Motor Vehicle Tank Venting via Engine Intake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motor vehicle tank systems face issues with fuel aging due to continuous pressure increase from volatile component evaporation, leading to deformation and reduced starting properties, especially in plug-in hybrid vehicles, where fuel is not regularly used, causing unnecessary loading of activated carbon filters and increased waiting times before refueling.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle tank system with a direct fluid connection to the internal combustion engine's intake tract, allowing for direct discharge of pressurized gas without an activated carbon filter, reducing pressure through the engine's intake system, and utilizing a 3/2-way valve for adjustable venting to minimize filter loading and waiting times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the activated carbon filter is used to vent the tank volume, then hydrocarbons are adsorbed and pressure is reduced, but the filter becomes saturated and requires frequent purging, increasing device complexity and loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switching valve as an intermediary component that can route tank vapors either through the activated carbon filter or directly to the engine intake manifold. This mediator allows the system to bypass the filter when direct engine utilization is possible, eliminating waiting time while still providing filter protection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two venting modes based on operating conditions: filtered venting through the activated carbon filter when hydrocarbon capture is prioritized, and direct venting to the engine intake when rapid pressure relief is needed. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between thorough hydrocarbon adsorption and quick pressure reduction.
2Volume of stationary object
If the activated carbon filter size is reduced, then device complexity and space are reduced, but the filter saturates more quickly requiring more frequent purging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the venting system multi-functional by enabling the same vent line to serve two purposes: routing vapors through the activated carbon filter for adsorption when the engine is off, and routing vapors directly to the engine intake manifold for combustion when the engine is running. This universality allows a smaller filter to suffice since it only needs to handle vapors during engine-off periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the venting pathway based on engine state. When the engine is running, the switching valve redirects vapors away from the filter and directly to the intake manifold, effectively changing the filter's workload parameter from continuous to intermittent operation, thereby reducing the required filter size.
3Strength
If the tank is structurally reinforced to withstand higher pressure, then fewer volatile components evaporate, but the tank deformation issue is only partially addressed and refueling waiting time remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous utilization of tank vapors by the engine through the direct venting pathway. Instead of allowing pressure to build up and then releasing it in discrete purging cycles, the system continuously routes vapors to the engine intake manifold during operation, maintaining lower tank pressure continuously and eliminating the need for pre-refueling waiting periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of volatile component evaporation and pressure buildup into a beneficial resource by routing these vapors directly to the engine intake manifold for combustion. What was previously a problem (excess pressure and hydrocarbon release) becomes a useful fuel source, simultaneously addressing pressure management and energy utilization.
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
This solution reduces fuel aging by minimizing volatile component evaporation, decreases the need for frequent filter flushing, and eliminates waiting times before refueling by directly reducing tank pressure through the engine's intake, enhancing fuel utilization and reducing environmental pollution.
Implementation Method 1
direct discharge of pressurized gas without an activated carbon filter, reducing pressure through the engine's intake system
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a 3/2-way valve for adjustable venting to minimize filter loading and waiting times
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a motor vehicle tank system having a motor vehicle tank (10) and a ventilation device (21, 22, 23) for venting a tank volume of the motor vehicle tank (10), wherein a direct fluid connection can be established between the motor vehicle tank (10) and an intake tract (51) of an internal combustion engine (50) via the ventilation device (21, 22, 23), a ventilation line (32) in fluid connection with the ventilation device (21, 22, 23) and a control valve (42) in fluid connection with the ventilation line (32).