Engine Breather Chamber Circumferential Layout for Gas Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing engine breather apparatuses face limitations in gas/liquid separation performance due to restricted volume and shape of the breather chamber, particularly in vertical engine configurations where the valve device placement hinders sufficient gas/liquid separation.

Innovation Solution

The breather apparatus is designed with a breather chamber formed along half the circumference of the cylinder bore, featuring a blow-by gas introduction hole and a one-way valve to manage pressure, along with a breather pipe connection and oil return passages to enhance separation performance by optimizing the chamber's volume and layout.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the valve device is placed on a side of the cylinder rather than below the cylinder in a vertical engine, then the engine structure is optimized, but the volume of the breather chamber becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidbreather chamber volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The breather chamber is designed to extend in the circumferential direction along half the circumference of the cylinder bore, transitioning from a simple vertical extension to a three-dimensional circumferential structure. This dimensional change allows the chamber to utilize space around the cylinder bore, significantly increasing volume without compromising the vertical engine configuration or valve device placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The breather chamber is segmented into two distinct portions: a first portion with its bottom face positioned above the cam shaft to receive blow-by gas, and a second portion with its bottom face extending below the cam shaft level to increase volume. This segmentation allows each portion to serve specific functions while collectively achieving both adequate volume and proper gas reception.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of stationary object

If the bottom face of the breather chamber is extended lower to increase volume, then gas/liquid separation performance improves, but oil splashes from the cam shaft may contaminate the chamber

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreather chamber volumeVSAvoidoil contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The breather chamber is divided into two portions with different bottom face positions relative to the cam shaft. The first portion's bottom face is positioned above the cam shaft to prevent oil splash contamination, while the second portion extends below to increase volume. This segmentation allows the chamber to simultaneously achieve both contamination protection and adequate volume for gas/liquid separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the breather chamber are given different spatial characteristics: the first portion is positioned to receive blow-by gas while being protected from oil splashes, and the second portion is positioned lower to maximize volume and separation performance. Each local region is optimized for its specific function, creating overall system effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This configuration increases the breather chamber's volume and improves gas/liquid separation performance by preventing oil splashes from contaminating the chamber and efficiently directing blow-by gases to the intake system, while maintaining effective oil return and preventing leakage.

Implementation Method 1

a one-way valve configured to open and close the blow-by gas introduction hole along with pulsating pressure in the crank chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulsating pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

improve gas/liquid separation performance of the breather apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas/liquid separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 3

a breather oil return passage configured to return oil separated in the breather chamber to the crank chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity-driven flow: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10180091B2Breather apparatus for engine

Publication Date: 2019.01.15 SUZUKI MOTOR CORP

AI summary

A breather apparatus for an engine includes a breather chamber, one side portion and other side portion of the breather chamber, and a bottom face of the other side portion. The breather chamber is formed, along substantially half a circumference of a cylinder bore, in a cylinder block. The one side portion of the breather chamber is provided with a blow-by gas introduction hole leading blow-by gas in the crank chamber to the breather chamber and a one-way valve opening and closing the blow-by gas introduction hole. The other side portion of the breather chamber has a pipe connection hole connecting a breather pipe to the breather chamber and with a breather oil return passage. The bottom face of the other side portion projects into the crank chamber to a level lower than a bottom face of the one side portion.