Fuel Tank Vent Filter Module with Series-Connected Carbon Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter devices for venting fuel tanks on motor vehicles fail to meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations, particularly in the American market, as they do not adequately prevent the undesirable emission of hydrocarbons into the environment.
Innovation Solution
A filter module with a one-piece integral housing containing two series-connected cylindrical filter chambers filled with activated carbon in a honeycomb structure, which can be easily attached to standard filter devices, providing a longer adsorption path and increased adsorption capacity, and featuring a plug-in or clip connection for flexible installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard filter device is used, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is good, but the adsorption capacity is insufficient to meet strict environmental regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device is divided into a standard filter unit and an additional filter module that can be separately attached. The additional module contains multiple filter chambers with activated carbon, allowing the system to meet stricter environmental regulations without redesigning the entire filter device. This segmentation enables incremental improvement of adsorption capacity while maintaining compatibility with existing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional filter module is designed to be attached to the existing filter device, with filter chambers nested within the module housing. The modular design allows the additional filtration capacity to be integrated into the existing structure without complete system replacement, effectively nesting the enhanced functionality within the original device framework.
2Reliability
If multiple filter chambers are arranged in series to increase adsorption path length, then the adsorption capacity increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple filter chambers are combined into a single integrated filter module with a common housing and base plate. The series arrangement of filter chambers within the module is pre-configured during manufacturing, allowing the complex multi-chamber structure to be produced as a unified component rather than assembled from separate parts, thereby reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional filter module is designed with universal attachment features that allow it to be installed on standard filter devices. The module serves multiple functions: providing series-connected filter chambers for enhanced adsorption, incorporating a base plate for structural support and flow distribution, and enabling tool-free attachment through plug-in or clip connections.
3Reliability
If an additional filter module is attached to the existing filter device, then the adsorption surface area increases, but the ease of installation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter module incorporates self-aligning and self-latching features that enable tool-free attachment to the existing filter device. The plug-in or clip connection system allows the module to be easily installed and removed by end users without requiring special tools or technical expertise, making the system self-servicing in terms of maintenance and installation.
4Reliability
If activated carbon is pressed to form a honeycomb structure, then the surface area and adsorption capacity increase, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter chambers are filled with activated carbon that has been pressed into a honeycomb structure, creating a porous material with high surface area for adsorption. The honeycomb configuration provides inherent structural stability and facilitates uniform flow distribution through the activated carbon, reducing the precision requirements for manufacturing while maximizing adsorption capacity.
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
The additional filter module effectively reduces hydrocarbon emissions by providing a larger adsorption surface area and capacity, ensuring compliance with strict environmental regulations through simple and tool-free attachment to existing filter devices.
Implementation Method 1
having at least two series-connected filter chambers (4, 5), in which an adsorption medium, such as activated carbon (6), is arranged
Implementation Method 2
The filter chambers of the filter module housing are preferably filled with activated carbon, which is pressed to form a honeycomb structure, as a result of which a large surface area and thereby a large adsorption capacity can be achieved
Data Source
AI summary
A filter device for venting a fuel tank on a motor vehicle may include a filter module attached to the filter device. The filter module may have a module housing having at least two series-connected filter chambers.