Measuring and testing – Fluid pressure gauge – Combined
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-05
2003-01-14
Oen, William (Department: 2855)
Measuring and testing
Fluid pressure gauge
Combined
Reexamination Certificate
active
06505514
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sensor arrangement for an integrated pressure management system that manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The present invention also relates to a sensor arrangement for an integrated pressure management system that performs a leak diagnostic for the headspace in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the headspace, a purge valve, and all associated hoses.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
In a conventional pressure management system for a vehicle, fuel vapor that escapes from a fuel tank is stored in a canister. If there is a leak in the fuel tank, canister or any other component of the vapor handling system, some fuel vapor could exit through the leak to escape into the atmosphere instead of being stored in the canister. Thus, it is desirable to detect leaks.
In such conventional pressure management systems, excess fuel vapor accumulates immediately after engine shutdown, thereby creating a positive pressure in the fuel vapor management system. Thus, it is desirable to vent, or “blow-off,” through the canister, this excess fuel vapor and to facilitate vacuum generation in the fuel vapor management system. Similarly, it is desirable to relieve positive pressure during tank refueling by allowing air to exit the tank at high flow rates. This is commonly referred to as onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, a sensor or switch signals that a predetermined pressure exists. In particular, the sensor/switch signals that a predetermined vacuum exists. As it is used herein, “pressure” is measured relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure. Thus, positive pressure refers to pressure greater than the ambient atmospheric pressure and negative pressure, or “vacuum,” refers to pressure less than the ambient atmospheric pressure.
The present invention is achieved by providing a sensor arrangement for an integrated pressure management apparatus. The sensor arrangement comprises a chamber having an interior volume varying in response to fluid pressure in the chamber, the chamber including a diaphragm displaceable between a first configuration in response to fluid pressure above a certain pressure level and a second configuration in response to fluid pressure below the certain pressure level; and a switch actuated by the diaphragm in the second configuration.
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Oen William
Siemens Canada Limited
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