Latching Canister Vent Valve Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel system designs for vehicles consume excessive battery power when maintaining valves in an open position during refueling, and there is a need for a diagnostic test to ensure valve functionality, especially after battery disconnection or installation.
Innovation Solution
Integration of latching mechanisms in the tank isolation and canister vent valves allows for valve operation without continuous battery power, using a solenoid only for state changes, and a diagnostic test is performed using integrated pressure sensors to verify valve functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solenoid is energized continuously to keep the valve open during refueling, then the valve remains reliably open to allow vapor flow, but battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a latching mechanism that dynamically changes the valve system's behavior: during normal operation the solenoid is energized to open the valve, but once open, a latch engages to mechanically hold the valve in the open position without continuous electrical power. This dynamic transition from electrical actuation to mechanical latching resolves the contradiction between reliable valve opening and reduced power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the continuous electrical system (energized solenoid) with a mechanical latching system that maintains the valve in the open position. The latch uses mechanical elements (latch arm, latch surface, spring) to substitute for the continuous electrical force, thereby eliminating ongoing battery power consumption while maintaining valve reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a latching mechanism is used to reduce power consumption, then battery power usage decreases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the latching mechanism components (latch arm, latch surface, spring, actuator) directly into the existing solenoid valve assembly. The latch arm is integrated with the valve stem, the latch surface is formed on the valve body, and the spring is housed within the valve assembly. This merging approach reduces overall system complexity compared to adding a separate latching system, while still achieving the power consumption reduction goal.
3Ease of operation
If continuous power is used to maintain valve position, then valve position control is simple, but electrical interference with pressure sensors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the continuous electrical control system with a mechanical latching system that maintains valve position without ongoing electrical power. The mechanical latch provides stable position holding without generating electrical interference, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of position control and reduction of harmful electrical interference with nearby pressure sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic electrical action (solenoid energization only during state changes) instead of continuous electrical action. The solenoid is energized briefly to transition the valve between open and closed states, then the mechanical latch maintains the position without further electrical input. This periodic action eliminates continuous electrical interference while maintaining simple position control through the latch mechanism.
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 latching mechanism reduces battery power consumption and minimizes electrical interference, enabling the valves to remain open during refueling without battery power, while ensuring proper valve operation through on-board diagnostic checks.
Implementation Method 1
A solenoid is used with the latching mechanism to avoid having to use continuous battery power
Implementation Method 2
The canister vent valve includes a latching mechanism for changing the canister vent valve between an open position and a closed position
Implementation Method 3
a diagnostic test is performed using integrated pressure sensors to verify valve functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A purge vapor system, which includes a fuel tank, a fuel tank isolation valve in fluid communication with the fuel tank, and a carbon canister in fluid communication with the fuel tank isolation valve. The purge vapor system also includes a canister vent valve in fluid communication with the carbon canister, an air filter in fluid communication with the canister vent valve, and a latching mechanism for changing the canister vent valve between an open position and a closed position, where the latching mechanism is part of the canister vent valve. The latching mechanism is energized as the latching mechanism changes the canister vent valve between the open position and the closed position, and the latching mechanism is de-energized as the canister vent valve is held in the open position or the closed position.