Fuel Tank Vent Manifold Control for Vapor Recapture and Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel vapor emission control systems in gasoline-powered vehicles have become increasingly complex due to regulatory requirements, necessitating periodic purging of stored hydrocarbon vapors, which existing systems struggle to manage efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An electronically controlled fuel tank system with a manifold assembly, solenoids, and a control module that regulates the operation of vent valves and a liquid trap to recapture and recycle fuel vapors, providing over-pressure and vacuum relief, and incorporating a G-sensor for dynamic venting control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fuel vapor emission control systems are designed to comply with environmental regulations, then emission control effectiveness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporative emission control system is divided into multiple functional modules including a fuel tank assembly with integrated vent valves, a canister assembly for vapor storage, a fuel vapor hose, and a control module. Each module performs a specific function in the vapor recapture and recycling process, allowing the complex emission control system to be managed through modular components that can be independently controlled and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module serves multiple functions by regulating operation of both the first and second solenoids to selectively open and close pathways in the manifold assembly. This single control unit manages over-pressure relief, vacuum relief, and vapor recapture operations, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms for each function and thereby managing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive emission control effectiveness.
2Productivity
If mechanical components are replaced with electronic controls, then system efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical vent valves and solenoids are replaced with electronically controlled components. The control module uses electrical signals to regulate the solenoids, which in turn control the vent valves through electromagnetic actuation. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages and manual adjustment mechanisms, improving system efficiency through more precise and reliable electronic control while managing the transition from mechanical to electronic architecture.
3Measurement precision
If multiple solenoids are used to control vent pathways, then pressure and vacuum relief precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vent control function is segmented into multiple solenoids (first solenoid and second solenoid), each responsible for controlling specific vent pathways in the manifold assembly. This segmentation allows precise control of different pressure and vacuum conditions by activating specific solenoids based on sensor feedback, achieving high measurement precision for pressure control while managing complexity through functional division of the control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple solenoids to dynamically change the state parameters of the vent pathways, transitioning between open and closed positions based on detected pressure and vacuum conditions. This parameter-based control allows the system to respond precisely to changing operational conditions, maintaining accurate pressure control while using electronic parameter changes rather than mechanical adjustments to manage device complexity.
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 system effectively recaptures and recycles fuel vapors, simplifies the evaporative emissions control by replacing mechanical components with electronic controls, and ensures compliance with various regional regulations, reducing the need for unique components and enhancing system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid trap can further comprise a venturi jet that is configured to drain liquid from the liquid trap by way of a vacuum
Implementation Method 2
One of the first and second vent valves comprises a solenoid activated vent valve
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 2A
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A fuel tank system constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes a fuel tank and an evaporative emission control system. The evaporative emissions control system is configured to recapture and recycle emitted fuel vapor. The evaporative emissions control system further includes a manifold assembly having a first solenoid and a second solenoid. The control module is configured to regulate operation of the first and second solenoids to selectively open and close pathways in the manifold assembly to provide over-pressure and vacuum relief for the fuel tank.