Single Pressure Sensor Leak Detection for Engine Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines with exhaust turbochargers face difficulties in monitoring and detecting leaks in the crankcase and tank ventilation systems, particularly at connection points upstream of the compressor, leading to potential harmful emissions of unburnt hydrocarbons.
Innovation Solution
An internal combustion engine design that connects the tank and crankcase ventilation systems to the induction system via non-return valves, allowing for leak detection using a single pressure sensor, with additional sensors and valves for precise leak location and emission control, enabling efficient monitoring and control of hydrocarbon emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor system is implemented to monitor connection points upstream of the compressor in charging pressure mode, then leak detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple monitoring functions into a single pressure sensor located in the common suction line. Instead of implementing separate sensor systems for different connection points and operating modes, the invention uses one sensor to monitor pressure variations that indicate leaks from both tank ventilation and crankcase ventilation systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable leak detection
Solution Approach 2:
The single pressure sensor serves multiple functions: it detects leaks from the tank ventilation system, detects leaks from the crankcase ventilation system, and operates effectively in both induction mode and charging pressure mode. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for mode-specific sensor systems and reduces overall system complexity
2Object-generated harmful factors
If multiple non-return valves and complex line configurations are used to enable ventilation system connections, then emission control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ventilation system into distinct lines (first line for tank ventilation, second line for crankcase ventilation) with dedicated non-return valves for each connection point. This segmentation allows independent control and monitoring of each ventilation path, enabling effective emission control while maintaining a manageable system structure through modular organization
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 detection of leaks in the crankcase and tank ventilation systems, meeting emission regulations by using a single pressure sensor and allowing for precise identification of leakage points, thereby reducing harmful hydrocarbon emissions.
Implementation Method 1
A first pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in the second line is provided between the second non-return valve and the nozzle in the second line
Data Source
AI summary
An internal combustion engine has a tank ventilation system and a crankcase ventilation system. The tank ventilation system is connectable to an intake system downstream of a throttle element via a first non-return valve in a first line and upstream of a compressor via a second non-return valve in a second line and a third non-return valve in a second sub-line. The crankcase ventilation system is connectable to the intake system downstream of the throttle element via a fourth non-return valve in a third line and upstream of the compressor via a fourth line and the third non-return valve. The intake system is connectable to the second line downstream of the throttle element at a transitional point between the second line and the second sub-line via a fifth nonreturn valve in a fifth line. A nozzle is formed at the transitional point from the fifth line to the second line and the second sub-line, and the second line opens into the nozzle downstream of the second non-return valve. A first pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in the second line is provided in the second line between the second non-return valve and the nozzle. Only a single pressure sensor is required to diagnose or detect a leak.