Adsorbent Canister Vertical Diffusion Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adsorbent canisters for fuel vapor processing in vehicles face challenges in reducing the diffusion of fuel vapor from the first adsorption chamber to the second adsorption chamber within a certain period, leading to increased fuel vapor release into the atmosphere during parking, as they rely on lengthening the pathway without increasing the total volume.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a casing with a first and second diffusion chamber, positioned above and below the respective adsorption chambers, which increases the volume of the pathway and slows down the diffusion of fuel vapor, requiring it to move upward against gravity, thereby extending the time for fuel vapor to reach the second adsorption chamber and reducing its release into the atmosphere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the pathway length between first adsorption chamber and second adsorption chamber is increased by adding partition walls with meandering paths, then the amount of fuel vapor diffusively flowing into the second adsorption chamber is reduced, but the total volume of the pathway is not increased, limiting the effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces diffusion chambers positioned above and below the adsorption chambers, adding a vertical dimension to the vapor pathway. This three-dimensional arrangement increases the total pathway volume and length simultaneously, allowing vapor to diffuse through multiple chambers (first adsorption → first diffusion → second diffusion → second adsorption) rather than through a flat meandering path, thereby significantly reducing vapor diffusion within the same time period while maximizing the use of available space
2Duration of action of moving object
If a labyrinth structure is used to lengthen the pathway, then the time for fuel vapor to pass through is increased, but the total volume remains constrained
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning diffusion chambers vertically above and below the adsorption chambers, the patent creates a multi-level pathway that increases both the time duration for vapor passage and the total pathway volume. The vapor must traverse upward and downward through diffusion chambers, extending the residence time in the canister while utilizing the vertical space to increase overall pathway volume, thus resolving the contradiction between time extension and volume constraint
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the pathway is lengthened without increasing volume, then fuel vapor diffusion is reduced, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the canister into distinct functional chambers (first adsorption chamber, first diffusion chamber, second diffusion chamber, second adsorption chamber) arranged in a systematic vertical sequence. This segmentation creates a clear functional division where each chamber has a specific role in the vapor processing pathway, making the complex structure more manageable and easier to manufacture compared to a single complex meandering pathway, while still achieving reduced vapor diffusion
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration effectively reduces the amount of fuel vapor diffusing into the atmosphere during parking by increasing the pathway volume and slowing down the diffusion process, while maintaining efficient airflow and minimizing heat transfer between chambers to preserve adsorption efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The adsorbent is composed of activated carbon or the like and can adsorb and desorb the fuel vapor
Implementation Method 2
a part of the fuel vapor adsorbing onto the adsorbent desorbs from the adsorbent and diffuses in the casing with time
Implementation Method 3
the diffusion chamber has at least one of a first diffusion chamber and a second diffusion chamber. The first diffusion chamber is positioned above the first adsorption chamber and extends over the entire length of the first adsorption chamber
Implementation Method 4
the fuel vapor should move upwardly against its own weight
Data Source
AI summary
An adsorbent canister includes a casing defining a first adsorption chamber, a second adsorption chamber and a diffusion chamber therein, and an adsorbent capable of adsorbing the fuel vapor and filled in the first adsorption chamber and the second adsorption chamber. The first adsorption chamber and the second adsorption chamber communicate with each other via the diffusion chamber. The casing has on a side wall thereof a fuel introducing port configured to introduce fuel vapor into the first adsorption chamber and an air communicating port configured to introduce air into the second adsorption chamber. The diffusion chamber has at least one of a first diffusion chamber and a second diffusion chamber. The first adsorption chamber is positioned above the first adsorption chamber and extends over the entire length of the first adsorption chamber. The second diffusion chamber is positioned below the second adsorption chamber and extends over the entire length of the second adsorption chamber.