Evaporated Fuel Adsorbent Fixation via Insert Molding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional evaporated fuel treatment devices face issues with adsorbent agglomerates breaking due to compression, leading to potential clogging and increased ventilation resistance, as they are mounted in a compressed state to prevent vibration-induced displacement.

Innovation Solution

The adsorbent agglomerate is embedded in the inner wall of a hollow case using insert molding, eliminating the need for compression and ensuring secure fixation without breakage, thereby maintaining effective ventilation resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the adsorbent agglomerate is mounted in a compressed state inside the adsorption chamber, then the adsorbent agglomerate can be fixed securely to prevent displacement during vehicle vibration, but the adsorbent agglomerate may break and its fragments may cause clogging of filters, deteriorating ventilation resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidadsorbent breakage and filter clogging

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A fixing member is introduced as an intermediary component between the adsorbent agglomerate and the adsorption chamber wall. This fixing member secures the adsorbent agglomerate in position without requiring compression forces, thereby preventing both displacement during vibration and breakage that would occur with compression mounting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The conventional compression-based mechanical fixation is replaced with a non-compressive fixing mechanism. The fixing member provides mechanical anchoring through means other than compression (such as clamping, snapping, or interlocking), eliminating the harmful compression forces while maintaining secure fixation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the adsorbent agglomerate is mounted without compression, then the adsorbent agglomerate avoids breakage and filter clogging, but the adsorbent agglomerate may become displaced due to vehicle vibration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadsorbent breakage preventionVSAvoidfixation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing member serves as a mediator that provides the necessary mechanical connection between the adsorbent agglomerate and the chamber structure without transmitting compressive forces to the adsorbent itself, thus maintaining both stability and preventing breakage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation function is separated from the adsorbent agglomerate itself by introducing a distinct fixing member. This segmentation allows the adsorbent to remain uncompressed while the fixing member handles the mechanical anchoring requirements independently

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

This method prevents breakage of the adsorbent agglomerate and maintains good ventilation resistance over time, enhancing the durability and performance of the evaporated fuel treatment device.

Implementation Method 1

The adsorbent agglomerate is configured to adsorb an evaporated fuel flowing into the inner space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

The adsorbent agglomerate may have a surface with porosity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPorosity: Porosity

Implementation Method 3

The adsorbent agglomerate may be embedded in the inner wall in a state where a material forming the inner wall has entered a plurality of pores contained in the surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 4

The adsorbent agglomerate may be accommodated in the inner space of the hollow case such that the peripheral part of the adsorbent agglomerate is at least partially embedded in the inner wall of the hollow case by forming the hollow case including the adsorbent agglomerate by insert molding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInsert molding:

Data Source

PatentUS20250020093A1Evaporated fuel treatment device and manufacturing method of evaporated fuel treatment device

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 FUTABA IND CO LTD

AI summary

An evaporated fuel treatment device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a hollow case and an adsorbent agglomerate. The hollow case includes an inner wall that defines an inner space of the hollow case. The adsorbent agglomerate is accommodated in the inner space that is surrounded by the inner wall of the hollow case. The adsorbent agglomerate is configured to adsorb an evaporated fuel flowing into the inner space. The adsorbent agglomerate is accommodated in the inner space in a state where a peripheral part of the adsorbent agglomerate is at least partially embedded in the inner wall of the hollow case.