Pressurized Vehicle Fuel Tank Depressurization Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressurized fuel systems in vehicles, such as hybrid electric vehicles, require manual depressurization before refueling, which is complex and confusing for users, involving expensive locking mechanisms and complex interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A fuel system with electronically controllable valves and a controller that automatically initiates depressurization and opens valves when the fuel tank pressure is within a predefined range, allowing refueling only when safe, simplifying the process and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual depressurization procedures are implemented in pressurized fuel systems, then fuel safety during refueling is improved, but system complexity and user confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically initiates depressurization of the fuel tank before refueling begins, and opens the fuel inlet conduit valve only when pressure is within the acceptable range. This preliminary automated action eliminates the need for manual depressurization procedures while maintaining fuel safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressure transducers to continuously monitor fuel tank pressure and automatically controls the valves based on pressure conditions. The system serves itself by autonomously managing the depressurization and valve opening sequence without requiring user intervention or complex manual procedures.
2Reliability
If electronically controllable valves and automated pressure management are implemented, then refueling safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure transducers continuously monitor the fuel tank pressure and provide feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to determine when to open the fuel inlet conduit valve and when to close it, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically manages refueling safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical depressurization procedures with an automated electronic control system that uses pressure sensors and electronically controllable valves. This substitution simplifies the user interface while maintaining safety through automated pressure management.
3Ease of operation
If automated valve control based on pressure thresholds is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors pressure as a parameter and automatically changes the state of the fuel inlet conduit valve based on whether the pressure is within the acceptable range. This parameter-based control simplifies operation for the user while the manufacturing complexity is managed through standardized electronic control components.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is directed to vehicle fuel systems capable of isolating the energy within a fuel tank from the vehicle user. An exemplary fuel system may include a first valve located within a fuel inlet conduit and a second valve located within a vapor recovery recirculation line of the fuel system. The first and second valves may be controlled based on the pressure inside a fuel tank of the fuel system. Fuel may only be transferred into the fuel tank when the fuel tank is within a predefined threshold pressure range. A depressurization sequence of the fuel tank may be automatically initiated when a fuel door of the fuel system is moved to an open position. The positioning of the fuel door may be monitored by a fuel door position monitoring device.