Engine cooling system motor driven vacuum pump
First Claim
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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, the selected conditions comprising performing a fuel system leak detection test on a fuel system of the vehicle.
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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.
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Citations
19 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, the selected conditions comprising performing a fuel system leak detection test on a fuel system of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. 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 pressure after a threshold level of vacuum has been applied by the vacuum pump. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. 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 (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification