Biased Normally Open Check Valve for Engine Start-Up

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Solution Overview

Problem

MultiAir engines experience delayed start-up due to hydraulic fluid leakage and air intrusion, leading to prolonged engine start-up times and potential failure, as the current system's orifices contribute to fluid leakage and inadequate air ventilation.

Innovation Solution

A check valve assembly with a metering groove and anti-siphoning umbrella valve is introduced, allowing controlled hydraulic fluid flow, purging air from the system, and preventing air and fluid re-entry, ensuring efficient engine start-up and fluid retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If orifices are used to purge air and circulate hydraulic fluid, then air ventilation and fluid circulation are enabled, but hydraulic fluid leakage increases during non-use periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine start-up speedVSAvoidhydraulic fluid leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The valve assembly dynamically transitions between open and closed states based on operational conditions. During engine start-up, the valve is open to allow air purging and fluid circulation. During non-use periods, the valve closes to prevent hydraulic fluid leakage, thus adapting the system's flow characteristics to different operational phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The metering groove modifies the flow parameters by providing a controlled, restricted flow path when the valve is closed. This allows minimal hydraulic fluid circulation during non-use periods without causing significant fluid loss, while still maintaining enough flow to prevent complete fluid stagnation and air pocket formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If orifices are used for air purging, then air can escape during start-up, but air siphoning back into chambers occurs during shut-down

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine start-up speedVSAvoidair re-entry into chambers

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The valve assembly inverts the typical orifice function by using a check valve mechanism that allows flow in one direction (air purging during start-up) while blocking reverse flow (air siphoning during shut-down). The metering groove further controls the flow characteristics to prevent air re-entry while maintaining fluid circulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Loss of substance

If check valve closes to prevent leakage, then hydraulic fluid is retained, but air purging capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydraulic fluid retentionVSAvoidair purging efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve assembly segments the flow control function into two distinct mechanisms: the check valve component that prevents reverse flow and leakage, and the metering groove that provides controlled forward flow. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve fluid retention and air purging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The metering groove acts as an intermediary flow path that mediates between the check valve's closing action and the need for air purging. It provides a restricted but sufficient flow path that allows air to escape while preventing excessive hydraulic fluid loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The check valve assembly facilitates rapid engine start-up by effectively purging air and maintaining hydraulic fluid circulation, reducing leakage and ensuring reliable engine operation after extended periods of non-use.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing spring operable to bias the check valve assembly in the open position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a metering groove in the valve seat configured to allow a controlled flow of hydraulic fluid through the check valve assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscous flow: Viscometer

Implementation Method 3

hydraulic fluid enters the valve inlet causing the check valve assembly to move to the closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9382821B2Biased normally open check valve assembly

Publication Date: 2016.07.05 FCA US LLC

AI summary

A biased normally open check valve assembly for facilitating Multiair® engine start-up after extended periods of non-use. The check valve is biased in an open position and allows for the ventilation of air out of the system so that the engine can start. The check valve also comprises a metering groove in a valve seat. The metering groove is configured to allow a controlled flow of hydraulic fluid through the check valve when the check valve is in a closed position.