Integrated Control Module for Activated Carbon Tank Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing active carbon filter units for tank systems require complex installation and tightness checks, involving multiple structural elements and laborious adjustments, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An active carbon filter unit with a separable control module that integrates valves and sensors, allowing for simplified installation and functional checks outside the unit, enabling easier diagnosis and exchange of components, and facilitating automated tightness checks through a standardized interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple structural elements are mounted individually outside the active carbon filter unit, then the tank system can achieve different operational modes (aeration, air removal, flushing, tightness check), but the installation effort and adjustment operations become great and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple structural elements (valves, sensors, actuators) that were previously mounted individually outside the filter unit into a single integrated control module. This module is inserted into a recess of the housing, merging multiple components into one assembly that provides all operational modes (aeration, air removal, flushing, tightness check) without requiring separate installation of each element, thereby reducing installation effort and adjustment operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple structural elements are mounted individually outside the active carbon filter unit, then the tank system can achieve different operational modes, but the function check during operation becomes laborious
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all control elements (valves, sensors, actuators) into a single control module, the patent enables centralized function checks. The control module can be tested as one unit during operation, eliminating the need to check each individual component separately, thereby making function checks less laborious and more efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module is designed to perform self-diagnostics and function checks automatically. The integrated sensors and actuators can test each other's functionality within the module, reducing the need for manual checking of each component during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple structural elements are mounted individually outside the active carbon filter unit, then the tank system can achieve different operational modes, but costly adjustment operations adapted individually to the installation situation are necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of all control elements into a single control module eliminates the need for individual adjustment operations for each component. The module is designed as a standardized unit that can be installed in a uniform manner, reducing costly adjustment operations adapted individually to different installation situations and improving reliability.
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 simplifies the installation and fault diagnosis of the tank system, reduces installation effort, and enables efficient automated tightness checks, improving the overall manageability and reliability of the system.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrocarbon component being retained adsorptively
Implementation Method 2
the opening process, which is initiated by a spring
Implementation Method 3
assisted by the vacuum of the said suction region
Data Source
AI summary
An active carbon filter unit for a tank system consists of a housing (13) in which two chambers (31, 32) are formed, carrying an active carbon filling, which form a section of a flow path which at its one end leads via a valve (6) and an air filter (7) into the ambient atmosphere and at its other end leads via a valve (9) and a non-return valve (10) to a connection for producing an underpressure or into the suction region of an internal combustion engine and via a connection (17) into the tank system. The valves (6, 9), the non-return valve (10) and a housing part (27) receiving the electrical connections thereof are part of a uniform control module (15), which is exchangeably inserted into a recess (14) of the housing (13). The control module (15) is equipped with almost all functional elements of a technical nature relating to measurement, control and energy supply which are necessary for an aeration and air removal operation, a flushing operation directed to a regeneration of the active carbon, and a tightness check of the tank system.