Liquid Fuel Trap Retention Means for Vehicle Angle Scenarios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid fuel traps in vehicle fuel systems are complex and cost-intensive, failing to effectively prevent liquid fuel from entering the carbon canister during angle scenarios such as acceleration, deceleration, and vehicle tilt, which can lead to defects in the carbon canister.
Innovation Solution
A liquid fuel trap device with retention means, such as L-shaped angle brackets or ribs, is introduced to prevent liquid fuel from reaching the outlet port connected to the fuel vapor recovery system, allowing increased capacity during angle scenarios without affecting normal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex internal wall sections in different directions are used to achieve liquid-vapour separation, then liquid fuel can be prevented from entering the carbon canister, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple chambers (first chamber for liquid trapping, second chamber for vapor passage) separated by a partition wall. This segmentation allows effective liquid-vapour separation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, avoiding the need for complex internal wall sections in different directions.
2Quantity of substance
If the liquid trap capacity is increased to handle worst-case angle scenarios, then more liquid fuel can be retained, but the device volume and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall between chambers is designed with specific geometry (angled or curved surfaces) that dynamically adapts to different vehicle orientations. During angle scenarios, the geometry allows the partition to effectively block liquid fuel from reaching the outlet port while maintaining a compact overall device volume, avoiding the need for excessive capacity in all conditions.
3Ease of operation
If multiple valves and complex connecting arrangements are installed, then liquid fuel can be discharged back to the tank, but the ease of manufacture and device complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge valve is integrated directly into the partition wall structure between chambers, combining the separation function and discharge function into a single component. This merging eliminates the need for separate complex connecting arrangements and multiple discrete valves, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the liquid fuel discharge capability.
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 retention means effectively prevent liquid fuel from entering the carbon canister during dynamic situations, significantly increasing the liquid trap's capacity in worst-case scenarios while maintaining performance in other conditions, thus preventing carbon canister defects.
Implementation Method 1
the bottom of the liquid trap is angled downwards with the fuel vapor passage from the tank being the lowest point. That way all liquid fuel within the liquid trap will automatically drain back into the fuel vapor passage to the tank when the liquid trap is inclined (towards the liquid trap outlet) at an angle less than the angle of the liquid trap bottom surface
Implementation Method 2
vapor flowing from the fuel tank carries along with it also a considerable amount of liquid fuel in the form of droplets (as a result of venturi effect)
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid fuel trap device for a vehicle fuel system, the device comprising a housing forming a confined space with at least one port connectable to a fuel vapor passage, and a valve capable of discharging liquid fuel from said space into the tank, characterized in that the housing comprises at least two retention means (7) to refrainthe fuel (3) in the housing from reaching the outlet port (5) connectable to the fuel vapor recovery system in angle scenarios. (Fig. 2)