Bypass Valve Intake Control Eliminates Throttle

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing engine systems with turbocharging and electric compressors have a high number of parts, leading to increased costs due to the presence of a throttle valve used to control intake air flow.

Innovation Solution

An engine system configuration that eliminates the throttle valve by using a bypass valve to control intake air flow, where the bypass valve adjusts the opening degree based on load threshold values, allowing the engine to adjust intake air flow without a throttle valve, utilizing a turbocharging system with an electric compressor and a turbocharger.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a throttle valve is provided in the engine system to control intake air flow, then the engine can adjust intake air flow, but the number of parts increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintake air flow controlVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass valve, originally designed for alternative air flow routing, is made to serve dual functions: its primary bypass function and its secondary function as a throttle valve for intake air flow control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate throttle valve, reducing part count while maintaining control capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control functions of the bypass valve and throttle valve are merged into a single bypass valve mechanism. The valve structure and its actuation system are combined to perform both air flow bypassing and air flow throttling, thereby reducing the total number of components in the air supply system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a turbocharger and electric compressor are provided in the air supply path, then turbocharging can be performed with small exhaust air amount, but the number of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveturbocharging capability at low loadVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass valve is designed to serve multiple functions within the air supply system: it acts as a throttle valve for load control, a bypass valve for alternative air flow routing, and works in conjunction with both the electric compressor and turbocharger. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve versatile operating capabilities without proportionally increasing part count

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces the number of parts in the engine system, allowing for efficient adjustment of intake air flow without a throttle valve, thereby decreasing pumping losses and maintaining turbocharging effectiveness across varying load conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an electric compressor (143) including an electric motor (1432) and a compressor (1431)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

a turbocharger (145) including a compressor (1451) and a turbine (1452)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbine energy conversion: Turbine

Data Source

PatentEP3409919B1Control device for an engine system with turbocharger and electrically driven compressor
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND ENGINE & TURBOCHARGER LTD
  • EP3409919B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3409919B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3409919B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control device according to the present invention determines whether a demand load demanded of an engine exceeds a load threshold. The control device starts an electric motor if the demand load exceeds the load threshold. If the demand load is equal to or less than the load threshold, the control device performs control such that the degree of opening of an on-off valve increases monotonically with respect to the demand load. The control device switches the on-off valve from an open state to a closed state when the electric motor starts.