Fueling Control System Blocking Assembly Pressure Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrified vehicles face challenges in controlling fuel flow to ensure appropriate pressure within the fuel system before refueling, which can lead to fuel splashing or inefficient refueling processes, especially in Non-Integrated Refueling Canister Only Systems (NIRCOS).
Innovation Solution
A vehicle fueling control system featuring a blocking assembly with a clamping and inflatable device that transitions between fill blocking and permitting positions based on fuel tank pressure, using an actuator and pressure sensor to manage airflow and fuel flow through a Venturi port, preventing fuel dispensing until pressures are suitable for refueling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fuel dispensing is allowed immediately without pressure control, then refueling speed is improved, but fuel splashing and system pressure instability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking assembly is activated in advance to control fuel flow before refueling begins. By pre-establishing the blocking mechanism that responds to pressure conditions, the system prevents fuel splashing from the outset while maintaining the ability to enable rapid refueling once pressure conditions are met, thus resolving the contradiction between refueling speed and fuel splashing prevention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a blocking assembly is introduced to control fuel flow, then fuel splashing is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking assembly is designed to operate automatically based on fuel tank pressure conditions. The assembly blocks fuel flow when pressure is inappropriate and permits flow when pressure is suitable, without requiring external control systems or manual intervention. This self-regulating mechanism prevents fuel splashing while minimizing added complexity by eliminating the need for complex control electronics or manual operation systems.
3Productivity
If fuel flow is restricted until appropriate pressure is reached, then refueling efficiency is improved, but refueling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking assembly incorporates a pressure-responsive mechanism that continuously monitors fuel tank pressure and automatically adjusts fuel flow accordingly. When pressure reaches the appropriate level, the assembly automatically transitions from blocking to permitting fuel flow, enabling rapid refueling. This feedback-based automatic control ensures refueling efficiency by preventing operations during inappropriate pressure conditions while minimizing wait time through automatic activation when conditions are met.
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
Effectively blocks fuel flow until the fuel system reaches appropriate pressure, preventing fuel splashing and ensuring efficient refueling by automatically adjusting the blocking assembly in response to tank pressure, thus optimizing the refueling process.
Implementation Method 1
The inflatable device is more inflated when a pressure inside a fuel tank is higher and is less inflated when a pressure inside the fuel tank is lower. The inflatable device inflates and deflates in response to a pressure inside a fuel tank.
Implementation Method 2
The deflecting device is configured to redirect fuel exiting the fuel dispensing nozzle to an area where the fuel blocks airflow through the port when the blocking assembly is in the fill blocking position.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle fueling control system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a fuel inlet conduit configured to receive a fuel dispensing nozzle, and a blocking assembly. The blocking assembly is configured to move back and forth between a fill blocking position that blocks airflow through a port of the fuel dispensing nozzle and a fill permitting position that permits airflow through the port of the fuel dispensing nozzle.