Dual Pressure Sensing for Fuel Leak Localization in Gaseous Fuel Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anomaly detection devices for internal combustion engines fail to accurately determine fuel leakage in sections of the fuel system between the first and second shutoff valves and between the second shutoff valve and the fuel injection valves, which are critical for gaseous fuel systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of pressure sensors in both the first and second fuel systems, along with a control circuit to analyze the magnitude relationships between sensor readings and predetermined threshold values, allows for precise identification of leakage anomalies in these sections by monitoring pressure changes during filling processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pressure sensor is disposed upstream of the pressure reducing valve to detect leakage anomalies, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and ability to determine which specific section has leakage anomaly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel system is segmented into multiple detection zones by placing pressure sensors at different locations: one sensor in the first fuel system (upstream of pressure reducing valve) and another sensor in the second fuel system (downstream of pressure reducing valve). This segmentation enables independent monitoring of each section, allowing precise identification of which specific section contains the leakage anomaly without requiring excessive sensors throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure reducing valve serves as an intermediary element that naturally divides the fuel system into two distinct monitoring zones. By placing sensors on either side of this intermediary component, the system achieves comprehensive leakage detection capability while leveraging the existing structural division point in the fuel delivery system.
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are disposed in both the first and second fuel systems, then the leakage anomaly detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than placing multiple sensors within each fuel system section, the invention uses strategic segmentation with one sensor per section. The first pressure sensor monitors the first fuel system (tank to pressure reducing valve), and the second pressure sensor monitors the second fuel system (pressure reducing valve to injection valves). This minimal segmentation achieves maximum detection precision with reduced sensor count compared to dense monitoring approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pressure sensor is positioned to monitor the specific local quality (pressure conditions) of its respective fuel system section. The first sensor detects pressure characteristics unique to the upstream section, while the second sensor detects pressure characteristics unique to the downstream section, enabling localized anomaly identification without requiring comprehensive sensing throughout the entire system.
3Reliability
If the second shutoff valve is placed between the fuel injection valves and the pressure reducing valve to reduce fuel leakage into cylinders, then the reliability is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring leakage anomalies in specific sections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure reducing valve acts as an intermediary that creates natural monitoring zones. By placing the second shutoff valve downstream of the pressure reducing valve and positioning a pressure sensor in each section, the system maintains the reliability benefit of the shutoff valve configuration while using the pressure reducing valve as a reference point for anomaly detection and localization.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit uses feedback from both pressure sensors to determine leakage anomalies. When the second shutoff valve is closed, the control circuit monitors pressure changes in both sections. If pressure drops occur only in the second fuel system section, the system can identify the specific location of leakage even with the shutoff valve configuration, providing feedback-based anomaly localization.
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 effectively determines which fuel system section has a leakage anomaly by analyzing pressure sensor readings, enhancing the accuracy of detecting fuel leaks and preventing engine startup when anomalies are present.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure sensor disposed in the first fuel system... The first magnitude relationship is a magnitude relationship between a detection value of the first pressure sensor and a predetermined first threshold value
Implementation Method 2
a second pressure sensor disposed in the second fuel system... The second magnitude relationship is a magnitude relationship between a detection value of the second pressure sensor and a predetermined second threshold value
Data Source
AI summary
A first pressure sensor is disposed in a first fuel system between a first shutoff valve and a second shutoff valve. A second pressure sensor is disposed in a second fuel system between the second shutoff valve and a fuel injection valve. A determination process determines a leakage anomaly in the first fuel system or the second fuel system based on a first magnitude relationship or a second magnitude relationship. The first magnitude relationship is a relationship between a detection value of the first pressure sensor in a state in which the first fuel system is filled with gaseous fuel and a first threshold value. The second magnitude relationship is a relationship between a detection value of the second pressure sensor in a state in which the second fuel system is filled with gaseous fuel and a second threshold value.