Evaporative Leak Check Module with VOC Sensing for Canister Emissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leak detection technologies for evaporative emissions systems in CN IV and CN V vehicles are not compatible with CN VI vehicles, and cannot effectively inspect fuel evaporation control system leaks or excessive hydrocarbon emissions from carbon canisters.
Innovation Solution
A leak detection module (LDM) with a canister valve solenoid, pump, CVS check valve, pressure sensor, VOC gas sensor, and mass flow meter, controlled by a controller, which operates in three states to detect leaks and emissions, and wirelessly uploads results to a data center.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing leak detection technologies (vacuum attenuation, EONV, DMTL, ELCM) are used on CN IV and CN V vehicles, then the systems can perform leak detection, but they cannot effectively inspect leaks or excessive HC emissions on these vehicles and cannot be directly applied to CN VI vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The leak detection module is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple vehicle standards (CN IV, CN V, and CN VI) and perform multiple detection tasks (leak detection and HC emissions measurement) using a single integrated system with common hardware components and unified control logic
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts to different vehicle standards by changing detection parameters and operational modes rather than requiring different hardware systems, allowing the same physical infrastructure to reliably detect leaks and emissions across CN IV, CN V, and CN VI vehicle types
2Measurement precision
If traditional pressure monitoring methods are used alone, then leak detection can be performed, but volatile organic compound emissions cannot be effectively measured
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges pressure monitoring and VOC detection capabilities into a single integrated leak detection module, where the pressure sensor and VOC gas sensor work together under unified controller management to simultaneously detect both leaks and hydrocarbon emissions without requiring separate detection systems
3Loss of information
If local detection only is implemented, then real-time monitoring is available, but remote diagnostics and data management cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary that collects detection data from local sensors and transmits it through communication interfaces to remote servers, enabling remote diagnostics and data management while maintaining real-time local monitoring capabilities through the integrated control system
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
Enables independent leak and emissions detection on CN IV and CN V vehicles, providing real-time monitoring and data upload, ensuring compliance with emission standards and facilitating remote diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
The gasoline engine, a pump, or fuel tank temperature change is used either to create a vacuum or pressurize the system
Implementation Method 2
the pressure is monitored to determine if there are any leaks
Implementation Method 3
a volatile organic compound (VOC) gas sensor arranged in one of the first and second passageways and configured to measure the concentration of hydrocarbons (HC) therethrough
Implementation Method 4
a mass flow meter arranged in one of the first and second passageways to determine a mass flow rate from the canister port to the atmospheric port
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A leak detection module (LDM) comprises a housing, a canister valve solenoid (CVS) arranged within the housing and in fluid communication along a first fluid passageway between canister and atmospheric ports, the CVS movable between open and closed positions, and a second fluid passageway in parallel with the first fluid passageway and fluidly connected to the canister and atmospheric ports. A pump is arranged in the second fluid passageway. A CVS check valve is arranged in the second fluid passageway fluidly and movable between open and closed positions. A pressure sensor is in fluid communication with the canister port. A volatile organic compound (VOC) gas sensor is arranged in one of the first and second passageways and configured to measure the concentration of hydrocarbons (HC) therethrough. A mass flow meter is arranged in one of the first and second passageways to determine a mass flow rate from the canister port to the atmospheric port. A controller is arranged in the housing and in communication with the pump, the CVS, the CVS check valve, the pressure sensor, the VOC gas sensor, the mass flow meter. The controller is configured to run a leak detection procedure using the pump and operating the CVS and CVS check valve between the open and closed positions and monitor a pressure within the LDM with the pressure sensor, and the controller configured to measure quality of emissions by monitoring the HC and communicate a result.