Hydro-actuated thermostats

Abstract

The present invention provides a hydro-actuator thermostat system for controlling a temperature of an engine. The hydro-actuated thermostat system includes a thermal responsive valve system configured to induce opening of a temperature responsive valve upon an increase of a temperature of a coolant fluid, and to induce closing of the temperature responsive valve upon a decrease of a temperature of the coolant fluid. The hydro-actuated thermostat system further includes a hydraulic actuator system controllable by a controller, wherein the hydraulic actuator is associated with a thermal responsive valve system and configured to induce opening and / or closing of the temperature responsive valve in response to an indication from the controller, the opening and / or closing of the temperature responsive valve may be performed by controlling a fluid flow to and / or from the hydraulic actuator.

Description

technical field [0001] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to the field of internal combustion engines, and more particularly, embodiments disclosed herein relate to cooling systems for controlling heat generated by such internal combustion engines. Most particularly, the present invention relates to water-actuated thermostats for controlling the flow of coolant through an engine and between the engine and a heat exchanger, such as a radiator. Background technique [0002] Thermostats are known and widely used to control the circulation of coolant in internal combustion engines. In the past, thermostats took the form of valves that were immersed in coolant, for example in coolant conduits. Most commonly, the valve includes a valve element that spans the conduit and sits against the valve seat. Thus, in the closed position, the valve substantially blocks the flow of coolant to, for example, the radiator, forcing the coolant to recirculate within the engine for more rapid he...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0007] Various levers and actuators have been proposed to open and close the valve element as desired, but they all have several disadvantages

First, they are relatively expensive

Second, they involve complex mechanical moving parts that interface with complex engine control systems, all of which fail over time

[0011] However, while providing the ability to open and close valves as needed, and allowing valves to open to a controlled degree, electric motor actuators tend to have reduced life due to high wear caused by machine friction

In addition, the device incorporating the thermostat and motor actuator is expensive compared to conventional thermostats.

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