Universal Vent Valve Control for Hybrid Fuel Tank Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel tanks in hybrid vehicles require different vent valves due to higher internal pressures, leading to increased manufacturing complexity and costs, as conventional vent valves are insufficient for managing varying internal pressures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses a single vent valve controlled by an electronic control device to manage internal pressures by determining and comparing pressures with predetermined limits, allowing the valve to open or close based on maximum, minimum, or differential pressures, and optionally considering ambient pressure, thus enabling a universal valve design for different tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different vent valves are used for fuel tanks with different maximum internal pressures, then the fuel tank can withstand the required pressure, but the manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single vent valve that can handle multiple pressure ranges through electronic control. Instead of having different mechanical vent valves for different pressure requirements, one universal vent valve is used with an electronic control system that adjusts its opening degree based on the actual internal pressure of the fuel tank, making the same valve suitable for various fuel tank pressure specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static mechanical vent valve designs to a dynamic electronically controlled vent valve. The vent valve's opening degree is not fixed but can be dynamically adjusted based on real-time pressure feedback from pressure sensors, allowing the same valve to adapt to different pressure conditions and fuel tank requirements.
2Strength
If a higher maximum internal pressure is allowed for hybrid vehicle fuel tanks, then the fuel tank structure can be simplified, but different vent valves are required for different pressure levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using electronic control to vary the vent valve's operating parameters (opening degree, venting rate) based on pressure conditions. This allows a single vent valve design to cover a range of pressure specifications that would traditionally require multiple different valve designs, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the required pressure resistance.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the activated carbon filter is used for venting the fuel tank in hybrid vehicles, then fuel vapors can be filtered, but the absorption capacity is limited due to reduced engine operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using pressure sensors to continuously monitor the internal pressure of the fuel tank and providing this information to the electronic control unit. The control unit uses this feedback to determine when and how much to open the vent valve, enabling precise control of vapor venting that complements the activated carbon filter's absorption capacity, especially important in hybrid vehicles with reduced engine operation time for natural purging.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling the internal pressure of a service fluid container (10) of a motor vehicle and to a service fluid container system (1) for carrying out the method. The method has the following steps: - ascertaining (A) an internal pressure of the service fluid container (10) by means of a pressure sensor (15) arranged in a service fluid container interior (11); - comparing (B1) the ascertained internal pressure with a specified maximum internal pressure by means of an electronic controller; - outputting (C) an opening signal by the controller to a ventilation valve (20, 40) which is arranged in a ventilation line (70) or between the service fluid container interior (11) and the ventilation line (70), wherein the ventilation line (70) fluidically connects the service fluid container interior (11) to the atmosphere if the ascertained internal pressure equals the maximum internal pressure or is greater than the maximum internal pressure; and - converting (D) the ventilation valve (20) into an open position in which the service fluid container interior (11) is fluidically connected to the atmosphere by means of the ventilation valve (20) upon receiving the opening signal.