Hose Pinching Detection via Lambda Probe Richness Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively diagnose pinching of the hose connecting the gasoline vapor filter and the gasoline tank in vehicles, which is crucial for detecting leaks and ensuring efficient vapor recovery and engine performance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a controllable bleed valve and lambda probe to measure the richness of the engine mixture over time, comparing successive values to determine if the variation remains below a threshold, indicating whether the hose is pinched by assessing the vapor filter's loading and purge flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current diagnostic methods are used, then existing equipment is utilized, but hose pinching cannot be effectively detected
Solution Approach 1:
The method uses feedback from the lambda probe measurements to continuously monitor and diagnose hose pinching conditions. By comparing successive richness measurements and analyzing variations over time, the system provides continuous feedback about the vapor filter loading state, enabling reliable detection of hose pinching without additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing lambda probe and ECU are made to serve the additional function of diagnosing hose pinching. The system uses self-service by analyzing data already being collected for engine control purposes, eliminating the need for separate diagnostic equipment while improving detection capability.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If additional diagnostic components are added, then hose pinching detection capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lambda probe and ECU are made multi-functional by using them for both their original engine control purposes and the new hose pinching diagnostic function. This universality allows the system to detect hose pinching without adding any new components, as the existing equipment is utilized for dual purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing measurement system serves itself by analyzing its own data outputs for diagnostic purposes. The ECU uses the richness measurements it already collects for fuel control to also determine vapor filter loading status and detect hose pinching, eliminating the need for separate diagnostic equipment.
3Measurement precision
If measurements are acquired continuously, then detection accuracy is improved, but data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The method uses partial action by selectively analyzing only the variations in richness measurements that are relevant to vapor filter loading detection. Rather than processing all measurement data equally, the system focuses on detecting specific patterns of variation that indicate hose pinching conditions, reducing unnecessary processing 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
Enables simple and cost-effective diagnosis of hose pinching without additional components, utilizing existing equipment like the lambda probe, ensuring accurate detection of vapor filter loading and recharging status.
Implementation Method 1
a step consisting in acquiring a series of measurements representative of the richness of the mixture entering the internal combustion engine
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting pinching of a coupling hose between a tank and a gasoline vapor filter for a vehicle internal combustion engine, with the vapor filter being connected to the engine via a duct including a controllable bleed valve, includes at least one sequence of a step consisting in opening a bleed valve; a step consisting in acquiring a series of measurements of richness of a mixture entering the internal combustion engine over a period greater than a predetermined value, representative of a bleed period of the gasoline vapor filter; and a step consisting in comparing successive measured values and determining if a variation in richness from one measurement to the next remains below a pre-determined threshold for a group of measurements spread over a period greater than a pre-determined value.