Modular LDM Fluid Fitting Layout for Multi-Vehicle EVAP Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leak detection modules (LDMs) in evaporative emissions systems require dedicated injection molds for each vehicle application, leading to high tooling costs and prolonged manufacturing lead times due to monolithic, unitary housing structures with molded ports.
Innovation Solution
A modular leak detection module design featuring a housing with a fluid fitting that can be secured to the wall using a fastener, allowing for flexible positioning and orientation, reducing the need for vehicle-specific molds and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dedicated injection molds are used for each vehicle application, then manufacturing precision and customization are improved, but tooling costs and manufacturing lead time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized housing with a common port configuration that can be used across multiple vehicle applications. Instead of creating dedicated injection molds for each application, the same housing design serves multiple purposes, reducing tooling costs and manufacturing lead time while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized production processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the housing into modular components, allowing the main housing body to remain standardized while enabling customization through separate port adapters or mounting configurations. This segmentation allows the core housing to be mass-produced with dedicated molds once, while accommodating different vehicle applications through modular attachments rather than requiring entirely custom molds for each application
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated injection molds are used for each vehicle application, then adaptability to specific applications is improved, but tooling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized housing design serves multiple vehicle applications universally, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated injection molds for each application. The universal housing maintains adaptability through standardized mounting interfaces and port configurations that can accommodate different evaporative emissions system requirements without requiring custom tooling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by replicating the same successful housing design across multiple vehicle applications. Instead of investing in new dedicated molds for each application, the proven housing design is copied and reused, significantly reducing tooling costs while maintaining the adaptability needed for different applications through standardized interfaces and configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A leak detection module (LDM) includes a housing that provides a cavity that is enclosed by a wall that has a hole. A valve is arranged within the housing and in fluid communication along a passage that extends between first and second ports on the LDM, the valve is movable between open and closed positions. A pump is arranged within the housing and in fluid communication with the passage. A fluid fitting extends through the hole and has a passageway that extends between first and second end portions. The passageway is in fluid communication with the pump, the fluid fitting provides one of the first and second ports. A fastener secures the fluid fitting to the wall.