Hybrid Vehicle Purge Pump Detection of Canister Hydrocarbon Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles with non-sealed fuel tanks require a hydrocarbon sensor and an additional auxiliary activated carbon filter to detect hydrocarbon penetration and activate the internal combustion engine, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a hybrid vehicle that uses a purge air pump to detect hydrocarbon concentration in the activated carbon filter, eliminating the need for a hydrocarbon sensor and auxiliary filter by regulating the pump speed and determining pressure differences to activate the internal combustion engine when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydrocarbon sensor and auxiliary activated carbon filter are used to detect hydrocarbon penetration, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection function into the existing purge air pump by using its pressure differential measurement capability. The pump serves dual purposes: purging the activated carbon filter and detecting hydrocarbon concentration through pressure differential measurements, eliminating the need for separate hydrocarbon sensors and auxiliary filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The purge air pump is given a multi-function: it performs both the purging operation and the hydrocarbon detection function. By measuring pressure differentials during purging operations, the same component detects hydrocarbon levels, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection reliability.
2Measurement precision
If a hydrocarbon sensor and auxiliary activated carbon filter are installed, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection functionality is combined with the existing purge air pump system, eliminating the need for separate hydrocarbon sensors and auxiliary activated carbon filters. This merger reduces component count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining measurement capability through pressure differential measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The purge air pump performs self-diagnosis by measuring pressure differentials during its own operation. The system uses the pump's inherent operational characteristics to detect hydrocarbon levels, eliminating the need for additional dedicated detection components and reducing manufacturing costs.
3Speed
If the purge air pump operates continuously at high speed to detect hydrocarbons, then detection speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The purge air pump operates periodically rather than continuously, performing detection measurements at specific intervals during purging cycles. The control unit activates the pump at predetermined times to measure pressure differentials, achieving timely detection while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the pump off during non-detection periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The purge air pump speed is dynamically adjusted based on detection needs rather than running at constant high speed. The control unit regulates pump operation to provide sufficient speed for accurate pressure differential measurements only when detection is required, optimizing the balance between detection speed and energy consumption.
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 method allows for efficient detection and reduction of hydrocarbon emissions without the need for additional sensors or filters, ensuring the internal combustion engine is activated only when hydrocarbon levels exceed predetermined thresholds, thereby preventing unwanted emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure difference between a pressure value upstream from the purge air pump and a pressure value downstream from the purge air pump is determined
Implementation Method 2
Activated carbon filters are known to be used in a motor vehicle. These activated carbon filters store evaporative emissions from the fuel tank
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method and a device for operating a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a fuel tank, an activated carbon filter, an air filter, an intake tract, a purging line arranged between the activated carbon filter and the intake tract, a purge air pump arranged between the activated carbon filter and the intake tract, a tank purge valve arranged between the purge air pump and the intake tract, and a ventilation arranged between the fresh air filter and the activated carbon filter. The hybrid vehicle can be operated in an electric mode in which the electric motor is activated and the internal combustion engine is deactivated. In such a hybrid vehicle, in electric mode the purge air pump is activated and detection of the concentration of hydrocarbons present in the activated carbon filter is performed with the purge air pump activated.