Vacuum Storage Device for Fuel Filter Purging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The regeneration of filter devices in hybrid vehicles is complex and inefficient, particularly when the internal combustion engine is switched off, as existing systems require manual intervention and lack effective purging mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A regeneratable filter system integrated with a vacuum storage device that uses ambient air to purge the filter, with the vacuum storage device connected to the fuel tank and internal combustion engine, allowing for automatic regeneration and fuel vapor burning during engine operation, utilizing a conventional tank venting valve for efficient purging and vacuum generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter device is purged using the internal combustion engine's intake tract, then the filter can be regenerated, but the system becomes complex and manual intervention is required when the engine is switched off
Solution Approach 1:
The purging system is segmented into two independent parts: a vacuum storage device for generating vacuum independently of the engine, and the filter device. This segmentation allows the vacuum generation function to be separated from the engine operation, enabling filter purging even when the engine is switched off, thereby reducing dependency and operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum storage device acts as an intermediary between the environment and the filter device. It stores vacuum energy and mediates the purging process by providing the necessary pressure differential to draw ambient air through the filter, eliminating the need for direct engine involvement in the purging operation.
2Device complexity
If the filter device is purged only when the internal combustion engine is running, then the purging mechanism is simple, but the filter cannot be regenerated when the engine is switched off
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum storage device is pre-charged with vacuum energy during engine operation or separately, storing the potential for purging in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when the engine is switched off, the stored vacuum is immediately available to drive the purging process, maintaining filter regeneration capability without requiring the engine to be running.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-sufficient by incorporating a vacuum pump that can operate independently of the engine to recharge the vacuum storage device. This self-service capability ensures the filter can be regenerated at any time without manual intervention or dependency on engine operation, improving ease of operation.
3Productivity
If a vacuum pump is used to generate vacuum in the vacuum storage device, then effective purging is achieved, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pump is designed to operate continuously or periodically to maintain vacuum in the storage device, ensuring continuous availability of purging capability. This continuous useful action maximizes purging efficiency by ensuring the filter can be regenerated at any moment without waiting for vacuum recharging, while the system integrates this energy consumption into normal vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum pump serves multiple functions: it generates vacuum for the storage device, enables filter purging, and can potentially support other vehicle systems requiring vacuum. This multi-functionality justifies the energy consumption by maximizing productivity across multiple system functions rather than being dedicated solely to filter regeneration.
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 simplifies and enhances the regeneration of the filter device, enabling efficient purging regardless of engine status and utilizing the internal combustion engine as a vacuum pump for effective fuel vapor management, thus improving the overall operational efficiency and reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum storage device is arranged outside an intake tract of the internal combustion engine, is associated with the fuel tank and preferably is in the vicinity of the fuel tank. The vacuum in the vacuum storage unit can be generated in various ways. The vacuum storage device functions to draw ambient air through the filter device into the vacuum storage unit for purging.
Implementation Method 2
The ambient air passed through the vacuum storage device absorbs fuel vapors, in particular hydrocarbon vapors, collected in the vacuum storage device, which are then burned together with the ambient air in the internal combustion engine.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle has an internal combustion engine (1) that is supplied with fuel from a fuel tank (4). A regeneratable filter device (6) is associated with the fuel tank (4) and can be connected to a vacuum storage device (20) for purging the filter device (6). To simplify and/or improve the regeneration of the filter device, the vacuum storage device (20) is arranged outside an intake tract of the internal combustion engine (1) and is associated with the fuel tank (4).