Capless Refueling System Cleaning via Engine Vacuum
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manual cleaning of capless refueling systems using tools like funnels is intrusive and can lead to increased fuel vapor emissions, as it requires operators to insert tools into the system, potentially causing leaks and venting of vapors into the atmosphere.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing engine vacuum to clean the capless refueling system by applying vacuum to dislodge contaminants introduced during refueling, thereby reducing the need for manual tools and minimizing fuel vapor emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning using tools like funnels is performed, then contaminants can be removed from the capless unit, but fuel vapor emissions increase due to tool insertion causing leaks and venting
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses itself to clean itself by utilizing the engine's existing vacuum to draw contaminants out of the capless unit through its own vapor recovery system, eliminating the need for external manual tools and preventing vapor emissions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic pressure differentials by utilizing engine vacuum (negative pressure) to automatically extract contaminants from the capless unit through the vapor recovery system, replacing manual mechanical cleaning methods
2Ease of operation
If manual cleaning tools are inserted into the capless unit, then contaminants can be cleared, but the sealing integrity is compromised leading to vapor venting
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-cleaning through its existing vapor recovery pathway without requiring external tool insertion, thereby maintaining the sealing integrity of the capless unit while still achieving contaminant removal
Solution Approach 2:
The vapor recovery system serves dual functions: it both recovers fuel vapors and cleans the capless unit by removing contaminants through the same sealed pathway, eliminating the need for separate manual cleaning operations
3Object-generated harmful factors
If engine vacuum is used for cleaning, then fuel vapor emissions are reduced by keeping vapors inside the tank, but the cleaning mechanism becomes dependent on engine operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the engine's natural vacuum creation during normal operation to drive the cleaning process, using existing pneumatic pressure differentials rather than requiring separate pumping or pressurization systems
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 engine vacuum method effectively cleans debris from the capless unit without relying on manual tools, keeping fuel vapors inside the tank and potentially reducing fuel emissions during the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
a source of vacuum, e.g., from an engine intake, may be used to draw air through the capless unit to clean out any contaminants introduced during refueling
Implementation Method 2
since engine vacuum is used in such an approach, fuel vapors may be kept inside the tank thus potentially reducing fuel emissions during the cleaning process
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for cleaning a capless refueling system in a vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises, in response to a leak detected following a refueling event, cleaning the capless refueling system using engine vacuum.