Direct-Connect Carbon Canister Venting for Fuel Vapor Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel tank systems in vehicles, particularly in hybrid electric vehicles, face challenges in regulating fuel vapor pressure and preventing leaks, which can lead to environmental harm and potential tank damage due to increased pressure and intermittent engine operation, necessitating effective venting solutions.
Innovation Solution
A tank venting system that includes a canister housing with a carbon bed, a fuel tank isolation valve assembly, and a direct coupling mechanism using a cam connection to regulate fuel vapor flow between the fuel tank and a storage cavity, eliminating the need for hoses and reducing leak paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fuel vapor is vented through hoses to the carbon canister, then fuel vapor can be recovered, but leak paths increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank isolation valve assembly is directly coupled to the carbon canister housing, merging previously separate components (fuel tank, hoses, canister) into an integrated assembly. This eliminates hose connections and reduces the number of potential leak paths while maintaining vapor recovery functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hoses that previously connected the fuel tank to the carbon canister are removed from the system. By taking out these intermediate components and establishing direct fluid communication between the fuel tank isolation valve assembly and carbon canister housing, potential leak paths are eliminated.
2Use of energy by moving object
If hybrid electric vehicles operate with intermittent engine operation, then fuel efficiency improves, but fuel vapor pressure regulation becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank isolation valve assembly includes a pressure regulator that monitors and controls fuel vapor pressure within the fuel tank. This feedback mechanism ensures that pressure remains within acceptable ranges even during intermittent engine operation in hybrid electric vehicles, preventing both over-pressurization and vacuum conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure regulator in the fuel tank isolation valve assembly dynamically adjusts the flow of fuel vapor based on real-time pressure conditions. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to varying engine operation modes in hybrid electric vehicles, maintaining proper pressure regulation regardless of whether the engine is running or idle.
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 controls fuel vapor pressure, reduces environmental emissions, and prevents tank damage by directly venting fuel vapor to a carbon canister, ensuring safe and efficient operation of hybrid vehicle fuel systems.
Implementation Method 1
The canister is designed to capture and store hydrocarbons entrained in fuel vapors that are displaced and generated in the fuel tank
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel tank vent valve includes a venting apparatus for regulating discharge of fuel vapor from a fuel tank and admission of outside air into a fuel tank. The vent valve is used to regulate pressure in a fuel tank.