Cam-Driven Multi-Valve Assembly for Evaporative Emissions Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel vapor emission control systems in gasoline-powered vehicles have become increasingly complex due to regulatory requirements, necessitating periodic purging of stored hydrocarbon vapors, which is not efficiently managed by conventional mechanical components.
Innovation Solution
An evaporative emissions isolation module system with a carbon canister, multi-valve assembly, and controller that electronically manages venting, recaptures, and recycles fuel vapors, replacing mechanical components with a universal design compatible with various regional regulations and hybrid powertrain systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical components are used to manage fuel vapor emissions, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot efficiently manage periodic purging of stored hydrocarbon vapors and does not comply with increasing environmental regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions (vent valve, purge valve, and isolation valve) into a single integrated multi-valve assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate mechanical components while maintaining the complex control logic needed for regulatory compliance, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical component-based vapor management with an electronically controlled multi-valve assembly that receives signals from a controller. This substitution enables more sophisticated control strategies for periodic purging and vapor storage, improving compliance with environmental regulations while managing system complexity through electronic control architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple unique components are used to manage different venting scenarios, then each scenario can be optimized, but the number of components increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal multi-valve assembly that can handle multiple venting scenarios and regulatory requirements through a single component design. The assembly includes multiple valves that can be selectively activated based on operating conditions, providing adaptability for different venting needs while reducing the total number of unique components required, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.
3Productivity
If a simple venting system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the system cannot effectively recapture and recycle fuel vapors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a controller that monitors system conditions and sends signals to the multi-valve assembly to regulate vapor flow, storage, and purging operations. This feedback control mechanism enables effective recapture and recycling of fuel vapors by dynamically adjusting valve positions based on tank pressure, engine demand, and operational mode, achieving high vapor recapture efficiency while managing control complexity through integrated electronic control.
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
The system effectively manages fuel vapor emissions by electronically controlling venting and recycling, reducing the need for unique components, saving time and cost, and ensuring compatibility with pressurized systems, including hybrid vehicles, while maintaining efficient vapor management.
Implementation Method 1
The carbon canister is adapted to collect fuel vapor emitted by the fuel tank and to subsequently release the fuel vapor to the engine
Implementation Method 2
The multi-valve assembly includes a motor drive that rotates a camshaft having at least a first cam and a second cam housed in a manifold
Data Source
AI summary
An evaporative emissions isolation module system configured to manage venting on a fuel tank system is disclosed. The isolation module system includes a carbon canister, a multi-valve assembly and a controller. The carbon canister is adapted to collect fuel vapor emitted by the fuel tank and to subsequently release the fuel vapor to the engine. The multi-valve assembly includes a motor drive that rotates a camshaft having at least a first cam and a second cam housed in a manifold. The multi-valve assembly has a first valve and a second valve. The first valve selectively fluidly connects the fuel tank and the carbon canister. The second valve fluidly connects the carbon canister with a vent port defined in the manifold that vents to atmosphere. The controller sends signals to the multi-valve assembly based on operating conditions to open and close at least one of the first and second valves.