Evaporative Emissions Leak Detection Module Controller Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing evaporative emissions systems require significant power and time for leak tests, often taking up to half an hour, and involve complex programming for the engine controller, which can be inefficient and power-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A leak detection module (LDM) with a separate controller and pump, capable of pressurizing or depressurizing the system, uses a canister valve solenoid and pressure sensor to monitor pressure, allowing for a standalone leak detection procedure that communicates results to the engine controller, reducing power consumption and simplifying the engine controller's role.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the engine controller performs leak detection directly, then the leak detection function is integrated, but the programming complexity and power consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming complexityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the leak detection system into separate functional modules: a dedicated LDM controller handles pump control and pressure monitoring, while the engine controller only receives and processes diagnostic results. This segmentation transfers complex control programming to a specialized controller, reducing the engine controller's programming burden and enabling optimized power management for the leak detection function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The LDM controller acts as an intermediary between the pump/pressure sensor system and the engine controller. It receives raw pressure data, performs leak detection algorithms, and communicates only the final diagnostic result to the engine controller, thereby simplifying the engine controller's role and reducing its computational power requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the leak detection test runs for comprehensive monitoring, then the diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the test time extends up to half an hour

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidtest time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-charging the capacitor during engine operation and preparing the pump and valves in advance. When a leak test is initiated, the pre-charged capacitor immediately powers the pump and control circuits, eliminating delays associated with power-up sequences and enabling faster test execution while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The leak detection system uses periodic pressure sampling and evaluation cycles rather than continuous monitoring. The controller periodically reads pressure sensor data, evaluates leak conditions based on pressure decay rates, and updates diagnostic status. This periodic approach reduces computational load and communication overhead while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Device complexity

If the engine controller manages all leak detection components, then system integration is simplified, but the controller becomes a bottleneck for power and processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem integrationVSAvoidcontroller efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control architecture into a dedicated LDM controller for leak detection operations and the engine controller for overall engine management. The LDM controller independently manages the pump, CVS, and pressure sensor, while the engine controller only handles high-level diagnostic coordination and result processing. This segmentation eliminates the bottleneck effect on the engine controller while maintaining system integration through standardized communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 LDM enables faster and more efficient leak detection, reducing power consumption and simplifying the engine controller's programming, allowing for quicker diagnostic results and reduced vehicle battery drain during tests.

Implementation Method 1

capable of pressurizing or depressurizing the system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

uses a canister valve solenoid and pressure sensor to monitor pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS11773809B2Evaporative emissions leak check module with integrated control and communication system

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 STONERIDGE CONTROL DEVICES INC

AI summary

A leak detection module (LDM) includes a housing, a canister valve solenoid (CVS) that is arranged within the housing and in fluid communication along a first fluid passageway between first and second ports. The module also includes a pump that is arranged within the housing and is in fluid communication with the first and second ports, and a pressure sensor that is in fluid communication with at least one of the first and second ports. A first controller is arranged in the housing and is in communication with the pump, the CVS and the pressure sensor. The first controller runs a test procedure using the pump and operating the CVS between open and closed positions to monitor a pressure within the module. The first controller communicates a result based upon the monitored pressure to a second controller that is arranged outside the housing and remotely from the module.