Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

AN EVAPORATED FUEL COLLECTING DEVICE, AN EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM AND A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY

APPLICANT:

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian Company at: “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present subject matter relates generally to an Evaporative Emission Control System, a fuel tank assembly and an evaporated fuel collecting device for a vehicle. More particularly but not exclusively, the present subject matter relates to an Evaporative Emission Control System, a fuel tank assembly and an evaporated fuel collecting device for a two-wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0001] The Evaporative Emission Control System is designed to capture and control the fuel vapor that are formed in the fuel system. The Evaporative Emission Control System is crucial for reducing harmful emissions and preventing the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hydrocarbons into the atmosphere. Further, the Evaporative Emission Control System reduces the wastage of the fuel thereby increasing the fuel efficiency and mileage.
[0002] The key components of the Evaporative Emission Control System are a fuel tank, an evaporated fuel collecting device, connecting tubes, a roll-over valve, an evaporated fuel retaining device, a fuel level sensor, and a fuel pump. The fuel tank is a sealed container, which receives and stores fuel for the vehicle. However, some fuel vapor can still escape through the venting system of the fuel tank, due to variation in temperature and fuel expansion. When the vehicle is not in running condition or the engine is off, the fuel inside the fuel tank can evaporate thereby forming fuel vapor. These fuel vapor rise and are collected by the evaporated fuel collecting device. Further, the fuel vapor is transmitted to the evaporated fuel retaining device, through the connecting tubes, where the fuel vapor is stored temporarily. The purpose of the evaporated fuel retaining device is to prevent the release of harmful fuel vapor into the atmosphere. By capturing and collecting the fuel vapor, the evaporated fuel collecting device plays a critical role in reducing evaporative emissions from the vehicle. The roll-over valve is provided between the fuel tank and the evaporated fuel retaining device in order to prevent any unwanted flooding of the evaporated retaining device due to the roll-over of the vehicle. A typical roll-over valve consists of a valve body, and a float mechanism. The valve body is responsible for controlling the fuel flow, while the float mechanism or rollover ball senses changes in the vehicle's orientation. The roll-over valve is a critical safety device designed to prevent fuel leakage in vehicles, especially vehicles with a higher risk of rolling over or tilting at extreme angles like in two-wheeled vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-road vehicles, and even some small boats. Without the roll-over valve, the fuel could spill out during rollovers or extreme tilting, leading to a considerable fire hazard. The leaked fuel might come into contact with hot engine components, sparks, or open flames, creating the risk of fire or even an explosion. Further, the leaked fuel might contaminate soil, groundwater, or nearby water bodies, causing environmental pollution and potential harm to ecosystems.
[0003] While the roll-over valve provides essential safety benefits in preventing fuel leakage during rollovers or extreme tilting, there are some potential disadvantages and challenges associated with their mounting in a fuel system. The inclusion of the roll-over valve adds to the overall cost and complexity of the fuel system. The roll-over valve itself, along with the necessary components, can increase manufacturing expenses thereby impacting the market price of the vehicle. Additionally, the mounting of the roll-over valve requires multiple brackets, further increasing the part count, complexity and the cost of the overall fuel system.
[0004] Due to the limited availability of space, especially in two-wheeled vehicles, finding an appropriate location within the fuel tank to mount roll-over valve can be challenging. It is crucial to ensure that the roll-over valve do not interfere with other components or systems. Maintenance of the roll-over valve requires specialized tools and expertise thereby leading to higher service costs. In the event of a malfunction or failure, the reparation or replacement of the roll-over valve becomes a cumbersome and time-consuming process. During the maintenance and servicing of the roll-over valve, excessive disassembly or removal of other components is required. This is due to the difficult access and less clearance of the roll-over valve from the surrounding components.
[0005] In conventional vehicles, the suitability of the roll-over valve varies with the type of fuel used in the vehicle. This is due to the pressure and temperature variations encountered in the fuel system. There is a lack of an Evaporative Emission Control System, which is compatible with the different types of fuel, fuel tank capacity, fuel line connections, and fuel flow requirements. Furthermore, the placement of the roll-over valve fails minimize the damage to the roll-over valve from excessive vibrations, accidental impacts and dislodging during normal vehicle operation. Additionally, the placement of the roll-over valve, in conventional vehicles, fails to provide simple routing of fuel lines, vent hoses and connecting tubes.
[0006] To overcome the above-mentioned problems, the present invention discloses a novel and inventive Evaporative Emission Control System. In the disclosed Evaporative Emission Control System, the evaporated fuel collecting device is delegated with the functions of conventional roll-over valve. The present invention eliminates the need of the roll-over valve, without compromising the functioning of the roll-over valve. Therefore, the overall Evaporative Emission Control System of the fuel system becomes less expensive and part-count is reduced. Further, the maintenance, servicing, repairing or replacement becomes easy and less expensive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The details are described with reference to an embodiment of an Evaporative Emission Control System, a fuel tank assembly and an evaporated fuel collecting device for a vehicle. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer similar features and components.
[0008] Figure 1 illustrates a front view of an evaporated fuel collecting device with a stem portion of a linear profile.
[0009] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of an evaporated fuel collecting device with a stem portion of a curved profile.
[0010] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of an Evaporative Emission Control System with a stem portion of a linear profile.
[0011] Figure 4 illustrates a front view of an Evaporative Emission Control System with a stem portion of a curved profile.
[0012] Figure 5 illustrates a bottom view of a fuel tank assembly.
[0013] Figure 6 illustrates a side perspective view of a fuel tank assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present subject matter relates to an evaporated fuel collecting device for collecting a fuel vapor generated in a fuel tank of a vehicle. The evaporated fuel collecting device comprises a head portion, a plurality of bladders, and a stem portion. The head portion is provided with at least one inlet. The at least one inlet is configured to allow an ingress of the fuel vapor into the head portion. The plurality of bladders is disposed on the head portion. The plurality of bladders is configured to afloat the head portion in order to keep the at least one inlet above a level of liquid fuel in the fuel tank. The stem portion is configured to align the head portion in an upright orientation. The stem portion is configured to allow a passage of the fuel vapor from the head portion to a connecting duct.
[0015] The present subject matter also relates to an evaporative emission control system for a vehicle. The evaporative emission control system is configured to prevent fuel vapor in a fuel tank from escaping into an atmosphere. The evaporative emission control system comprises an evaporated fuel collecting device, a connecting duct and an evaporated fuel retaining device. The evaporated fuel collecting device is configured to collect a fuel vapor from the fuel tank. The evaporated fuel collecting device comprises a head portion, a plurality of bladders, and a stem portion. The head portion is provided with at least one inlet. The at least one inlet is configured to allow an ingress of the fuel vapor into the head portion. The plurality of bladders is disposed on the head portion. The plurality of bladders is configured to afloat the head portion in order to keep the at least one inlet above a level of liquid fuel in the fuel tank. The stem portion is configured to align the head portion in an upright orientation. The stem portion is configured to route a passage of the fuel vapor from the head portion to outside the fuel tank. The connecting duct is connected to the stem portion to enable the passage of the fuel vapor from inside the fuel tank to the outside of the fuel tank. The evaporated fuel retaining device is directly connected to the stem portion through the connecting duct to receive the fuel vapor from the evaporated fuel collecting device. The evaporated fuel retaining device is filled with an adsorbent material. The adsorbent material is adapted to adsorb the fuel vapor.
[0016] The present subject matter also relates to a fuel tank assembly for a vehicle. The fuel tank assembly comprises a fuel tank, and an evaporative emission control system. The fuel tank is configured to receive and store a fuel. The evaporative emission control system is configured to prevent a fuel vapor in the fuel tank from escaping into an atmosphere. The evaporative emission control system comprises an evaporated fuel collecting device, a connecting duct and an evaporated fuel retaining device. The evaporated fuel collecting device is configured to collect a fuel vapor from the fuel tank. The evaporated fuel collecting device comprises a head portion, a plurality of bladders, and a stem portion. The head portion is provided with at least one inlet. The at least one inlet is configured to allow an ingress of the fuel vapor into the head portion. The plurality of bladders is disposed on the head portion. The plurality of bladders is configured to afloat the head portion in order to keep the at least one inlet above a level of liquid fuel in the fuel tank. The stem portion is configured to align the head portion in an upright orientation. The stem portion is configured to route a passage of the fuel vapor from the head portion to outside the fuel tank. The connecting duct is connected to the stem portion to enable the passage of the fuel vapor from inside the fuel tank to the outside of the fuel tank. The evaporated fuel retaining device is directly connected to the stem portion through the connecting duct to receive the fuel vapor from the evaporated fuel collecting device. The evaporated fuel retaining device is filled with an adsorbent material. The adsorbent material is adapted to adsorb the fuel vapor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] In order to overcome one or more of the above-mentioned challenges, the present invention provides an evaporated fuel collecting device. The disclosed evaporated fuel collecting device is modified in order to perform the functions of conventional roll-over valve apart from collecting a fuel vapor generated in a fuel tank. The present invention successfully eliminates the need of the roll-over valve, without compromising the functioning of the roll-over valve. Further, the need of mounting arrangements for the roll-over valve in vehicle is also eliminated thereby reducing the part-count and overall cost of the fuel system.
[0018] As per one embodiment of the invention, the invention relates to an evaporated fuel collecting device for collecting a fuel vapor generated in a fuel tank of a vehicle. The evaporated fuel collecting device comprises a head portion, a plurality of bladders, and a stem portion. The head portion is provided with at least one inlet. The at least one inlet is configured to allow an ingress of the fuel vapor into the head portion. The plurality of bladders is disposed on the head portion. The plurality of bladders is configured to afloat the head portion in order to keep the at least one inlet above a level of liquid fuel in the fuel tank. The stem portion is configured to align the head portion in an upright orientation. The stem portion is configured to allow a passage of the fuel vapor from the head portion to a connecting duct.
[0019] As per one embodiment of the invention, the head portion is made of an adsorbent material, which is capable of selectively adsorbing the fuel vapour from the fuel tank.
[0020] As per one embodiment of the invention, the head portion is configured to be positioned near an inner surface of a top portion of the fuel tank.
[0021] As per one embodiment of the invention, the connecting duct is configured to allow a direct passage of the fuel vapor from the evaporated fuel collecting device into an evaporated fuel retaining device. The evaporated fuel retaining device is filled with an adsorbent material. The adsorbent material is adapted to adsorb the fuel vapor.
[0022] As per one embodiment of the invention, the evaporated fuel retaining device is provided with an outlet. The outlet is connected to an intake manifold of an engine. The outlet is configured to purge the fuel vapor into the intake manifold of the engine through a fuel intake member.
[0023] As per one embodiment of the invention, the stem portion is connected to an inner surface of a bottom of the fuel tank.
[0024] As per one embodiment, the stem portion comprises an inner stem and an outer stem. The inner stem is longer than the outer stem.
[0025] As per one embodiment of the invention, the inner stem is configured to connect the head portion to the connecting duct. The outer stem is configured to provide a rigid support to the stem portion.
[0026] As per one embodiment of the invention, the plurality of bladders is made up of a flexible material. The plurality of bladders is pre-inflated using a fluid.
[0027] As per one embodiment of the invention, the connecting duct is made of a plurality of pre-formed layers.
[0028] As per one embodiment of the invention, the stem portion is provided with a predefined profile. The predefined profile is selected from a group comprising a linear profile and a curved profile, and a combination thereof.
[0029] As per one embodiment of the invention, the stem portion is made up of a flexible material.
[0030] As per one embodiment of the invention, a length of the stem portion is smaller than a height of the fuel tank. The height of the fuel tank is a minimum length between the inner surface of the top portion of the fuel tank and the inner surface of the bottom of the fuel tank.
[0031] In another embodiment, the invention relates to an evaporative emission control system for a vehicle. The evaporative emission control system is configured to prevent fuel vapor in a fuel tank from escaping into an atmosphere. The evaporative emission control system comprises an evaporated fuel collecting device, a connecting duct and an evaporated fuel retaining device. The evaporated fuel collecting device is configured to collect a fuel vapor from the fuel tank. The evaporated fuel collecting device comprises a head portion, a plurality of bladders, and a stem portion. The head portion is provided with at least one inlet. The at least one inlet is configured to allow an ingress of the fuel vapor into the head portion. The plurality of bladders is disposed on the head portion. The plurality of bladders is configured to afloat the head portion in order to keep the at least one inlet above a level of liquid fuel in the fuel tank. The stem portion is configured to align the head portion in an upright orientation. The stem portion is configured to route a passage of the fuel vapor from the head portion to outside the fuel tank. The connecting duct is connected to the stem portion to enable the passage of the fuel vapor from inside the fuel tank to the outside of the fuel tank. The evaporated fuel retaining device is directly connected to the stem portion through the connecting duct to receive the fuel vapor from the evaporated fuel collecting device. The evaporated fuel retaining device is filled with an adsorbent material. The adsorbent material is adapted to adsorb the fuel vapor.
[0032] In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a fuel tank assembly for a vehicle. The fuel tank assembly comprises a fuel tank, and an evaporative emission control system. The fuel tank is configured to receive and store a fuel. The evaporative emission control system is configured to prevent a fuel vapor in the fuel tank from escaping into an atmosphere. The evaporative emission control system comprises an evaporated fuel collecting device, a connecting duct and an evaporated fuel retaining device. The evaporated fuel collecting device is configured to collect a fuel vapor from the fuel tank. The evaporated fuel collecting device comprises a head portion, a plurality of bladders, and a stem portion. The head portion is provided with at least one inlet. The at least one inlet is configured to allow an ingress of the fuel vapor into the head portion. The plurality of bladders is disposed on the head portion. The plurality of bladders is configured to afloat the head portion in order to keep the at least one inlet above a level of liquid fuel in the fuel tank. The stem portion is configured to align the head portion in an upright orientation. The stem portion is configured to route a passage of the fuel vapor from the head portion to outside the fuel tank. The connecting duct is connected to the stem portion to enable the passage of the fuel vapor from inside the fuel tank to the outside of the fuel tank. The evaporated fuel retaining device is directly connected to the stem portion through the connecting duct to receive the fuel vapor from the evaporated fuel collecting device. The evaporated fuel retaining device is filled with an adsorbent material. The adsorbent material is adapted to adsorb the fuel vapor.
[0033] As per yet another embodiment of the invention, an opening and a closing of the at least one inlet is regulated by an electronic control module of the vehicle to control the ingress of the fuel vapor into the head portion.
[0034] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to an embodiment of an evaporated fuel collecting device (200), along with the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosed invention is not limited to the present embodiments.
[0035] The embodiments shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 are taken together for discussion. Figure 1 illustrates a front view of an evaporated fuel collecting device (200) with a stem portion (203) of a linear profile. Figure 2 illustrates a front view of an evaporated fuel collecting device (200) with a stem portion (203) of a curved profile. The evaporated fuel collecting device (200) comprises a head portion (201), a plurality of bladders (202), and a stem portion (203). The head portion (201) is provided with at least one inlet. The at least one inlet allows an ingress of the fuel vapor into the head portion (201). In an embodiment, the head portion (201) is made of an adsorbent material, which is capable of selectively adsorbing the fuel vapour. The plurality of bladders (202) is disposed on the head portion (201). The plurality of bladders (202) afloat the head portion (201) in order to keep the at least one inlet above a level of liquid fuel in the fuel tank (401). The stem portion (203) aligns the head portion (201) in an upright orientation. The stem portion (203) allows a passage of the fuel vapor from the head portion (201) to a connecting duct (302, shown in Figure 5).
[0036] In conventional vehicles, the evaporated fuel collecting device (200) is not provided with any mechanism that kept the evaporated fuel collecting device (200) afloat during the during rollovers or extreme tilting of the vehicle. When the at least one inlet of the evaporated fuel collecting device (200) falls below the level of liquid fuel, other components of the fuel system get flooded with the liquid fuel. In order to prevent the flow of the liquid further into the fuel system, a roll-over valve is provided between the fuel tank (401, shown in Figure 3) and the evaporated fuel retaining device (301, shown in Figure 5) in conventional vehicles. The roll-over valve, disposed between the evaporated fuel retaining device (301) and the evaporated fuel collecting device (200), can only prevent the liquid fuel entering into the the evaporated fuel retaining device (301). The roll-over valve is not capable for keeping the evaporated fuel collecting device (200) afloat during rollovers or extreme tilting of the vehicle thereby preventing the liquid fuel from entering into the at least one inlet at the very outset.
[0037] In the present invention, the evaporated fuel collecting device (200) is provided with a mechanism that not only prevents the flooding of the evaporated fuel retaining device (301) with the liquid fuel but also prevents the liquid fuel from entering into the at least one inlet in the very first place. The present invention ensures that only the evaporated fuel vapor is allowed to ingress into the head portion (201) of the evaporated fuel collecting device (200) through the at least one inlet or the adsorbent material of the head portion (201) of the evaporated fuel collecting device (200). Further, in the present invention, the roll-over valve is eliminated. Therefore, the connecting duct (302) allows a direct passage of the fuel vapor from the evaporated fuel collecting device (200) into an evaporated fuel retaining device (301). The evaporated fuel retaining device (301) is filled with an adsorbent material. The adsorbent material is adapted to adsorb the fuel vapor.
[0038] The stem portion (203) is provided with a predefined profile. The predefined profile is selected from a group comprising a linear profile (shown in Figure 1) and a curved profile (shown in Figure 2), and a combination thereof. The stem portion (203) comprises an inner stem (203a) and an outer stem (203b). The inner stem (203a) is longer than the outer stem (203b). The inner stem (203a) is configured to connect the head portion (201) to the connecting duct (302). The outer stem (203b) is configured to provide a rigid support to the stem portion (203). The stem portion (203) is made up of a flexible material, including but not limited to, plastic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), rubber and braided metals.
[0039] In one embodiment of the invention, the plurality of bladders (202) is made up of a flexible material, including but not limited to, plastic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and rubber. The plurality of bladders (202) is pre-inflated using a fluid. In one of the embodiment of the invention, the fluid used for inflating the plurality of bladders (202) is air.
[0040] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to an embodiment of an evaporative emission control system (300) for a vehicle, along with the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosed invention is not limited to the present embodiments. The embodiments shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 are taken together for discussion. Figure 3 illustrates a front view of an Evaporative Emission Control System (300) with a stem portion (203) of a linear profile. Figure 4 illustrates a front view of an Evaporative Emission Control System (300) with a stem portion (203) of a curved profile.
[0041] The evaporative emission control system (300) prevents fuel vapor in a fuel tank (401) from escaping into an atmosphere. The evaporative emission control system (300) comprises an evaporated fuel collecting device (200), a connecting duct (302), and an evaporated fuel retaining device (301). The evaporated fuel collecting device (200) collects a fuel vapor from the fuel tank (401). The evaporated fuel collecting device (200) comprises a head portion (201), a plurality of bladders (202), and a stem portion (203). The head portion (201) is provided with at least one inlet. The at least one inlet allows an ingress of the fuel vapor into the head portion (201). The plurality of bladders (202) is disposed on the head portion (201). The plurality of bladders (202) afloat the head portion (201) in order to keep the at least one inlet above a level of liquid fuel in the fuel tank (401). The stem portion (203) aligns the head portion (201) in an upright orientation. The stem portion (203) routes a passage of the fuel vapor from the head portion (201) to outside the fuel tank (401). The connecting duct (302) is connected to the stem portion (203) to enable the passage of the fuel vapor from inside the fuel tank (401) to the outside of the fuel tank (401). The evaporated fuel retaining device (301) is directly connected to the stem portion (203) through the connecting duct (302) to receive the fuel vapor from the evaporated fuel collecting device (200). The evaporated fuel retaining device (301) is filled with an adsorbent material, adapted to adsorb the fuel vapor.
[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the evaporated fuel retaining device (301) is a cannister. The canister is a key component of the fuel system of the vehicle. The canister is a container filled with adsorbent material. The adsorbent material includes, but not limited to, activated charcoal and carbon pellets. The adsorbent material, present in canister, adsorbs the fuel vapor captured by the evaporated fuel collecting device (200). The adsorbent material also adsorbs the condensed fuel formed due to cooling of fuel vapor while moving from the evaporated fuel collecting device (200) to the canister.
[0043] The evaporated fuel retaining device (301) is provided with an outlet. The outlet is connected to an intake manifold of an engine. The outlet purges the fuel vapor into the intake manifold of the engine through a fuel intake member. An Engine Control Module (ECM) assesses the engine's suitability to utilize these captured fuel vapor stored within the evaporated fuel retaining device (301). Under specific engine operating conditions, the Engine Control Module issues a command to open the outlet. This enables the vacuum, developed in engine, to extract the stored fuel vapor from the evaporated fuel retaining device (301). The purged fuel vapor is directed into the engine's intake manifold through a fuel intake member. The fuel intake member, includes but not limited to a carburettor, a fuel injection assembly and an air filter. Within the intake manifold, the drawn fuel vapor blend with incoming air and are subsequently incinerated within the combustion chambers of the engine, during the standard combustion process. This ensures that the collected fuel vapor is not released into the environment but are instead completely consumed within the engine. By retaining and purging fuel vapor, the canister not only helps to reduce harmful emissions but also ensures that the fuel vapor is effectively recycled.
[0044] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to an embodiment of fuel tank assembly (400) for a vehicle, along with the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosed invention is not limited to the present embodiments. The embodiments shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 are taken together for discussion. Figure 5 illustrates a bottom view of a fuel tank assembly. Figure 6 illustrates a side perspective view of a fuel tank assembly.
[0045] The fuel tank assembly (400) comprises a fuel tank (401) and an evaporative emission control system (300). The fuel tank (401) receives and stores a fuel. The evaporative emission control system (300) prevents a fuel vapor in the fuel tank (401) from escaping into an atmosphere. The evaporative emission control system (300) comprises an evaporated fuel collecting device (200), a connecting duct (302), and an evaporated fuel retaining device (301). The evaporated fuel collecting device (200) collects a fuel vapor from the fuel tank (401). The evaporated fuel collecting device (200) comprises a head portion (201), a plurality of bladders (202), and a stem portion (203). The head portion (201) is provided with at least one inlet. The at least one inlet allows an ingress of the fuel vapor into the head portion (201). The plurality of bladders (202) is disposed on the head portion (201). The plurality of bladders (202) afloat the head portion (201) in order to keep the at least one inlet above a level of liquid fuel in the fuel tank (401). The stem portion (203) aligns the head portion (201) in an upright orientation. The stem portion (203) routes a passage of the fuel vapor from the head portion (201) to outside the fuel tank (401). The connecting duct (302) is connected to the stem portion (203) to enable the passage of the fuel vapor from inside the fuel tank (401) to the outside of the fuel tank (401). The evaporated fuel retaining device (301) is directly connected to the stem portion (203) through the connecting duct (302) to receive the fuel vapor from the evaporated fuel collecting device (200). The evaporated fuel retaining device (301) is filled with an adsorbent material, adapted to adsorb the fuel vapor.
[0046] The head portion (201) is positioned near an inner surface (401a) of a top portion of the fuel tank (401). The stem portion (203) is connected to an inner surface (401b) of a bottom of the fuel tank (401).
[0047] The connecting duct (302) is made of a plurality of pre-formed layers. The plurality of pre-formed layers is made up of material including, but not limited to, plastic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and rubber. In a preferred embodiment, mounting brackets and holders can be used for mounting of the connecting duct (302) in a secure manner, thereby preventing any dislodging of the connecting duct (302) due to vibration or accidental impact.
[0048] A length of the stem portion (203) is smaller than a height of the fuel tank (401). The height of the fuel tank (401) is a minimum length between the inner surface (401a) of the top portion of the fuel tank (401) and the inner surface (4011b) of the bottom of the fuel tank (401). This configuration ensures that the stem portion (203) fits properly in the fuel tank (401) in order to function properly.
[0049] The ingress of the fuel vapor into the head portion (201) occurs in a controlled manner. An opening and a closing of the at least one inlet is regulated by an electronic control module of the vehicle.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the fuel tank assembly (400) is provided with a fuel level sensor (402, shown in Figure 3), and a fuel pump (not shown). The fuel level sensor (402) measures the fuel level inside the fuel tank (401) and provides feedback to the fuel gauge or fuel monitoring system, allowing the rider to monitor the amount of fuel remaining.
[0051] The fuel pump, integrated into the fuel tank assembly (400), delivers pressurized liquid fuel to the engine for efficient combustion. The fuel pump (not shown) includes an integrated internal fuel filter. The integrated internal fuel filter ensures that the liquid fuel is filtered on first level, before exiting the fuel tank (401).
[0052] In the present invention, the roll-over valve is itself omitted without compromising with the functions performed by the roll-over valve. The evaporated fuel collecting device (200) is adapted not only to collect the fuel vapor from the fuel tank (401) but also to prevent unwanted flooding of the other components of the fuel tank assembly (400) during vehicle roll-overs or extreme tilting. Additionally, the brackets or holder required to mount the roll-over valve are omitted. As a result, the number of components in fuel tank assembly (400) are decreased. Thus, decreasing the cost of the overall fuel system.
[0053] Further, the complexity of the system is considerably reduced thereby reducing the time and cost pertaining to the assembly, inspection, cleaning, servicing, maintenance or replacement of the components of the fuel tank assembly (400). Due to reduction in number of components in the fuel tank assembly (400), the available space in the the fuel tank assembly (400) can be effectively utilized. The connecting duct (302) is made of a plurality of pre-formed layers thereby making the connecting duct (302) resistant to damages from vibration. Furthermore, the connecting duct (302) directly connects the evaporated fuel collecting device (200) to the evaporated fuel retaining device (301). Therefore, the length of the connecting duct (302) required for routing is considerably reduced.
[0054] The present disclosed invention relates to an evaporated fuel collecting device (200), an evaporative emission control system (300) and a fuel tank assembly (400). Embodiments illustrated in the present invention relates to a two-wheeled vehicle. However, the present invention can also be worked with the four-wheeled vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-road vehicles, and even some boats which involve tilting motion of the vehicle in question. Further, the disclosed invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments. For example, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “they” can include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. Further, when introducing elements/components/etc. of the assembly/system described and/or illustrated herein, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there is one or more of the element(s)/component(s)/etc. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional element(s)/component(s)/etc. other than the listed element(s)/component(s)/etc.
[0055] This written description uses examples to provide details on the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems. The scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
[0056] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

200 Evaporated Fuel Collecting Device
201
202
203
300
301
302
400
401
401a
401b
402 Head Portion
Plurality Of Bladders
Stem Portion
Evaporative Emission Control System
Evaporated Fuel Retaining Device
Connecting Duct
Fuel Tank Assembly
Fuel Tank
Inner surface of the top portion of the fuel tank
Inner surface of the bottom of the fuel tank
Fuel Level Sensor
203a
203b Inner Stem
Outer Stem

, C , C , Claims:We Claim:
1. An evaporated fuel collecting device (200) for collecting a fuel vapor generated in a fuel tank (401) of a vehicle, the evaporated fuel collecting device (200) comprising:
a head portion (201), the head portion (201) being provided with at least one inlet, the at least one inlet being configured to allow an ingress of the fuel vapor into the head portion (201);
a plurality of bladders (202), the plurality of bladders (202) being disposed on the head portion (201), and the plurality of bladders (202) being configured to afloat the head portion (201) in order to keep the at least one inlet above a level of liquid fuel in the fuel tank (401); and
a stem portion (203), the stem portion (203) being configured to align the head portion (201) in an upright orientation, the stem portion (203) being configured to allow a passage of the fuel vapor from the head portion (201) to a connecting duct (302).
2. The evaporated fuel collecting device (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the head portion (201) being configured to be positioned near an inner surface (401a) of a top portion of the fuel tank (401).
3. The evaporated fuel collecting device (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting duct (302) is configured to allow a direct passage of the fuel vapor from the evaporated fuel collecting device (200) into an evaporated fuel retaining device (301), the evaporated fuel retaining device (301) being filled with an adsorbent material, the adsorbent material being adapted to adsorb the fuel vapor.
4. The evaporated fuel collecting device (200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the evaporated fuel retaining device (301) being provided with an outlet, the outlet being connected to an intake manifold of an engine, and the outlet being configured to purge the fuel vapor into the intake manifold of the engine through a fuel intake member.
5. The evaporated fuel collecting device (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the stem portion (203) being connected to an inner surface (401b) of a bottom of the fuel tank (401).
6. The evaporated fuel collecting device (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stem portion (203) comprising an inner stem (203a) and an outer stem (203b), the inner stem (203a) being longer than the outer stem (203b).
7. The evaporated fuel collecting device (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the inner stem (203a) being configured to connect the head portion (201) to the connecting duct (302) and the outer stem (203b) being configured to provide a rigid support to the stem portion (203).
8. The evaporated fuel collecting device (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of bladders (202) being made up of a flexible material and the plurality of bladders (202) being pre-inflated using a fluid.
9. The evaporated fuel collecting device (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting duct (302) being made of a plurality of pre-formed layers.
10. The evaporated fuel collecting device (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stem portion (203) being provided with a predefined profile, the predefined profile being selected from a group comprising a linear profile and a curved profile, and a combination thereof.
11. The evaporated fuel collecting device (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stem portion (203) being made up of a flexible material.
12. The evaporated fuel collecting device (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein a length of the stem portion (203) being smaller than a height of the fuel tank (401), the height of the fuel tank (401) being a minimum length between the inner surface (401a) of the top portion of the fuel tank (401) and the inner surface (4011b) of the bottom of the fuel tank (401).
13. An evaporative emission control system (300) for a vehicle, the evaporative emission control system (300) being configured to prevent fuel vapor in a fuel tank (401) from escaping into an atmosphere, the evaporative emission control system (300) comprising:
an evaporated fuel collecting device (200), the evaporated fuel collecting device (200) being configured to collect a fuel vapor from the fuel tank (401), the evaporated fuel collecting device (200) comprising:
a head portion (201), the head portion (201) being provided with at least one inlet, the at least one inlet being configured to allow an ingress of the fuel vapor into the head portion (201);
a plurality of bladders (202), the plurality of bladders (202) being disposed on the head portion (201), and the plurality of bladders (202) being configured to afloat the head portion (201) in order to keep the at least one inlet above a level of liquid fuel in the fuel tank (401); and
a stem portion (203), the stem portion (203) being configured to align the head portion (201) in an upright orientation, the stem portion (203) being configured to route a passage of the fuel vapor from the head portion (201) to outside the fuel tank (401);
a connecting duct (302), the connecting duct (302) being connected to the stem portion (203) to enable the passage of the fuel vapor from inside the fuel tank (401) to the outside of the fuel tank (401); and
an evaporated fuel retaining device (301), the evaporated fuel retaining device (301) being directly connected to the stem portion (203) through the connecting duct (302) to receive the fuel vapor from the evaporated fuel collecting device (200), the evaporated fuel retaining device (301) being filled with an adsorbent material, the adsorbent material being adapted to adsorb the fuel vapor.
14. A fuel tank assembly (400) for a vehicle, the fuel tank assembly (400) comprising:
a fuel tank (401), the fuel tank (401) being configured to receive and store a fuel; and
an evaporative emission control system (300), the evaporative emission control system (300) being configured to prevent a fuel vapor in the fuel tank (401) from escaping into an atmosphere, the evaporative emission control system (300) comprising:
an evaporated fuel collecting device (200), the evaporated fuel collecting device (200) being configured to collect a fuel vapor from the fuel tank (401), the evaporated fuel collecting device (200) comprising:

a head portion (201), the head portion (201) being provided with at least one inlet, the at least one inlet being configured to allow an ingress of the fuel vapor into the head portion (201);
a plurality of bladders (202), the plurality of bladders (202) being disposed on the head portion (201), and the plurality of bladders (202) being configured to afloat the head portion (201) in order to keep the at least one inlet above a level of liquid fuel in the fuel tank (401); and
a stem portion (203), the stem portion (203) being configured to align the head portion (201) in an upright orientation, the stem portion (203) being configured to route a passage of the fuel vapor from the head portion (201) to outside the fuel tank (401);
a connecting duct (302), the connecting duct (302) being connected to the stem portion (203) to enable the passage of the fuel vapor from inside the fuel tank (401) to the outside of the fuel tank (401); and
an evaporated fuel retaining device (301), the evaporated fuel retaining device (301) being directly connected to the stem portion (203) through the connecting duct (302) to receive the fuel vapor from the evaporated fuel collecting device (200), the evaporated fuel retaining device (301) being filled with an adsorbent material, the adsorbent material being adapted to adsorb the fuel vapor.
15. The fuel tank assembly (400) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 14, wherein an opening and a closing of the at least one inlet being regulated by an electronic control module of the vehicle thereby controlling the ingress of the fuel vapor into the head portion (201).

Dated this 16th day of October, 2023

(Digitally Signed)
Sudarshan Singh Shekhawat
IN/PA-1611
Agent for the Applicant