Activated Carbon Filter Leak Detection via Intake Cavity Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for regenerating activated carbon filters in internal combustion engines face challenges in reliably detecting gas leaks between the valve and the intake tract, which is critical for meeting stringent emission regulations.
Innovation Solution
An arrangement is provided where a valve connected to the intake tract of an internal combustion engine forms a closed cavity with the intake tract, utilizing existing regeneration pressure to detect leaks through a pressure sensor, eliminating the need for additional components and minimizing space and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a valve is connected to the intake tract for regeneration, then the activated carbon filter can be regenerated by utilizing existing negative pressure, but reliable detection of gas leaks between the valve and intake tract becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A test line is introduced as an intermediary element between the valve and the intake tract. This test line allows for independent pressure measurement and leak detection without altering the main regeneration flow path. The test line acts as a mediator that enables diagnostic functionality while maintaining the simplicity of the original connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the valve and intake tract is segmented into two separate paths: a main regeneration line and a separate test line. This segmentation allows the test line to independently verify sealing integrity while the main line handles the regeneration function, thus solving the leak detection problem without compromising the ease of manufacture.
2Reliability
If additional components are added to detect leaks, then leak detection reliability improves, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test line serves multiple functions: it acts as a pressure measurement pathway for leak detection, a test flow path for diagnostics, and maintains compatibility with the existing regeneration system. This multi-functionality allows reliable leak detection without adding complex dedicated detection systems, thereby improving reliability while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing components (valve, intake tract, pump) to perform leak detection by routing a portion of the regeneration flow through the test line. The existing negative pressure generated by the pump during regeneration is utilized for the test, eliminating the need for separate power sources or additional active detection components.
3Measurement precision
If the valve forms a closed cavity with the intake tract, then the pressure in the cavity can be measured to detect leaks, but the valve design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The test line is merged with the existing valve structure by utilizing the valve housing and connection points. The test line connects to the valve body and the intake tract, forming a closed cavity that leverages the existing valve geometry. This merging approach allows pressure measurement for leak detection while minimizing additional valve design complexity.
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 solution allows for reliable detection of potential leaks using existing components, ensuring the system's integrity and compliance with emission regulations without additional attachments or interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure sensor measures upstream pressure (p1) in the intake line
Implementation Method 2
A pump helps generate the pressure (p1) in the intake line
Implementation Method 3
It is known for adsorbing hydrocarbons in activated carbon filters, which have escaped from a fuel tank
Implementation Method 4
Through a suction pipe of an internal combustion engine, a negative pressure can be generated in an activated carbon filter... The negative pressure is then built up in the activated carbon filter. Due to the negative pressure, ambient air is sucked into the activated carbon filter and the activated carbon is desorbed
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement is provided for use with an internal combustion engine. The arrangement includes an intake tract for the internal combustion engine and a valve that is fluidly connected to the intake tract. An activated carbon filter is located upstream from the intake tract and the valve. The valve is connected to the carbon filter by an intake line. When the valve is open, fluid can flow from the activated carbon filter into the intake tract. A pressure sensor measures upstream pressure (p1) in the intake line. A pump helps generate the pressure (p1) in the intake line. The valve is connected to the intake tract so they cooperate together to form a cavity that is connected to the intake line such that when the valve is closed, the pressure in the cavity is the pressure (p1).