Cam Phaser Thermal Management for Aftertreatment

Solution Overview

Problem

Current thermal management systems for internal combustion engines and aftertreatment components are costly and complex, requiring multiple additional components, which increases system complexity and cost, and existing strategies do not effectively manage thermal conditions for efficient combustion and aftertreatment operations.

Innovation Solution

The use of a cam phaser to modulate engine thermal output by adjusting the timing of intake and exhaust valve opening and closing, allowing for precise control of thermal management of aftertreatment components, utilizing a controller with feedforward and feedback modules to optimize cam phase positions based on thermal conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional thermal management systems (VG turbochargers, exhaust heaters, exhaust throttles, HC dosing, cylinder deactivation) are used to manage aftertreatment component temperatures, then thermal management capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase due to requiring multiple additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaftertreatment component temperatureVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cam phaser is designed to perform multiple functions: its primary function for valve timing control is enhanced with a secondary thermal management function. By modulating cam phaser position, the system controls exhaust valve timing to manage aftertreatment component temperatures, eliminating the need for separate thermal management devices and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the valve timing control function and thermal management function into a single cam phaser component. This integration combines what were previously separate systems (valve timing mechanism and thermal management system) into one unified component, reducing the number of parts and system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Temperature

If traditional thermal management systems with multiple additional components are implemented, then thermal management capability is improved, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaftertreatment component temperatureVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cam phaser is designed to perform multiple functions: its primary function for valve timing control is enhanced with a secondary thermal management function. By modulating cam phaser position, the system controls exhaust valve timing to manage aftertreatment component temperatures, eliminating the need for separate thermal management devices and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the valve timing control function and thermal management function into a single cam phaser component. This integration combines what were previously separate systems (valve timing mechanism and thermal management system) into one unified component, reducing the number of parts and system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Temperature

If existing thermal management strategies are used, then some thermal control is achieved, but combustion efficiency and aftertreatment effectiveness are not fully optimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal controlVSAvoidcombustion efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback control by monitoring aftertreatment component temperatures and adjusting cam phaser position accordingly. The controller receives temperature signals and modulates the cam phaser to maintain optimal thermal conditions, creating a closed-loop system that continuously optimizes both thermal management and combustion efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The cam phaser position is dynamically adjusted based on real-time thermal conditions rather than using fixed timing. The system can modulate the phase angle continuously or in discrete steps to optimize exhaust valve timing for specific thermal management scenarios, enabling dynamic adaptation to changing operating conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12018623B2Cam phasing control for thermal management

Publication Date: 2024.06.25 CUMMINS INC

AI summary

An internal combustion engine system includes an engine with a plurality of pistons housed in respective ones of a plurality of cylinders, an air intake system to provide air to the plurality of cylinders through respective ones of a plurality of intake valves, an exhaust system to release exhaust gas from the plurality of cylinders through respective one of a plurality of exhaust valves, an aftertreatment system to treat exhaust emission from the engine, and a controller coupled to at least one sensor and configured to control a cam phaser for thermal management of the aftertreatment system.