Fuel Delivery System Component Encasement Block

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The subject patent application claims priority to, and all the benefits of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/688,938, filed on Aug. 30, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates, generally, to systems and methods for operating a fuel delivery system, and, in particular, for a fuel delivery system component encasement block configured for enabling initial adjustment of a fuel component and subsequent prevention of further adjustment of the component.

BACKGROUND

A fuel delivery system may provide a flow of fuel useful to power a component or device which may utilize the flow of fuel for a useful purpose. Examples of devices which may be powered by a flow of fuel may include a combustion engine or an electrical-power generator. A fuel delivery system may include a propane delivery system. The flow of fuel may start as a liquid in a storage state, for example, in a pressurized fuel tank, and may vaporize or be caused to vaporize prior to being used.

A pressure regulator, an adjustable regulator, or other similar component may be utilized to condition the flow of fuel, capping or limiting a pressure at which fuel will be delivered downstream of the pressure regulator.

SUMMARY

A fuel delivery system component encasement block is provided. The encasement block includes a block of material. The block of material includes a lumen configured to receive an adjustable fuel delivery system component into the lumen and including a closed end configured to prevent adjustment of the adjustable fuel delivery system component when the adjustable fuel delivery system component is disposed within the fuel delivery system component encasement block. The block of material further includes an aperture in the block of material configured to provide access to at least one of an inlet and an outlet of the adjustable fuel delivery system component when the adjustable fuel delivery system component is disposed within the fuel delivery system component encasement block.

In some embodiments, the encasement block further includes an adhesive applied to prevent unauthorized access to the fuel delivery system component within the lumen.

In some embodiments, the encasement block further includes welding applied to prevent unauthorized access to the fuel delivery system component within the lumen.

In some embodiments, the encasement block further includes a feature configured for attachment to a stabilizing bracket.

In some embodiments, the block of material further includes a first block portion and a second block portion.

In some embodiments, the first block portion and the second block portion collectively define the lumen.

In some embodiments, the aperture provides access to the inlet and the outlet of the adjustable fuel delivery system component.

In some embodiments, the aperture is a first aperture providing access to the inlet, and the block of material further includes a second aperture providing access to the outlet.

In some embodiments, the adjustable fuel delivery system component includes a pre-regulator.

In some embodiments, the adjustable fuel delivery system component includes an adjustable regulator.

According to one alternative embodiment, a component pairing including an adjustable fuel delivery system component and a fuel delivery system component encasement block is provided. The component pairing includes the adjustable fuel delivery system component including an adjustment feature and the fuel delivery system component encasement block. The encasement block includes a block of material. The block of material includes a lumen configured to receive an adjustable fuel delivery system component into the lumen and including a closed end configured to prevent adjustment of the adjustable fuel delivery system component when the adjustable fuel delivery system component is disposed within the fuel delivery system component encasement block. The block of material further includes an aperture in the block of material configured to provide access to at least one of an inlet and an outlet of the adjustable fuel delivery system component when the adjustable fuel delivery system component is disposed within the fuel delivery system component encasement block.

In some embodiments, the component pairing further includes an adhesive applied to prevent unauthorized access to the fuel delivery system component within the lumen.

In some embodiments, the component pairing further includes welding applied to prevent unauthorized access to the fuel delivery system component within the lumen.

In some embodiments, the block of material further includes a feature configured for attachment to a stabilizing bracket.

In some embodiments, the block of material further includes a first block portion and a second block portion.

In some embodiments, the first block portion and the second block portion collectively define the lumen.

In some embodiments, the aperture provides access to the inlet and the outlet of the adjustable fuel delivery system component.

According to one alternative embodiment, a fuel delivery system including an adjustable pre-regulator and a fuel delivery system component encasement block is disclosed. The fuel delivery system includes a fuel storage tank, a primary pressure regulator, and the adjustable pre-regulator configured to reduce a pressure of a flow of fuel flowing therethrough. The fuel delivery system further includes the fuel delivery system component encasement block including a block of material. The block of material includes a lumen configured to receive an adjustable fuel delivery system component into the lumen and including a closed end configured to prevent adjustment of the adjustable fuel delivery system component when the adjustable fuel delivery system component is disposed within the fuel delivery system component encasement block. The block of material further includes an aperture in the block of material configured to provide access to at least one of an inlet and an outlet of the adjustable fuel delivery system component when the adjustable fuel delivery system component is disposed within the fuel delivery system component encasement block.

In some embodiments, the pre-regulator is attached to the primary pressure regulator.

In some embodiments, the fuel delivery system further includes a vaporizer disposed between and connecting the fuel storage tank and the primary pressure regulator. The pre-regulator is attached to the vaporizer.

According to one alternative embodiment, a fuel delivery system including an adjustable fuel delivery system component and a fuel delivery system component encasement block is provided. The fuel delivery system includes a fuel storage tank, a primary pressure regulator, and the adjustable fuel delivery system component. The fuel delivery system component encasement block includes a block of material. The block of material includes a lumen configured to receive the adjustable fuel delivery system component into the lumen and includes a closed end configured to prevent adjustment of the adjustable fuel delivery system component when the adjustable fuel delivery system component is disposed within the fuel delivery system component encasement block. The block of material further includes an aperture in the block of material configured to provide access to at least one of an inlet and an outlet of the adjustable fuel delivery system component when the adjustable fuel delivery system component is disposed within the fuel delivery system component encasement block.

In some embodiments, the adjustable fuel delivery system component is attached to the primary pressure regulator.

In some embodiments, the fuel delivery system includes a vaporizer disposed between and connecting the fuel storage tank and the primary pressure regulator. The adjustable fuel delivery system component is attached to the vaporizer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary powertrain including a fuel delivery system.

FIGS. 2-6 illustrate a first embodiment of a vaporizer of the fuel delivery system of FIG. 1 wherein a pre-regulator and a fuel delivery system component encasement block are attached to the vaporizer, wherein;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the vaporizer with the block yet to be installed;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the vaporizer with the block yet to be installed;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the vaporizer with the block yet to be installed;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the vaporizer with the block installed; and

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the vaporizer with the block installed.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an alternative embodiment including a primary pressure regulator of the fuel delivery system of FIG. 1 wherein a pre-regulator and a fuel delivery system component encasement block are attached to the primary pressure regulator.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for operating a fuel delivery system including an adjustable pre-regulator and a fuel delivery system component encasement block configured to prevent adjustment of the pre-regulator.

FIG. 10 illustrates in side view an alternative embodiment including an adjustable regulator and a fuel delivery system component encasement block configured for installation and for preventing unauthorized adjustment of the adjustable regulator.

FIG. 11 illustrates in perspective view an alternative embodiment of a fuel delivery system component encasement block including a block of material including a first block portion and a second block portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIG. 1, a powertrain system 5 is presented including a fuel delivery system 10, a fuel consuming device 60, and a computerized controller 90. The fuel consuming device 60 may be a device which utilizes a flow of fuel delivered by the fuel delivery system 10 to provide a useful output such as an output torque to an output shaft. The controller 90 may provide electronic control signals to control the flow of fuel delivered by the fuel delivery system 10 and operation of the fuel consuming device 60.

The fuel delivery system 10 is illustrated including a fuel storage tank 20, a fuel vaporizer 30, and a primary pressure regulator 50. The fuel tank 20 may be a cylindrical or round high-pressure storage tank. Some fuel types, such as propane, may be stored in liquid form at high pressure or above-ambient pressure within the fuel storage tank 20. The fuel vaporizer 30 is a device configured to receive a flow of high-pressure liquid as an input and provide as an output a high-pressure gaseous output. The primary pressure regulator 50 may be configured to receive a flow of relatively-high-pressure gaseous fuel as an input and provide as an output a flow of regulated low-pressure gaseous fuel. The primary pressure regulator 50 may provide a relatively constant output of regulated low-pressure gaseous fuel. The primary pressure regulator 50 may include a maximum input pressure limit. In one embodiment, the primary pressure regulator 50 may have a 90 pounds per square inch (PSI) maximum input pressure limit and may be configured to provide an output of gaseous fuel at 30 PSI.

The flow of fuel being provided from the fuel storage tank 20 may exceed the maximum input pressure limit of the primary pressure regulator 50. A plurality of pressure regulators may be utilized in series to receive the flow of fuel from the fuel storage tank 20 at high pressure and deliver the flow of fuel from the primary pressure regulator 50. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a pre-regulator 40 is provided configured to receive the flow of fuel at high pressure and deliver a flow of fuel to the primary pressure regulator 50 at or below the maximum input pressure limit of the primary pressure regulator 50.

A pre-regulator 40 may be a delicate or sensitive device. In one embodiment, a pre-regulator 40 may include an adjustable internal valve which may selectively modulate or control an output pressure of the pre-regulator 40. Unauthorized or untrained adjustment of the adjustable internal valve may be problematic, for example, enabling one to enhance speed and/or torque output of the fuel consuming device 60 while leading to undesirable side effects, such as noxious or polluting emissions, damage to the fuel consuming device 60, or other similar effects. In one embodiment, the adjustable internal valve may be desirable to be set to an initial setting, for example, a manufacturer's setting, and subsequently be locked into place without further adjustment. Further, impacts or unintentional contact to the pre-regulator 40 may cause undesirable or unpredictable performance. A method, system, and apparatus for modifying or protecting the pre-regulator 40 and preventing unauthorized adjustment of or impact damage to the pre-regulator 40.

According to one implementation, a fuel delivery system component encasement block is provided which may be affixed to a component of the fuel delivery system 10 to protect the component from mechanical damage and/or prevent undesirable adjustment of the component. FIGS. 2-6 illustrate the vaporizer 30 of FIG. 1 with the pre-regulator 40 attached to the vaporizer 30 and a fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 configured to envelop, protect, and prevent adjustment of the pre-regulator 40. The vaporizer 30 is illustrated including a base plate 31, mounting through-holes 32 configured to mount the vaporizer 30 to a surface or bracket, and a vaporizing chamber 33. The vaporizer 30 is further illustrated including an input hole 34 and an output hole 35. A hose or supply line may be connected to the input hole 34 providing from the fuel storage tank 20 of FIG. 1 a flow of high-pressure fuel. The flow of fuel flows from the input hole 34 and is permitted to expand into a relatively wide internal cavity within the vaporizing chamber, which causes at least a portion of the liquid fuel of the flow of fuel to expand and vaporize or change into a gaseous state.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the pre-regulator 40 is illustrated attached to the output hole 35. The pre-regulator 40 is illustrated including an adjustment stem 41, a valve stem 42, an interface chamber 44, and an output hole 45. Adjustment of the adjustment stem 41, for example, by turning the adjustment stem 41 causes a variable increase in flow restriction through the pre-regulator 40 and a resulting variable decrease in pressure of the flow of fuel leaving the pre-regulator 40 through the output hole 45.

Adjustment of the adjustment stem 41 affects the maximum pressure of the flow of fuel that is delivered to the primary pressure regulator 50. Competing priorities may exist for the pressure of the flow of fuel, for example, with maximum output torque of the fuel consuming device 60 being in competition with lifespan of the primary pressure regulator 50 and/or quality of an exhaust flow being generated by the fuel consuming device 60. It may be desirable for a manufacturer or equipment owner to initially set the adjustment of the adjustment stem 41 and prevent users or technicians from being able to further adjust the adjustment stem 41 later. The vaporizer 30 includes a mounting bracket 38 extending therefrom, and the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 of FIGS. 2-6 is configured to be affixed to the mounting bracket 38 and situated over at least the adjustment stem 41 such that adjustment of the adjustment stem 41 while the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 is in place in not possible.

In the particular embodiment of FIGS. 2-6, the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 is monolithic or constructed with a single piece of material. The fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 may be constructed with any durable material useful in a powertrain environment. In one exemplary embodiment, the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 may be machined from a block of aluminum. The fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 may be desirably monolithic or made out of one piece of material to provide excellent integrity as a block preventing adjustment of the adjustment stem 41. When the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 is constructed with one piece of material, if the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 is securely attached in place over the pre-regulator 40, the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 is serving the function of preventing adjustment of the adjustment stem 41. When the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 is constructed with two or more pieces, if the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 remains securely intact together and the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 is securely attached in place over the pre-regulator 40, the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 is serving the function of preventing adjustment of the adjustment stem 41. In order to facilitate the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 remaining securely in place to prevent adjustment of the adjustment stem 41, a fastener such as a screw may be utilized to fasten one piece to another, for example, the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 to the mounting bracket 38, and adhesive, such as a two-part epoxy resin glue, may be utilized to set the screw into place and fill torque receiving features upon the screw to prevent a user from engaging a screw-driver or other similar tool to the screw. In another embodiment, a glue or an adhesive may be utilized to fasten the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 in place to the vaporizer 30 or the mounting bracket 38.

The fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 is further illustrated including an optional at least one fastener hole 65, an aperture 63 configured to enable the output hole 45 to be accessible when the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 is installed and in place, and a hollow center or lumen 64 configured to receive the pre-regulator 40. The aperture 63 may be a cut-out, cut away, or formed feature upon the block 60 which permits access to a limited portion of the fuel delivery system component housed within the block 60. The lumen 64 is a closed lumen or a dead-end lumen, meaning that there is an open side of the lumen or an aperture providing access to the lumen configured to permit insertion of the pre-regulator 40 into the lumen and there is a closed side of the lumen configured to encase the pre-regulator and prevent access thereto. The mounting bracket 38 may include a fastener hole 39 in a location corresponding to a fastener hole 65, such that a threaded fastener 68 may be used to affix the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 to the vaporizer 30 and/or the mounting bracket 38. FIG. 6 illustrates an adhesive coating 69 applied to the threaded fastener 68 and the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the adhesive coating 69 may be visible on an outward facing surface of the fastener 68 and the mounting bracket 38. In another embodiment, the adhesive coating 69 may be applied to the threads of the fastener 68 and may not be visible upon the outward facing surface. The particular embodiment and example features of the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 are intended to be non-limiting, other examples of similar blocks are envisioned, and the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples provided herein.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2-6, the pre-regulator 40 and the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 may be attached to the vaporizer 30. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the pre-regulator 40 and the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 may alternatively be attached to the primary pressure regulator 50. The primary pressure regulator 50 is illustrated including a regulator body 51 and a diaphragm spring housing 52. The regulator body 51 includes an internal cavity and a spring-loaded diaphragm configured to displace with changes in pressure of a flow of fuel entering the primary pressure regulator 50 through an intake opening 54 in order to provide a desired output of a flow of fuel at a relatively low pressure (through an outlet opening that is not illustrated.) The pre-regulator 40 is attached to the intake opening 54 and includes the adjustment stem 41. The pre-regulator 40 is illustrated attached to an inlet tube 73 configured to channel the flow of fuel into the pre-regulator 40. A round mounting plate 75 is illustrated connected to the inlet tube 73. An optional shut-off valve 70 is illustrated connected to the inlet tube 73 through an exemplary 90-degree connector 74. The shut-off valve 70 is illustrated including an intake 71 receiving a flow of fuel from a vaporizer 30 of FIG. 1 and additionally including a solenoid connection 72 configured to receive an electronic signal controlling a solenoid within the shut-off valve 70. Referring to FIG. 8, the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 is illustrated installed to and encapsulating the pre-regulator 40. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, an adhesive layer 78 is illustrated connecting the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 to the round mounting plate 75. The fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 may optionally additionally or alternatively be fastened to the primary pressure regulator 50 or a mounting bracket extending therefrom. Referring to FIG. 3, the block 60 includes the lumen 64 which includes or defines a closed end 75, such that when the adjustment stem 41 is disposed within the closed end 75, a user is prevented from adjusting the adjustment stem 41.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example method 100 of operating a fuel delivery system including a pre-regulator 40 and a fuel delivery system component encasement block 60. The method 100 is disclosed and envisioned for use with the fuel delivery system 10 of FIG. 1 and with optional embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 2-6, FIGS. 7 and 8, or FIG. 10 or 11, although the method 100 may be utilized with other variations and embodiments of fuel delivery systems in accordance with the disclosure. The method 100 starts at step 102. At step 104, an exemplary propane system is assembled including an adjustable fuel delivery system component. At step 106, the fuel delivery system component is adjusted to a desired setting. At step 108, the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 is installed to the fuel delivery system component in order to protect the fuel delivery system component from mechanical damage and further to prevent further adjustments to the fuel delivery system component. At step 110, adhesive is applied to prevent removal of the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 from the fuel delivery system component. At step 112, the method 100 ends. The method 100 is provided as an exemplary method of utilizing the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 to prevent adjustment of the fuel delivery system component, for example, the pre-regulator 40 of FIGS. 2-6 installed to the fuel delivery system 10. A number of additional and/or alternative method steps are envisioned, and the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples provided herein.

The pre-regulator 40 of FIG. 10 is one example of a fuel delivery system component that may be protected with a fuel delivery system component encasement block 60. FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary adjustable regulator 240 attached to the vaporizer 30 of FIG. 2, with a fuel delivery system component encasement block 60 configured to encapsulate and prevent unauthorized adjustment of the adjustable regulator 240. An example of the adjustable regulator includes the SIEVERT 3061-23 Adjustable Regulator available through SIEVERT AB, P.O. Box 1366, SE-171 26 Solna, Sweden. The adjustable regulator 240 is illustrated including an adjustment knob 241 and an output hole 245. The vaporizer 30 is illustrated including the base plate 31 and a mounting bracket 238. One or more fastener holes 239 may be provided on the mounting bracket 238 for attachment of a fuel delivery system component encasement block 260 to the mounting bracket 238 for the purpose of encasing the adjustable regulator 240.

The fuel delivery system component encasement block 260 is illustrated including a cutout 263 configured to enable the output hole 245 to be accessible. The fuel delivery system component encasement block 260 further includes a cutout hole 267 enabling an input of the adjustable regulator 240 to attach to the vaporizer 30. The fuel delivery system component encasement block 260 further includes a lumen 264 configured for receiving the adjustable regulator 240, thereby encasing the adjustable regulator 240 and preventing one from having access to the adjustment knob 241. At least one fastener hole 265 is provided enabling a fastener 268 to mount the fuel delivery system component encasement block 260 to the mounting bracket 238. Adhesive, fastener 268 with a one-way turn head feature, or other means used in the art for preventing casual removal of the fuel delivery system component encasement block 260 may be employed to make the fastener 268 difficult to remove after installation. The fuel delivery system component encasement block 260 may be described as a rectangular block, with one side opening to the lumen 264 and the fastener hole(s) 265, and with cutout holes 263, 267 providing outlet and inlet access, respectively. A number of different shapes and configurations of the fuel delivery system component encasement block 260 are envisioned. In one example, the block may be two clamshell shaped pieces, with inlet/outlet cutouts configured to sandwich the fuel delivery system component therebetween. FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary two-part fuel delivery system component encasement block 360 illustrated including a first block portion 361 and a second block portion 362. One or both of the block portions 361, 362 include a lumen 364 or hollow area in which a fuel system component, such as an illustrated pre-regulator 340, may be encased. The block portions 361, 362 may collectively define the lumen 364. The illustrated pre-regulator 340 includes an inlet tube 347 and an outlet tube 345. The fuel delivery system component encasement block 360 may include separate cutout portions providing access to the inlet tube 347 and the outlet tube 345. In the particular implementation of the block 360, a single cutout portion 363 is provided for access to both the inlet tube 347 and the outlet tube 345. The first block portion 361 and the second block portion 362 may be joined together with fasteners 368 or, alternatively, with welding 370, adhesive 372, or by other joining means used in the art. Welding 370 or adhesive 372 may be applied in spots, along portions of a joint between the portions 361, 362, or along most or all of a length of the joint of the portions 361, 362. Further, two exemplary fastener holes 365 are provided for stabilizing the block 360 by mounting the block 360 to a bracket or another stable fuel system component. The lumen 364 includes a closed end 375 wherein an adjustable part of a fuel delivery system component may be disposed. Because a user cannot access the closed end 375 within the lumen, the user is prevented from adjusting the fuel delivery system component within the closed end 375.

The disclosed fuel delivery system component encasement block 60, 260 may include or be defined by a block of material and may be constructed of any of a number of exemplary materials, including aluminum, steel, or other metallic materials; plastic or polymerized material; or any other material used in the art. The fuel delivery system component encasement block 60, 260 should be constructed of materials to be stable within a range of temperatures and when exposed to foreseeable chemicals, such as lubricating oil, depending upon the particular application in which the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60, 260 is being used. Aspects of the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60, 260 may be facilitated by sealing or applying adhesive to the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60, 260 in order to prevent casual or unauthorized access to the component or components encased within the fuel delivery system component encasement block 60, 260.

The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.