Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Testing via Inductive Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid-electric vehicles face challenges in efficiently testing the functionality of fuel tank pressure sensors without increasing evaporative emissions, as traditional methods may require venting the fuel tank to atmosphere, which can lead to fuel vapor trafficking and reduced fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The method involves sealing the fuel tank during an inductive charging event, using the magnetic field to heat the fuel tank and increase pressure, allowing for active testing of the fuel tank pressure transducer without additional hardware and minimizing evaporative emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the fuel tank is vented to atmosphere for passive testing, then the fuel tank pressure transducer can be tested for offset, but fuel vapor trafficking occurs and evaporative emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the fuel tank in a sealed environment during inductive charging, creating an inert testing environment where the magnetic field heats the fuel tank without requiring venting to atmosphere. This eliminates fuel vapor trafficking while enabling active testing of the pressure transducer through controlled pressure increases from thermal expansion of trapped vapors.
2Reliability
If the engine is forced on to purge the canister, then fuel vapor can be purged to engine intake, but fuel efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the inductive charging magnetic field as a self-service mechanism to heat and pressurize the fuel tank, enabling passive purging of the fuel vapor canister without requiring additional engine operation. The system serves itself by using the charging infrastructure already present to accomplish both charging and emissions management functions.
3Ease of operation
If passive fuel tank pressure transducer rationality tests are performed with modest diurnal cycle, then the vehicle can operate normally, but the ambient temperature stays relatively constant and the test cannot be completed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent actively changes the temperature parameter by applying inductive heating through the magnetic field during charging events. This creates artificial temperature variations that drive pressure changes in the sealed fuel tank, enabling the pressure transducer to be tested for rationality without relying on natural diurnal temperature cycles.
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 approach enables effective testing of fuel tank pressure sensor functionality while reducing undesired evaporative emissions and maintaining fuel efficiency by controlling the fuel tank pressure through inductive heating during charging events.
Implementation Method 1
The outer walls of the fuel tank may include ferrous components which are energized by a magnetic field generated during the inductive charging event, thus heating the fuel tank and the fuel stored within
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic field generated during the inductive charging event, thus heating the fuel tank and the fuel stored within
Implementation Method 3
In this way, the pressure within the sealed fuel tank increases during the inductive charging event
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a hybrid-electric vehicle is presented, wherein a fuel tank is sealed closed during a first condition that includes an inductive charging event, and wherein degradation of a fuel tank pressure transducer is indicated responsive to a fuel tank pressure transducer output failing to increase above a threshold following an active testing duration. The outer walls of the fuel tank may include ferrous components which are energized by a magnetic field generated during the inductive charging event, thus heating the fuel tank and the fuel stored within. In this way, the pressure within the sealed fuel tank increases during the inductive charging event, and a determination may be made as to whether the output of the fuel tank pressure transducer is rational.