Negative Pressure Relief Valve Mobility Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing the mobility of negative pressure relief valves in fuel systems are complex and costly, leading to increased production costs and inefficiencies, particularly when the valve locks in the closed position, making it difficult to detect leaks effectively.
Innovation Solution
A simplified process and device that check the position of the negative pressure relief valve and its reaction to a pressure increase within the fuel system, using existing valves and sensors to ensure the valve's mobility and diagnose any locking issues, with optional considerations of fueling processes, temperature values, and activated charcoal filter charging over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the negative pressure relief valve is tested using the prior art method (reducing negative pressure by operating a valve and checking movement), then the valve mobility can be tested, but the process and device become comparatively expensive and complex, leading to increased production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential testing function from the complex prior art device by using only the negative pressure relief valve itself and existing fuel system components. The testing process utilizes the natural pressure changes during fueling operations rather than requiring separate testing equipment, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining reliable valve mobility testing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel system's own operational characteristics (pressure changes during fueling) are utilized to perform the testing function. The system tests itself using its normal operating cycles, eliminating the need for external testing devices and reducing overall system complexity while ensuring reliable valve mobility detection
2Reliability
If the negative pressure relief valve locks in the closed position, then it can seal the fuel system effectively, but it can no longer detect leaks since it remains closed even when pressure rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary testing of the negative pressure relief valve's mobility during fueling operations. By checking whether the valve opens in response to pressure increases before actual leak detection occurs, the system ensures the valve remains functional and responsive, preventing locked-position failures from compromising leak detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the negative pressure relief valve's position and responds to pressure changes. When pressure increases during fueling, the system expects the valve to open and uses this feedback to verify mobility. If the valve fails to open despite pressure increase, the system detects this anomaly and can alert operators to potential locking issues
3Reliability
If regular testing of the negative pressure relief valve is performed to ensure mobility, then leak detection reliability is maintained, but the testing process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the leak detection function with the fueling operation and integrates the valve mobility testing into the normal fuel system operation. By combining these functions, the system achieves reliable testing without requiring separate, expensive testing procedures, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining leak detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The negative pressure relief valve and fuel system components serve multiple functions: normal fueling operation, leak detection, and mobility testing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated testing equipment and procedures, reducing overall system cost while ensuring reliable valve performance and leak detection capability
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
The solution allows for reliable and economical testing of the negative pressure relief valve's mobility, reducing production costs and preventing valve locking issues, while minimizing power consumption and avoiding unnecessary wear on system components.
Implementation Method 1
the negative pressure relief valve of the fuel system of a motor vehicle, which moves between a closed position which closes the fuel system and an open position which clears the fuel system depending on the pressure within the fuel system
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for testing the mobility of the negative pressure relief valve of the fuel system of a motor vehicle, the negative pressure relief valve depending on the pressure within the fuel system having to be moved between a closed position which closes the fuel system and an open position which clears the fuel system, with the following steps: a) Testing the position of the negative pressure relief valve; and b) Testing the position of the negative pressure relief valve in reaction to a pressure increase within the fuel system if the negative pressure relief valve in step a) was in the closed position. The invention furthermore relates to a system for testing the mobility of the negative pressure relief valve of the fuel system of a motor vehicle.