 ;
417/428 |
International
Class: |
F04B 49/06 20060101
F04B049/06; F04B 23/04 20060101 F04B023/04 |
Claims
1. A multi-pump assembly comprising: a housing; at least two pumps
contained in the housing; an outlet check valve inside each pump;
and an over pressure relief passage formed around the pumps in the
housing; wherein each pump has a performance level.
2. The multi-pump assembly of claim 1 wherein the performance level
of each pump is the same.
3. The multi-pump assembly of claim 1 wherein the performance level
of each pump is different.
4. The multi-pump assembly of claim 1 further comprising a common
electrical inlet.
5. The multi-pump assembly of claim 1 further comprising a common
fuel inlet connection.
6. The multi-pump assembly of claim 1 further comprising a common
fuel outlet connection.
7. The multi-pump assembly of claim 1 further comprising a pressure
regulator.
8. The multi-pump assembly of claim 1 further comprising a final
filter.
9. The multi-pump assembly of claim 1 further comprising an
electronic controller capable of operating each pump
independently.
10. The multi-pump assembly of claim 1 wherein the multi-pump
assembly is capable of being used in a multiple carburetor or fuel
injection applications.
11. The multi-pump assembly of claim 1 further comprising a fuel
filter and a pressure regulator in the housing to form a returnless
fuel supply.
12. The multi-pump assembly of claim 1 further comprising a final
filter.
13. A method of using a multi-pump assembly, wherein the pump
assembly comprises: a housing; at least two pumps contained in the
housing; an outlet check valve inside each pump; and an over
pressure relief passage formed around the pumps in the housing;
wherein each pump has a performance level; which method comprises
the step of: controlling each pump individually.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising integrating a
pressure regulator.
15. The method of claim 13 further comprising integrating a final
filter.
16. The method of claim 13 further comprising a fuel filter and a
pressure regulator into the housing to form a returnless fuel
supply.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The inventions disclosed and taught herein relate generally
to devices pumps, and more specifically relate to high flow fuel
pumps.
[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0007] The performance market has a segment that requires very high
flow fuel pumps to supply the demands of large horsepower engines.
The pumps are generally limited to these unique race engines. They
contain warnings concerning their use for off-track applications
due to the high current and flow recirculation requirements.
[0008] Generally, electric fuel pump designs match the peak torque
of the motor performance curve with the pumping element to achieve
the desired flow at a pressure point. As a result, the current
suppliers develop multiple pumps to address some of the known
requirements in the market by grouping their product into
horsepower rating brackets.
[0009] This grouping is convenient for the supplier but can
complicate the fuel management for the engine builder. If the
horsepower is lower than the known bracket, the user would be
forced to choose a higher flow pump and try to manage a high return
flow. If the horsepower were higher than the known brackets, the
user would be forced to try to stretch the pump flow by increasing
the pump voltage, which then increases the flow. This option is not
preferable to the pump supplier because these variables are not
recognized in the pump development and pose a risk of inconsistent
performance or pump damage.
[0010] Currently, this need is met with very large and very
expensive electric fuel pumps. These pumps require extensive
investment dollars and development time to provide a reliable
product. Therefore, a need exists to find a faster, less expensive
and more reliable approach that offers full-race performance and
off-track use.
[0011] Additionally, some devices consist of self-sealed, in-line
pumps. These devices are significantly large and heavier than is
desired in all situations. These devices typically require
disassembly to attach a wire harness and mount the assembly.
Additionally, devices of this nature have a significant number of
joints. Joints can potentially leak. Moreover, devices with
self-sealed, in-line pumps typically are noisier because the pumps
are exposed to the environment and are a solid mount to the inlet
and outlet housings. There exists a need to provide an assembly
that can contain more than one pump in a smaller and lighter
configuration. There also exists a need to provide a less expensive
and less complex configuration for this purpose. There also exists
a need to offer a more convenient wiring solution. There also
exists a need to reduce the number of joints to offer less
potential leak exposure. Additionally, there exists a need to
contain pumps so as to reduce noise. Finally, there exists a need
to provide pumps that may be suspended inside a sealed housing in a
manner that reduces or eliminates metal-to-metal connections.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The inventions disclosed and taught herein are directed to
multiple fuel pumps that have been fully developed and endurance
tested in the original equipment automotive industry. By matching
the engine builder's pump flow and pressure requirement by grouping
existing pumps into one assembly with a common inlet and outlet,
this grouping could include at least two pumps, preferably two,
three, or four pumps, depending on the unique requirements.
Additionally, the present invention can sequence the pumps
individually to stage the current draw and dramatically reduce the
return flow to the tank. This will reduce the heat build up in the
fuel, which reduces the opportunity for vapor lock to form.
[0013] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a
multi-pump assembly and method of use of such an assembly are
described, the multi-pump assembly including a housing and at least
two pumps contained in the housing, wherein each pump has a
performance level. In accordance with one aspect of this
embodiment, the performance level of each pump is the same. In
accordance with a further aspect of this embodiment, the
performance level of each pump is different. The assembly may also
include a common electrical inlet, a common fuel inlet connection,
a common fuel outlet connection, a pressure regulator, a final
filter, an outlet check valve inside each pump, an over pressure
relief passage formed around the pumps in the housing, an
electronic controller capable of operating each pump independently,
a fuel filter and a pressure regulator in the housing to form a
returnless fuel supply, and/or a final filter. The assembly may be
used in a variety of applications, including in a multiple
carburetor or fuel injection applications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The following figures form part of the present specification
and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the
present invention. The invention may be better understood by
reference to one or more of these figures in combination with the
detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein.
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional, partial side view of
an embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of the
invention; and
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional, partial side view of
an application of an embodiment of the invention.
[0018] While the inventions disclosed herein are susceptible to
various modifications and alternative forms, only a few specific
embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and
are described in detail below. The figures and detailed
descriptions of these specific embodiments are not intended to
limit the breadth or scope of the inventive concepts or the
appended claims in any manner. Rather, the figures and detailed
written descriptions are provided to illustrate the inventive
concepts to a person of ordinary skill in the art and to enable
such person to make and use the inventive concepts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The Figures described above and the written description of
specific structures and functions below are not presented to limit
the scope of what Applicants have invented or the scope of the
appended claims. Rather, the Figures and written description are
provided to teach any person skilled in the art to make and use the
inventions for which patent protection is sought. Those skilled in
the art will appreciate that not all features of a commercial
embodiment of the inventions are described or shown for the sake of
clarity and understanding. Persons of skill in this art will also
appreciate that the development of an actual commercial embodiment
incorporating aspects of the present inventions will require
numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the
developer's ultimate goal for the commercial embodiment. Such
implementation-specific decisions may include, and likely are not
limited to, compliance with system-related, business-related,
government-related and other constraints, which may vary by
specific implementation, location and from time to time. While a
developer's efforts might be complex and time-consuming in an
absolute sense, such efforts would be, nevertheless, a routine
undertaking for those of skill in this art having benefit of this
disclosure. It must be understood that the inventions disclosed and
taught herein are susceptible to numerous and various modifications
and alternative forms. Lastly, the use of a singular term, such as,
but not limited to, "a," is not intended as limiting of the number
of items. Also, the use of relational terms, such as, but not
limited to, "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "upper," "lower,"
"down," "up," "side," and the like are used in the written
description for clarity in specific reference to the Figures and
are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the
appended claims.
[0020] Applicants have created a device capable of providing a
housing, which contains at least two fuel pumps. This invention may
include matching or mixing pumps to meet the specifications and
needs of the engine. Moreover, this invention offers the advantage
of common electrical, fuel inlet, and fuel outlet connections. This
arrangement may also allow for options for controlling the pumps
individually based on various input choices. Additionally, this
invention offers the option for integrating a pressure regulator
and/or final filter for complete fuel system management.
[0021] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary
two-pump configuration in accordance with aspects of the present
invention. In this embodiment, two pumps 12 and 14 are shown
arranged side-by-side within a common housing 10. These pumps 12
and 14 may operate singly, or simultaneously so as to provide the
specified flow of fluid during engine operation.
[0022] Those skilled in the art will recognize that pumps 12 and 14
may be matched in performance levels, or be different in
performance levels. This allows for the pairing of flow and
pressure options to permit a more accurate matching to the engine
builder's specifications. The result is an optimized pump
performance for current, pressure, and flow. Each pump 12 and 14
has an outlet check valve 16 and 18, respectively, to hold fuel
pressure when the voltage is not applied or when they are turned
off.
[0023] Moreover, the pumps 12 and 14 also have over pressure relief
valves 20 and 22, respectively. In the unlikely event of a system
blockage while the pumps 12 and 14 are energized, the over pressure
relief valves 20 or 22 will open at safe pressure above system
pressure. The fuel will be discharged into the cavity 24 around the
pumps 12 and 14, respectively. This fuel can then pass around the
housing inlet O-ring cushions 32 and 34 through slots 26 provided
within the housing and recirculate back to the inlets of the pumps
12 and 14. This prevents pump damage and excessive system pressure
that could result in a major fuel leak.
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the housing 10 for
the fuel pumps. Pumps 12 and 14 are shown in relation to the
housing and associated seals which make up the assembly of the
present disclosure. The housing inlet O-ring seal 28 and housing
outlet O-ring seal 30 allow for the sealing of the pumps 12 and 14
inside the housing 10, which is preferably made of an appropriate
metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, or metal alloys), although any other
suitable material, such as carbon fiber or suitable polymeric
materials as appropriate.
[0025] The pumps 12 and 14 are shown with pump O-rings 32 and inlet
strainers 34, respectively. The pump O-rings 32 act together to
prevent metal-to-metal vibration noise during operation of the pump
assembly.
[0026] Moreover, the pumps 12 and 14 are fitted at one end into
inlet housing 36, which may be held in place by fasteners 38. In a
preferred embodiment, the fasteners 38 are assembly screws,
although any other suitable attachment means may be used. The
housing 10 also preferably includes mounting holes 40 to allow for
the assembled housing 10 to be mounted onto the vehicle or other
application.
[0027] Turning to the outlet end of the pumps 12 and 14, fuel tubes
42 and 44 connect and seal pumps 12 and 14 to the pump outlet,
respectively. An outlet housing 54 is shown expanded above the fuel
tubes 42 that may be held in place by fasteners 56. In a preferred
embodiment, the fasteners 56 are assembly screws, although any
other appropriate attachment means may be used for securing the
outlet housing 54 to the housing 10, as appropriate.
[0028] As also illustrated in FIG. 2, a bulkhead connector 58 is
included to seal wires (not shown) that pass through and connect to
the pumps 12 and 14. This connector 58 may be held in place by a
retainer ring 60 or other suitable retaining means. Those skilled
in the art will recognize that any number of wires or similar means
may be connected to the pumps 12 and 14 via this connector 58.
O-rings 59 may be included as appropriate so as to seal connector
58 within the mounting hole of housing 54.
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view a preferred
embodiment of the present disclosure in a representative
configuration. In this embodiment, the housing 10 is shown such
that pumps 12 and 14 are positioned in a typical operational
orientation. The area around the pumps 12 and 14 illustrates the
over pressure relief passage through a plurality of slots 26 that
may be used to return fuel to the pump inlets when either of the
over pressure relief valves 20, 22 are actuated by excessive
pressure within one or both of the pumps 12, 14.
[0030] The bulkhead connector 58 acts to seal wires 64 that pass
through and connect to the pumps 12 and 14, powering the pumps. The
outlets of pumps 12 and 14 are connected via fuel filter 66 to
engine 68.
[0031] An alternative embodiment includes operating the pumps
independently with an electronic controller. This could be
activated by staging their operation based on engine RPM, air flow,
fuel flow, throttle position or pressure drop as examples of
trigger signals. Another alternative embodiment would be the use of
this invention in a multiple carburetor application.
[0032] Another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 3, includes
incorporating the fuel filter 66 and pressure regulator 70 into a
regulator housing 74 to form a returnless fuel supply such that
fuel is returned to the tank 72 via the regulator 70. This
embodiment reduces the potential for heating the fuel by returning
it to the tank from the pump assembly instead of the engine fuel
rail. Another embodiment includes integrating the final filter 66
option only.
[0033] Further, the various methods and embodiments of the
invention can be included in combination with each other to produce
variations of the disclosed methods and embodiments. Discussion of
singular elements can include plural elements and vice-versa.
[0034] The order of steps can occur in a variety of sequences
unless otherwise specifically limited. The various steps described
herein can be combined with other steps, interlineated with the
stated steps, and/or split into multiple steps. Similarly, elements
have been described functionally and can be embodied as separate
components or can be combined into components having multiple
functions.
[0035] The inventions have been described in the context of
preferred and other embodiments and not every embodiment of the
invention has been described. Obvious modifications and alterations
to the described embodiments are available to those of ordinary
skill in the art. The disclosed and undisclosed embodiments are not
intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of the
invention conceived of by the Applicants, but rather, in conformity
with the patent laws, Applicants intend to fully protect all such
modifications and improvements that come within the scope or range
of equivalent of the following claims.
* * * * *