Vehicle Engine Breather U-Shaped Flow Path Gas-Liquid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breather apparatuses for internal combustion engines do not effectively separate gas and liquid components from blow-by gases, as the breather chamber's flow path length is insufficient for efficient separation.
Innovation Solution
A breather apparatus with an air cleaner disposed above the crankcase, featuring an upstream and downstream flow path in a U-shape within the breather chamber, where the upstream path is positioned lower than the downstream path, and a guide projection to direct liquid components into slits for collection and return, enhancing the separation of gas and liquid by extending the flow path length and utilizing gravity for liquid return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the breather chamber is formed as a single chamber with a direct flow path, then the device complexity is reduced, but the gas-liquid separation efficiency is insufficient due to inadequate flow path length
Solution Approach 1:
The breather chamber is divided into multiple chambers (first breather chamber and second breather chamber) with distinct flow paths. The first chamber receives blow-by gas directly, while the second chamber receives gas from the first chamber through a communication hole, creating sequential flow paths that extend the overall separation distance without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second breather chamber is positioned within or adjacent to the first breather chamber, with the communication hole connecting the two chambers. This nested arrangement allows the flow path to extend through multiple chambers in a compact configuration, achieving longer separation path length while maintaining a compact overall structure.
2Productivity
If the flow path length in the breather chamber is increased to accelerate gas-liquid separation, then the separation efficiency improves, but the device occupies more space and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into multiple sections by dividing the breather chamber into multiple chambers. Gas flows sequentially through the first chamber, then through the communication hole into the second chamber, effectively multiplying the flow path length within a compact volume. This segmentation allows extended separation path without proportional increase in overall chamber volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication hole is positioned at a higher position than the blow-by gas inlet, creating a vertical flow component. Gas must travel horizontally through the first chamber, then vertically upward through the communication hole into the second chamber. This multi-dimensional flow path increases separation distance without significantly increasing the planar footprint or overall volume of the breather chamber.
3Productivity
If multiple flow paths are provided in the breather chamber to extend the flow path length, then gas-liquid separation is accelerated, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The breather chamber is segmented into multiple chambers that can be manufactured as separate components or as integral parts of the air cleaner assembly. The communication hole provides a simple connection between chambers, allowing for modular manufacturing approaches that reduce overall manufacturing complexity while achieving extended flow path length.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple breather chambers serve multiple functions: they provide extended flow path length for separation, offer redundant separation stages, and can be integrated with the air cleaner's existing chamber structure. This multi-functionality justifies the additional manufacturing effort by delivering enhanced separation efficiency that benefits the entire breathing system.
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 extended flow path and inclined design accelerate the separation of gas and liquid, allowing efficient separation and collection of liquid components, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective breather apparatus configuration.
Implementation Method 1
The upstream side flow path in the breather chamber is disposed at a position lower than that of the downstream side flow path... allowing efficient separation and collection of liquid components
Implementation Method 2
the air cleaner is disposed above the crankcase such that a bottom portion thereof is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane... liquid components moving along an upper face of the bottom plate are guided to at least one of a plurality of slits provided on the one passage member
Data Source
AI summary
A breather apparatus for an internal combustion engine for a vehicle in which an air cleaner is disposed above a crankcase. A breather tube is provided for guiding blow-by gas exhausted from the crankcase. The breather tube is coupled with a breather chamber formed in the air cleaner to separate gas and liquid in the breather chamber in the air cleaner. An upstream side flow path, coupled to the breather tube, and a downstream side flow path, continuously extending in a substantially U-shape to the upstream side flow path, are formed in the breather chamber.