Vapor Fuel Purge Path Defect Location Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vapor fuel processing devices can detect defects in the purge path but cannot identify the specific location or type of the defect, limiting effective countermeasures.
Innovation Solution
A vapor fuel processing device equipped with a canister, purge pipe, purge control valve, pump, and pressure sensor, where the determination unit compares pressure sensor values with reference values to determine the state of the purge path, allowing identification of defects between the pump and purge control valve, downstream, or upstream of the pressure sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single reference value is used to determine purge path defects, then the determination process is simple, but the specific location and type of defect cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the purge path into multiple segments (upstream of pressure sensor, downstream of pressure sensor) and uses multiple reference values (first reference value for upstream, second reference value for downstream) corresponding to each segment. This segmentation allows the system to not only detect the presence of defects but also identify their specific locations and types by comparing pressure sensor readings against the appropriate reference values for each segment.
2Productivity
If the pump is always operated with the purge control valve opened, then vapor fuel can be supplied to the intake pipe, but defects in the purge path cannot be reliably detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching between two operational modes: a normal operation mode where the purge control valve is opened to supply vapor fuel to the intake pipe, and a diagnostic mode where the purge control valve is closed to detect defects in the purge path. The control unit periodically transitions between these modes, allowing the system to maintain productivity while reliably detecting defects by comparing pressure sensor readings against reference values during the diagnostic phase.
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 accurate identification of defects and their locations within the purge path, facilitating targeted maintenance and improving system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor, and a determination unit. The pump may be configured to pump the purge gas from the canister to the intake pipe. The pressure sensor may be provided between the purge control valve and the pump. The determination unit may be configured to determine a state of a purge path based on a detected value of the pressure sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A vapor fuel processing includes a canister for absorbing vapor fuel, a purge pipe, a purge control valve, a pump, a pressure sensor, and a determination unit. The pump may be provided on the purge pipe upstream of the purge control valve. The pressure sensor may be provided between the purge control valve and the pump. The determination unit may determine a state of a purge path by comparing a first detected value of the pressure sensor detected when the pump is driven with the purge control valve in a cutoff state with a first reference value and then comparing a second detected value of the pressure sensor detected when the pump is driven with the purge control valve in the communicated state with a second reference value.