Vehicle Refueling Door Speed Control via Vapor Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid vehicles, the delay between requesting to open the refueling door and its actual opening due to fuel tank depressurization can confuse users and lead to frustration, as they may repeatedly press the switch unsure if it is functioning correctly.
Innovation Solution
A method and assembly that adjust the speed of opening the refueling door based on the fuel tank vapor pressure, with the door opening at a slower speed if the pressure is high and faster if it is low, ensuring the door opens completely only after sufficient depressurization, thereby reducing user confusion and preventing premature fuel vapor release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the refueling door opens only after fuel tank depressurization is completed, then fuel vapor release is prevented, but user confusion and frustration increase due to the time delay
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary depressurization action before the refueling door opens. The control unit activates the depressurization valve to reduce fuel tank pressure below atmospheric pressure before allowing the door to open, preventing harmful fuel vapor release while maintaining user-friendly operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the door opening process based on real-time pressure feedback. The control unit continuously monitors fuel tank pressure during door opening and dynamically controls the door actuator to pause or slow opening when pressure approaches atmospheric levels, optimizing both safety and user experience.
2Speed
If the refueling door opens at high speed, then user experience is improved with immediate response, but fuel vapor may be released prematurely before depressurization is complete
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback control where the control unit continuously monitors fuel tank pressure during door opening and adjusts the door opening speed accordingly. When pressure is still above atmospheric levels, the door opening is paused or slowed; when pressure drops below atmospheric pressure, the door completes opening, preventing vapor release while maintaining fast response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by preemptively slowing or pausing the door opening process when pressure conditions indicate potential vapor release risk. The control unit detects pressure trends and counteracts the opening motion before harmful vapor release can occur, then resumes normal speed when safe.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the refueling door opens at slow speed to ensure depressurization, then fuel vapor release is prevented, but the response time to user request increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by implementing a two-phase door opening process: an initial fast opening phase that quickly moves the door to a partially open position, followed by a paused depressurization phase where the door holds position while pressure equalizes, then a final completion phase. This reduces total time while ensuring safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary fast opening action to quickly position the door near its final position before depressurization is complete. The door is opened partially or mostly before the pause, minimizing the visible delay to the user while still preventing vapor release during the brief holding phase.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for opening a refueling door of a vehicle. The method comprises adjusting a speed of opening the refueling door based on a fuel tank vapor pressure in response to a detected refueling request. Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a refueling door assembly for a vehicle. The refueling door assembly comprises a fuel tank; a refueling inlet to receive a fuel dispensing nozzle; a fuel fill line coupled between the fuel tank and the refueling inlet; a refueling door located at a vehicle body; an operating mechanism connected to the refueling door to open and close the refueling door; and a control module configured to open the refueling door responsive to a refueling request and control an opening speed of the operating mechanism based on a fuel tank vapor pressure.