ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM MOTOR DRIVEN VACUUM PUMP
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method, comprising:
- driving a cooling fan with an electric motor in a vehicle; and
during selected conditions, also driving a vacuum pump with the electric motor through a clutch.
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Abstract
Embodiments for monitoring fuel system degradation are provided. In one example, a method comprises driving a cooling fan with an electric motor in a vehicle, and during selected conditions, also driving a vacuum pump with the electric motor through a clutch. In this way, fuel system degradation may be indicated without use of a separate motor to drive a pressure building device.
28 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method, comprising:
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driving a cooling fan with an electric motor in a vehicle; and during selected conditions, also driving a vacuum pump with the electric motor through a clutch. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for an engine having a fuel system, comprising:
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during an engine off condition, applying vacuum to the fuel system with a vacuum pump operated via an electric fan motor; and indicating fuel system degradation in response to a change in fuel system after a threshold level of vacuum has been applied by the vacuum pump. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for a fuel system of an engine, comprising:
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following a key-off event, cooling the engine by operating an electric cooling fan; applying vacuum to the fuel system by engaging a clutch coupled to a motor of the electric cooling fan, the clutch configured to transmit power from the motor to a vacuum pump; and indicating fuel system degradation in response to a change in fuel system pressure following the application of vacuum. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification