Oil catch can

Abstract

A catch can assembly for a vehicle comprises a quadrilateral housing having a top unit coupled to a bottom unit for forming a quadrilateral interior volume, the housing having an input for receive a mixture of oil and air and an output for outputting the air; a filter at the interior volume for separating the oil from the air so that the oil collects at the bottom unit; a bracket coupled to the quadrilateral housing for aligning the quadrilateral housing relative to a surface of the vehicle; and a window in the bottom unit for viewing a level of the oil collected at the bottom unit.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. provisional application No. 63 / 601,493, filed on Nov. 21, 2023, entitled “OIL CATCH CAN,” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The disclosed technology generally relates to an oil catch can for automobiles, motorcycles, or other apparatuses having a combustion engine.BACKGROUND

[0003] In a combustion engine, pressures are created under the piston as a result of combustion. This pressure is an air / oil mixture. The amount of oil to air can vary in application. Typically, these gases are routed from the lower crankcase / breather system via a hose or tubing to the induction system. The induction system (which is always under vacuum) pulls the air oil mixture into the intake system where it is combined with fuel and air mixture and then reburned. This action deoxygenizes the fuel and creates more carbon on top of the piston and combustion chamber than needed. The excess oil can cause various issues with combustion and causing unwanted and or premature wear to the engine. Including but not limited to cylinder walls, pistons, rings, cylinder heads, valves, valve guides and the combustion chamber. The catch can is constructed and arranged to separate oil and air from the engine's intake system to reduce oil vapors in the engine and allow the oil free air to enter the induction system.SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, a catch can assembly for a vehicle comprises a quadrilateral housing having a top unit coupled to a bottom unit for forming a quadrilateral interior volume, the housing having an input for receive a mixture of oil and air and an output for outputting the air; a filter at the interior volume for separating the oil from the air so that the oil collects at the bottom unit; a bracket coupled to the quadrilateral housing for aligning the quadrilateral housing relative to a surface of the vehicle; and a window in the bottom unit for viewing a level of the oil collected at the bottom unit.

[0005] In another aspect, a catch can assembly for a motorcycle comprises a housing having a top unit coupled to a bottom unit for forming an interior volume, the housing having an input for receive a mixture of oil and air and an output for outputting the air; a filter at the interior volume for separating the oil from the air so that the oil collects at the bottom unit; and a bracket coupled to the quadrilateral housing for aligning the quadrilateral housing relative to a surface of the vehicle, wherein the bottom unit has an extension for coupling to an air filter backing plate of the motorcycle.

[0006] In another aspect, a vehicle, comprising: an engine; an intake system; and a catch can, comprising: an inlet from a valve cover or crankcase of the vehicle; an outlet to an induction system, breather, or manifold of the vehicle; a quadrilateral housing having a top unit coupled to a bottom unit for forming a quadrilateral interior volume, the housing having an input for receive a mixture of oil and air and an output for outputting the air a filter at the interior volume for separating the oil from the air so that the oil collects at the bottom unit; a bracket coupled to the quadrilateral housing for aligning the quadrilateral housing relative to a surface of the vehicle; and a window in the bottom unit for viewing a level of the oil collected at the bottom unit.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] The above and further advantages of this invention may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements and features in the various figures. For clarity, not every element may be labeled in every figure. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

[0008] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a conventional oil catch can.

[0009] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the oil catch can of FIG. 1 in an assembled state.

[0010] FIG. 2B is a front view of the oil catch can of FIGS. 1 and 2A.

[0011] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an oil catch can, in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0012] FIG. 3B is a rear view of the oil catch can of FIG. 3A.

[0013] FIG. 3C is a front view of the oil catch can of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0014] FIG. 3D is an exploded view of the oil catch can of FIGS. 3A-3C.

[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a bottom region of the oil catch can of FIGS. 3A-3D.

[0016] FIG. 5 is another exploded view of the bottom region of the oil catch can of FIGS. 3A-4.

[0017] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an oil catch can, in accordance with other embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0018] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the oil catch can of FIG. 6 in an assembled state.

[0019] FIG. 7B is a side view of the oil catch can of FIGS. 6 and 7A.

[0020] FIG. 7C is a rear view of the oil catch can of FIGS. 6-7B.

[0021] FIG. 8A is a front view of a motorcycle catch can, in accordance with other embodiments of the present inventive concept.

[0022] FIG. 8B is a rear view of the motorcycle catch can of FIG. 8A.

[0023] FIG. 8C is an exploded view of the motorcycle catch can of FIGS. 8A and 8B.

[0024] FIG. 8D is another view of the motorcycle catch can of FIGS. 8A-8C.

[0025] FIGS. 9A and 9B are illustrating comparisons between a conventional cylindrical catch can and a quadrilateral can, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a cutaway view of a catch can assembly including flow path illustrations, in accordance with some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Reference in the specification to an embodiment or example means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the teaching. References to a particular embodiment or example within the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0028] The present teaching will now be described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments or examples thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings. While the present teaching is described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the present teaching be limited to such embodiments and examples. On the contrary, the present teaching encompasses various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. Moreover, features illustrated or described for one embodiment or example may be combined with features for one or more other embodiments or examples. Those of ordinary skill having access to the teaching herein will recognize additional implementations, modifications, and embodiments, as well as other fields of use, which are within the scope of the present disclosure as described herein.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1-2B, a conventional catch can 100 comprises a cylindrical top unit 101, a cylindrical bottom unit 102, a media or filter element 108, a screen 105, a set of fittings 104A, 104B (generally, 104), a set of brackets 103, 107, and at least one bolt 106 or other coupling element. The catch can 100 is not limited to these parts and may include other parts that are not shown or described for brevity, for example, hoses or the like.

[0030] The top unit 101 includes two holes for receiving the fittings 104. Each fitting 104 includes a machined bore (not shown) extending through a center of the fitting 104. A first fitting 104A is coupled to PVC tubing or rubber oil line from the valve cover or area of the engine designed to hold and remove / relocate positive crankcase pressures from the engine, or the like for receiving a source of oil vaper and air from the PVC, valve cover, or the like. A second fitting 104B is coupled to an air intake system of a combustion engine to permit the catch can 100 to outputting clean air (oil free) (with oil particles received from the first fitting 104A causing undesirable sludge and residue removed as described below). In some embodiments, the fittings 104a and 104b are formed of brass or the like. A rubber hose connects to the outlet side and can be ran anywhere to the manifold / engine intake system.

[0031] The screen 105 and filter element 108 are positioned in the bottom unit 102 for separating the oil particles so that the oil sludge or residue collects at the bottom of the bottom unit 102.

[0032] The oil can 100 is attached to the engine by the brackets 103, 107 and bolt 106 or related hardware, which collectively provide a mount system. In some embodiments, bracket 107 is a generic bracket that is designed to be bolted universally, i.e., to any surface or object, for example, mounted to a chassis or engine. The orientation and positioning of the brackets may prevent the catch can from becoming loose between the locations where the brackets 103, 107 are located.

[0033] The conventional catch can 100 shown in FIGS. 1-2B uses a generic style bracket to mount the unit to the engine / chassis. These generic brackets allow for a broad fitment but often result in issues regarding use or clearance. When using the conventional design, the catch can 100 can easily rotate around its mount(s). Since there is just one bolt 106 between the bracket and the can assembly and another single bolt used for mounting the assembly to the engine or chassis, both these areas are not clocked or supported in such a way to prevent rotation or loosening from vibration and usage.

[0034] FIGS. 3A-3D are views of an oil catch can 200, in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concept, which addresses the deficiencies described with respect to the conventional catch can 100 of FIGS. 1-2C.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, in some embodiments, the oil catch can 200 has a quadrilateral or trapezoidal, e.g., square or rectangular, shape to allow for a larger volume for filtering operations due to the corners of the square or rectangular shape of a top unit 201 and a bottom unit 202, collectively forming a housing 220 of the catch can 202. The corners may be curved or sharp, but nevertheless forming right angles of the quadrilateral interior volume of the housing 220. The top unit 201 may be coupled to the bottom unit 202 by bolts 216 extending through holes in the corners of the top unit 201, or by other coupling devices or techniques. An o-ring 215 may be between the top unit 201 and bottom unit 202 to provide a seal and prevent gas, oil, etc. from leaking from an interior of the housing 220 formed by the top unit 201 and the bottom unit 202. The square or rectangular shape of the housing 220 provides a volume of the can for filtering that is larger in volume than a conventional cylindrical configuration due to using the corners of the shape. Circular shapes do not add that extra volume. Since the interior volume is larger, the external shape can be made smaller in all dimensions, for example, shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. For example, the catch can 200 in FIG. 9B as a lower unit 202 that can hold a greater volume than the round cylindrical catch can 100 shown in FIG. 9B despite the greater height of the catch can 100 than the catch can 200. The shape of the catch can 200 holds more volume because the interior corners of the rectangular design which are not present in the cylindrical design of the catch can 100. This can also allow for more fitment applications. The smaller unit, that holds the same or more volume of other units, can now be used in applications where others can't fit, due to the overall size of the unit.

[0036] In some embodiments, the catch can assembly 200 has an upper bracket 208 and a lower bracket 209 that operate together that utilize multiple positions of linear attachment, preventing any type or rotation or unwanted movement. In particular, the catch can assembly 200 can use vehicle specific brackets to locate the catch can assembly 200 to a position of perfect alignment for hose routing and fitting alignment. The brackets are constructed and arranged having specific configurations, e.g., square, rectangular, trapezoidal, and so on, for performing the inventive features herein. This may be achieved by various coupling mechanisms, such as bolts, screws, or the like including but not limited to socket-head screws 217 for coupling the upper bracket 208 to holes, i.e., threaded, in a top surface of the lower bracket 209. Other coupling mechanisms may include hex head screws 218 parallel to the socket-head screws 217 and extending from the upper bracket 208 for coupling to the engine (not shown). The holes 227 in the bracket 208 (see FIG. 4) can be aligned with threaded holes in the manifold or other region of the engine block so that the bolts 218 can be inserted and hold the assembly 100 in place against the engine, manifold, or other relevant component of the vehicle. In some embodiments, brackets 208 and 209 are vehicle specific brackets for a particular engine, such as a Dodge Hellcat engine. However, the brackets 208 and 209 can be applicable to other engine configurations. The dimensions of the brackets are designed to be in a perfect position for alignment and best overall fitment and orientation for service and installation.

[0037] The position specific design maximizes efficiency of the unit by not allowing hoses coupled to the fittings 205 (which may be similar to fittings 104 of FIGS. 1-2B) to kink in anyway while being routed to or from the can assembly 200. In some embodiments, the top unit 201 includes two holes (not shown but similar to holes shown in FIG. 1) for receiving the fittings 205. The holes may be threaded to mate with the threads at the end of the fittings 205. Each fitting 205 includes a machined bore (not shown) extending through a center of the fitting 205 so that a fluid path can extend from the inlet or outlet of the fitting 205 to the interior of the housing 220. This routing and alignment procedure drastically reduces forces on the lines and fittings. In some embodiments, other possible changes are made to the brackets 208, 209 and mounting points and how this would cause fitting locations to change / move but still provide the same service. This causes less wear to the system, i.e., rubbing hoses, loosening fittings, and possible leaks. The brackets 208, 209 shown in this design specific to high performance vehicles, for example, manufactured by a Dodge / Chrysler / Jeep hemi performance line, but not limited thereto.

[0038] The conventional can design utilizes a single screw 106 on a bottom to top fitment. The bottom must be unscrewed from the top to service (drain oil from bottom) the unit 100. Additional service, cleaning the screen and filter is also recommended for different service intervals. i.e., drain it every 50-100 hours, clean it every 500 in theory. Additionally, the unscrewing action of the bottom typically results in the entire unit 100 becoming loose due to the single bolt design.

[0039] Embodiments of the present inventive concept on the other hand as shown at least in FIGS. 3D and 6 includes catch can bottom unit 202 that includes a drain bolt 214 with a magnet to ease service usage and collect any unwanted ferrous materials from re-entering the induction / combustion cycle. This is two parts, the first being the drain 225, a needed addition to help ease service and keep messes to a minimum. This drain hole 225 in the bottom of the bottom unit 202 can receive a sealing bolt 214 as shown, a bolt with an o-ring, or a self-contained twist style drain, but not limited thereto. The addition of the magnet is incredibly useful. It could either be attached to the drain plug 214 or attached to the catch can bottom surface, or the screen 206 (described below) itself an be magnetized.

[0040] Another feature is that the catch can assembly 200 has a viewing window 211 positioned over an opening 221 in the bottom unit 202 to monitor oil levels and to inspect usage over time etc. In some embodiments, the catch can bottom unit 202 is machined with a viewing area formed by the window 211 over the opening 221. The window 211 can comprise polycarbonate or acrylic, or other materials that provide strength and transparency. The window 211 is positioned between sealing o-rings 210, 223 located on both sides of the window 211 as shown. The outer bezel 212 is fastened / bolted to the catch can bottom 202 using threaded bolts, screws, or other coupling devices, which when threaded through the outer bezel 212 and into holes in an indented region of the bottom unit opening 221 can apply a force thereby squeezing the o-rings 210, 223 and polycarb window 211 therebetween creating a waterproof / leak proof seal. The polycarb / window 211 could be color matched the vehicle or branding. i.e., red, blue, green, black, etc. tinted polycarb.

[0041] Another feature is that the catch can 200 includes outer bezel features machined marks 226 to judge / measure usage levels. Indicators similar to a tape measure show changes in volume. Each mark 226 on the bezel 212 indicates how many ounces of fluid are in the catch can bottom. The lines 226 are useful to show how much oil is being collected (usage) vs. the time last checked. The more usage could possibly indicate potential problems in the engine itself and provide some type of pre maintenance. More oil usage in the can bottom 202 would indicate more leak down (pressures escaping combustion). The more the leak down, indicates that the condition of the engine is deteriorating and could use a top end service. i.e., piston rings, cylinder resizing, and so on.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, the screen 206 can be coupled to a bottom region of the top unit 201 by bolts 207, screws, or the coupling devices or techniques. During operation, crankcase gases enter the catch can 200 through at least one threaded hole 224 via a corresponding fitting 205. A wall separating the ports forces the gasses, which comprise air and oil particles, gasses, and so on, to move through the screen 206 and / or filter / oil separator 204 (not shown in FIG. 4) causing the filtered oil to fall into the bottom unit 202 of the catch can. This results in oil free air flowing back through the filter and into the intake system, for example, shown in FIG. 10.

[0043] For example, a catch can assembly 1000 can include an inlet 1002 from a valve cover or lower crankcase and an outlet 1004 to an engine induction system or manifold. The catch can assembly 1000 can be similar to a catch assembly of FIGS. 2-9 so repetitive details are omitted for brevity.

[0044] In some embodiments, the catch can assembly 1000 can include a first rubber hose or PVC tubing 1006 coupled to the inlet 1002 and extending to the valve cover or lower crankcase and a second rubber hose or PVC tubing 1008 coupled to the outlet 1004 and extending to the engine induction system or manifold.

[0045] The catch can assembly 1000 can also transfer or otherwise move an oil / air mixture through a flow path that includes a filter 1010. The top unit of the catch can assembly 1000 can include a wall 1012 that forces the oil / air mixture into the bottom and up the outlet side. The oil is removed from the air by the filters and the oil when separated drops into the bottom unit. Holes 1014 in the screen can allow the oil to drip down while retaining the filter's air flow through the catch can 1000. In some embodiments, a magnetic drain plug 1018 can remove and hold steel / magnetized particles in the mixture and prevent them from output to the engine.

[0046] FIGS. 6-7C are views of an oil catch can 300, in accordance with other embodiments of the present inventive concept. The oil catch can 300 includes various components 301-324 that are similar to or the same the components 201-324 of the catch can 200 of FIGS. 2-5 so details thereof are not repeated for brevity.

[0047] However, the upper bracket 308 and a lower bracket 309 have a different structure and configuration that operate together that utilize multiple positions of linear attachment, preventing any type or rotation or unwanted movement. Also, the top unit 301 has threaded holes 324 extending through opposite sidewalls of the top unit 301 for receiving corresponding fittings 305. This configuration allows for insertion of the catch can assembly 300 into a vehicle having a different arrangement of hoses and location of the intake system, manifold, and so on.

[0048] FIG. 8A is a front view of a motorcycle catch can 400, in accordance with other embodiments of the present inventive concept. FIG. 8B is a rear view of the motorcycle catch can 400 of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C is an exploded view of the motorcycle catch can 400 of FIGS. 8A and 8B.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, the motorcycle catch can 400 comprises a top unit 418 and a bottom unit 417 to form a housing, similar to the vehicle catch can assembly 200 above. A top o-ring 419, a backing plate hardware unit 421 such as a screw, a filter / oil separator 410, a screen 407, and a screen hardware coupler 405 such as a bolt or the like may be between the top unit 418 and the bottom unit 417 and may be similar to or the same as counterpart components of the vehicle catch can 200 above. Similar to components shown in FIG. 5, the motorcycle catch can 400 may also include an outer bezel 409, a sign glass o-ring 416, a window 408 formed of polycarbonate or the like, and coupling hardware such as a stainless steel button head next drive screw 411, and plated steel with rubber sealing washer 412, which may be similar to or the same as the viewing window 211 of FIGS. 3A-3D so details are not repeated for brevity. The catch can 400 is not limited to the parts shown in FIGS. 8A-8C and may include other parts that are not shown or described for brevity, for example, hoses or the like. The bottom unit may have a shape that can be modified and not limited to that shown in FIGS. 8A-8C. In some embodiments, the bottom unit 417 can be mounted on either side of the air cleaner assembly. The catch can 400 can be mounted anywhere on a motorcycle as long as the hoses were routed properly, etc. The function of the sight glass of the viewing window 408 is to be able to see the total volume you have inside the catch can thereby avoiding the need to separate the upper and lower to visually check the amount. The viewing window 408 allows a user to monitor the volume per mile, etc. Over time and mileage the internals in the engine wear, when this happens more oil will be caught in the can.

[0050] In some embodiments, the catch can 400 includes a first hose 413 for coupling between a first hole 431 in the top unit 418 and to a crankcase of the motorcycle and a second hose 415 for coupling between a second hole 432 in the top unit 418 and a breather backing plate of the motorcycle. The first and second holes 431, 432 may be constructed and arranged similar to the arrangement shown and described in FIGS. 3-5 so details are not repeated for brevity.

[0051] In some embodiments, the catch can 400 includes additional hardware components such as o-rings 404, washers 403, bolts 420, or the like for coupling the catch can bottom unit 417 to the outer bezel 409. Some or all of these hardware components may be threaded for removably attaching to the relevant components, such as threaded holes in the bezel 409.

[0052] As shown, the motorcycle catch can assembly 400 can be coupled to a motorcycle air filter assembly 12. In some embodiments, the bottom unit 417 has an extension 424 with a hole that can receive a bolt 425 or the like. This extension hole can be aligned with a threaded hole in the air filter assembly 12 so that a bolt 425 can be inserted through the extension hole to the threaded filter hole.

Claims

1. A catch can assembly for a vehicle, comprising:a quadrilateral housing having a top unit coupled to a bottom unit for forming a quadrilateral interior volume, the housing having an input for receive a mixture of oil and air and an output for outputting the air;a filter at the interior volume for separating the oil from the air so that the oil collects at the bottom unit;a bracket coupled to the quadrilateral housing for aligning the quadrilateral housing relative to a surface of the vehicle; anda window in the bottom unit for viewing a level of the oil collected at the bottom unit.

2. The catch can assembly of claim 1, further comprising a bezel about the window, the bezel including machine marks for identifying a volume of oil in the bottom unit.

3. The catch can assembly of claim 1, wherein the bottom unit includes an opening, and wherein the catch can assembly further comprising at least one o-ring about the opening to provide a seal between the window and the opening.

4. The catch can assembly of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is an automobile.

5. The catch can assembly of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a motorcycle.

6. The catch can assembly of claim 1, further comprising a drain hole and a drain plug at the drain hole for preventing oil from escaping the bottom unit.

7. A catch can assembly for a motorcycle, comprising:a housing having a top unit coupled to a bottom unit for forming an interior volume, the housing having an input for receive a mixture of oil and air and an output for outputting the air;a filter at the interior volume for separating the oil from the air so that the oil collects at the bottom unit;a bracket coupled to the quadrilateral housing for aligning the quadrilateral housing relative to a surface of the vehicle, wherein the bottom unit has an extension for coupling to an air filter backing plate of the motorcycle.

8. A vehicle, comprising:an engine;an intake system; anda catch can, comprising:an inlet from a valve cover or crankcase of the vehicle;an outlet to an induction system, breather, or manifold of the vehicle;a quadrilateral housing having a top unit coupled to a bottom unit for forming a quadrilateral interior volume, the housing having an input for receive a mixture of oil and air and an output for outputting the air;a filter at the interior volume for separating the oil from the air so that the oil collects at the bottom unit;a bracket coupled to the quadrilateral housing for aligning the quadrilateral housing relative to a surface of the vehicle; anda window in the bottom unit for viewing a level of the oil collected at the bottom unit.

Images