A fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing

Abstract

The present invention provides a fuel tank isolation valve (100) with an upgraded housing (8) to ensure efficient and proper sealing of the valve, prevention from leakage of hydrocarbons / fuel from housing connector and enhance performance, improve pressure drop inside the valve, prevent losses due to continuous shock movements, and thus improve the overall efficiency of the fuel tank isolation valve (100). The upgraded housing (8) is provided with a uniform top surface that prevents hitting of the upgraded housing (8) on an upper section of the fuel tank isolation valve. The upgraded housing (8) include a connector with at least two terminals and the at least two terminals are covered with heat shrink sleeves that prevents leakage of hydrocarbons.

Description

[0001] “A FUEL TANK ISOLATION VALVE WITH AN UPGRADED HOUSING”

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of fuel tank isolation valve. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing that prevents a leakage of hydrocarbons, ensures stable placement of the valve and enhances performance of the valve.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A fuel tank isolation valve is a crucial component in vehicle fuel systems which plays a vital role in managing fuel vapour and maintaining the pressure inside the fuel tank within safe and controlled limits, contributing to both emissions control and vehicle safety. In vehicles, fuel tanks are closed and pressurized systems that regulates the fuel vapours to the canister until the engine is on. As the fuel evaporates, it creates pressure inside the tank. Maintaining this pressure is important to minimize emissions and prevent fuel leakage.

[0006] The fuel tank isolation valve is installed between the fuel tank and a canister as part of the evaporative emission control system. It automatically opens when the pressure inside the tank exceeds certain limits, allowing excess vapour to flow to the canister for containment until it can be processed by the engine. If there is a negative pressure or vacuum generated inside the tank, such as during falling temperatures overnight, the fuel tank isolation valve opens automatically to maintain the pressure within a protected range. This prevents the tank from collapsing and allows fresh air to flow from the canister into the tank. During refueling, the fuel tank isolation valve is electrically actuated to allow fuel vapour to flow from the tank to the canister, preventing the escape of fuel vapour into the atmosphere. The fuel tank isolation valve aids to control the pressure inside the tank by managing fuel tank venting. Further, the mounting of valve is done on nozzle area & major mass of valve is in housing area due to metal components, which causes a hanging mass situation & stress on the shock mounts and due to this the valve undergoes constant shaking movement. While the vehicle is in motion, the valve undergoes constant shaking movement due to which it experiences stress on the mounting flanges.

[0007] W 02004 / 087452 discloses a system that controls evaporative emissions of a volatile fuel includes a fuel tank with a refuelling tube, a fuel tank isolation valve. The fuel tank isolation valve includes a housing a diaphragm, and an actuator. The housing includes a first port, which is in fuel vapour communication with the fuel tank and a second port. The diaphragm is movable with respect to the housing between first and second configurations. The first configuration prevents fuel vapour flow between the first port and the second port, and the second configuration permits fuel vapour flow between the first port and the second port. And the actuator, which is in fluid communication with the refuelling tube acts on the diaphragm. However, the system fails to provide a solution to prevent the leakage of hydrocarbons from a housing connector and also the system fails to prevent the hanging mass situation & stress on the mounting flanges.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need of fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing.

[0009] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The main object of the present invention is to provide a fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing that include an improved connector which prevents the leakage of hydrocarbons.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing in which the improved connector having improved heat shrink terminal sleeves which provides better grip and bonding with the terminals.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a fuel tank isolation valve without any stopper, which eliminates the hitting of the top portion on an upper section of the fuel tank isolation valve. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a fuel tank isolation valve where no stopper is present that reduces hindrance of the flow path & thus improves flow resistance or pressure drop inside valve.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing that include a holder that is fitted in the housing which eliminates the issue of hanging mass situation and stress on the mounting flanges.

[0014] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a fuel tank isolation valve in which the vibration shocks are damped with the holder which avoids the hanging mass situation.

[0015] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention relates to a fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing that eliminates the leakage of hydrocarbons and eliminates the issue of hanging mass situation and stress on the a pair of shock mounts of the valve.

[0017] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing. The upgraded housing is manufactured without a stopper at a top portion, and the exclusion of the stopper eliminates the hitting of the top portion on an upper section of the fuel tank isolation valve. Also, the exclusion of the stopper reduces hindrance from flow path & thus improves flow resistance or pressure drop inside valve. Further, the upgraded housing includes a heat shrink sleeve for at least two terminals of the fuel tank isolation valve. Further, the heat shrink sleeve provides better grip and bonding with both the terminals. Also, the heat shrink sleeve is preferably an end sealing lug type which prevents leakage of hydrocarbons from a housing connector and enhance performance of the valve. Further, the fuel tank isolation valve also includes a holder that is fitted in the upgraded housing which eliminates the issue of hanging mass situation and stress on the shock mounts and holds / stabilize the fuel tank isolation valve in a stable position, thereby improving an operational reliability of the fuel tank isolation valve. The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the hereinafter set forth brief description of the drawings, detailed description of the invention, and claims appended herewith.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] An understanding of the fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the upgraded housing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a holder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a heat shrink sleeve of the upgraded housing according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0024] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The present invention will now be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0027] Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with references made to the drawings below. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the components of the present invention. Moreover, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts through the several views in the drawings. Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not limited in their application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments of the invention are capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0028] The present invention provides a fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing that includes an improved heat shrink sleeve which has a better grip and bonding with the terminals and prevents leakage of hydrocarbons from the housing connector which enhances the performance of the valve.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing. The upgraded housing is manufactured without a stopper at a top portion, and the exclusion of the stopper eliminates the hitting of the top portion on an upper section of the fuel tank isolation valve. Also, the exclusion of the stopper reduces hindrance from flow path & thus improves flow resistance or pressure drop inside valve. Further, the upgraded housing include a heat shrink sleeve for at least two terminals of the fuel tank isolation valve. Further, the heat shrink sleeve provides better grip and bonding with both the terminals. Also, the heat shrink sleeve is preferably an end sealing lug type which prevents leakage of hydrocarbons from a housing connector and enhance performance of the valve. Further, the fuel tank isolation valve also include a holder that is fitted in the upgraded housing which eliminates the issue of hanging mass situation and stress on the shock mounts and holds / stabilize the fuel tank isolation valve in a stable position, thereby improving an operational reliability of the fuel tank isolation valve.

[0030] Referring to Figure 1, an exploded view of a fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The fuel tank isolation valve (100) comprising a cover (1), a pressure spring (2), a pair of torque limiter (3), an inlet and outlet nozzle (4), a seal (5), a seal holder (6), a vacuum spring (7), an upgraded housing (8), a noise damper (9), a moving core (10), a pair of shock mounts (11), a flow limiter (12), and a stroke limiter (13).

[0031] Referring to Figure 2, a perspective view of the upgraded housing (8) of the fuel tank isolation valve is depicted. The upgraded housing (8) partially encases the valve such that nozzle portion of the valve (100) is above the housing (8) for mounting the valve and a major mass of the valve is within the housing (8). The major mass of fuel tank isolation valve (100) i.e. the metallic components include the solenoid part. Hence, approximately 60%-70% mass of solenoid part of the fuel tank isolation valve (100) is accommodated within the upgraded housing (8). Further, the upgraded housing (8) is constructed in a manner which is devoid of any stopper at the top of the housing and hence eliminates the chances of its degradation during lifetime due to repeated striking of moving plunger (Moving Core) and thus increases the shelf-life of the valve. The mounting of the fuel tank isolation valve (100) includes securing the valve (100) assembly in a specific location of the upgraded housing (8) to ensure proper functionality, accessibility, and safety of the valve (100). The mounting enables the valve (100) to fix securely at the required area and in required position for desired performance.

[0032] Referring to Figure 3, a perspective view of the holder (14) according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The holder (14) herein is fitted over the housing (8) to dampen the vibrational shocks as it rest on the mating surface of the vehicle and avoid hanging mass situation. The holder (14) is preferably made of rubber that acts as a shock absorber, reducing the transmission of vibrations and mechanical shocks to the valve (100). This cushioning effect helps to protect the fuel tank isolation valve (100) components from damage caused by mechanical stress, vibration-induced wear, or impacts during operation or transportation.

[0033] Referring to Figure 4, a perspective view of a heat shrink sleeve (16) of the upgraded housing connector of fuel tank isolation valve is depicted. The heat shrink sleeve (16) comprises of a two terminals (17), with each terminal (17) being sealed with a rubber component which is a compressive material, thereby making the bobbin (15) sealing the terminal of the connector of the housing (8). The sealing exhibits improved bonding and improved grip with the terminal thus preventing leakage of the hydrocarbons from the valve (100). The rubber component used herein are inserted over the terminals. The rubber component is basically compressed with a heat gun. When heat gun is applied over the rubber component, the rubber component gets squeezed and bonded to the terminals and prevents more emission of fuel. This arrangement of the rubber component with the terminals (17) of the housing connector provides a robust solution for prevention of the hydrocarbon emission from the valve (100).

[0034] Referring to Figure 5, a perspective view of the fuel tank isolation valve with upgraded housing (8) mounted on a vehicle surface is depicted. The fuel tank isolation valve (100) is divided into parts, the upper portion of the fuel tank isolation valve (100) that is fitted with the nozzle comprises of plastic components and the lower portion of the fuel tank isolation valve (100) which is the lower portion of the fuel tank isolation valve (100) contains solenoid components. The upgraded housing (8) encases the lower portion of the valve (100) rests over the mating surface with the vehicle to avoid hanging mass situation and the upper portion of the valve (100) includes nozzles for efficient fuel transfer to the canister of the engine of the vehicle.

[0035] EXAMPLE 1

[0036] Implementation of fuel tank isolation valve with upgraded housing

[0037] The present invention provides fuel tank isolation valve (100) with an upgraded housing in which the said upgraded housing (8) is provided a uniform top surface that eliminates the hitting of upgraded housing (8) on an upper section of the fuel tank isolation valve (100). This eliminates chances of rubber degradation during lifetime due to hitting at stoppers again and again. This also reduces hindrance from flow path & thus improves flow resistance or pressure drop inside the fuel tank isolation valve (100).

[0038] Further, the heat shrink sleeves on the two terminals eliminates leakage of hydrocarbons and have good grip and bonding with the two terminals. Also, the heat shrink sleeves have elongated tubular, rigid structure. The heat shrink sleeves reduces leakage of hydrocarbons.

[0039] Furthermore, the holder (14) that is fitted in the upgraded housing (8) eliminates the issue of hanging mass situation and stress on the pair of shock mount (11) and holds the fuel tank isolation valve (100) in a stable position, thereby improving an operational reliability of the fuel tank isolation valve (100). The holder (14) include a pair of triangular bracket shaped sections with a circular opening in a middle region and have a reinforced section that facilitates holding the fuel tank isolation valve in a stable position.

[0040] . The holder (14) reduces the transmission of vibrations and mechanical shocks on a pair of shock mounts (11).

[0041] Therefore, the present invention provides a fuel tank isolation valve with upgraded housing to ensure efficient and proper sealing of the valve, prevention from leakage of hydrocarbons / fuel from housing connector and enhance performance, improve pressure drop inside the valve, prevent losses due to continuous shock movements, and thus improve the overall efficiency of the fuel tank isolation valve.

[0042] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will readily occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

[0043] The foregoing description of embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principals of the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing comprising: a cover ( 1); a pressure spring (2); a pair of torque limiter (3); an inlet and outlet nozzle (4); a seal (5); a seal holder (6); a vacuum spring (7); an upgraded housing (8); a noise damper (9); a moving core (10); a pair of shock mount (ii); a flow limiter (12); and a stroke limiter (13); wherein: said upgraded housing (8) is provided with a uniform top surface that prevents hitting of the upgraded housing (8) on an upper section of the fuel tank isolation valve; said upgraded housing (8) includes a connector with at least two terminals (17) and each of the at least two terminals (17) is covered with a heat shrink sleeve (16) that eliminates leakage of hydrocarbons; and said fuel tank isolation valve is provided with a holder (14) fitted in the upgraded housing (8) and eliminates issue of hanging mass situation and stress on the pair of shock mount (11) and holds the fuel tank isolation valve in a stable position, thereby improving operational reliability of the fuel tank isolation valve.

2. The fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said upgraded housing (2) include the pressure spring (2) that is fixed over the flow limiter (12).

3. The fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said flow limiter (12) is placed under said stroke limiter (13).

4. The fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said cover (1) is secured above said upgraded housing (2).

5. The fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said holder (14) dampens vibrational shocks on a mating surface of a vehicle that eliminates an issue of hanging mass situation and stress on the pair of shock mount (11).

6. The fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said holder (14) is made of rubber acts as a shock absorber for reducing transmission of vibrations and mechanical shocks to the fuel tank isolation valve.

7. The fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said holder (14) reduces the transmission of vibrations and mechanical shocks on a pair of shock mounts (11).

8. The fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said heat shrink sleeve ( 16) is made up of material that include rubber, plastic.

9. The fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said heat shrink sleeve (16) reduces leakage of hydrocarbons.

10. The fuel tank isolation valve with an upgraded housing as claimed in claim 1, wherein said holder (14) include a pair of triangular bracket shaped sections with a circular opening in a middle region and have a reinforced section that facilitates holding the fuel tank isolation valve in a stable position.

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