Patent · US Expired

Method and system for monitoring evaporative purge flow

US5488936A · kind A · utility

6Cited by
8References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 12, 1994
Grant dateFeb 6, 1996
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 12, 2014

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF02M25/0809
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An evaporative purge flow monitoring system is provided for use in a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a fuel tank, and an evaporation canister in communication with the fuel tank and the engine for trapping and subsequently reusing fuel vapor dispelled from the fuel tank. The evaporative purge flow monitoring system includes a vapor management valve interposed between the engine and the evaporation canister. An Electronic Engine Control (EEC) assembly is further provided in communication with the vapor management valve and the engine wherein the EEC assembly is provided with a test logic to determine satisfactory operation of the vapor management valve. The test logic determines whether the vapor management valve is defective based on either the presence of significant fuel vapor as determined by the test logic or a change in an engine performance parameter generated within the EEC assembly without requiring a separate sensor when the vapor management valve is temporarily closed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.