Centrifugal Separator Integrated in Combustion Engine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal separators for cleaning crankcase gas from smaller combustion engines are not compact or cost-effective, and they require external housing and feed lines, leading to inefficient gas distribution and separation performance due to space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal separator with a stack of separating discs integrated within the combustion engine, utilizing existing engine spaces for the rotor and eliminating the need for a separate housing and feed line, with adjustable rotor speed and a bearing unit for robust support, allowing for efficient gas distribution and pollutant separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional centrifugal separator with external housing and feed line is used, then the separation function is achieved, but the device occupies excessive space outside the engine and increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the centrifugal separator with the existing engine structure by integrating the rotor directly into the engine block or valve cover. The separator utilizes the engine's existing spaces (crankcase, valve cover cavity, or timing chain case) as its housing, eliminating the need for separate external housing and feed line components. This integration reduces the overall space occupied by the separation system while maintaining effective pollutant removal functionality.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact separator integrated within engine space is used, then space outside the engine is reduced, but gas distribution uniformity may be compromised due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the separation chamber into multiple sections using a stack of separating discs arranged in series. Each disc creates multiple radial flow paths that segment the gas flow, allowing uniform distribution across the limited space. The segmented structure ensures that polluted gas is evenly distributed to all intermediate spaces between separating discs, preventing flow concentration in specific areas and maintaining effective separation performance within the compact engine-integrated configuration.
3Volume of moving object
If the centrifugal separator is positioned close to the delimiting wall to save space, then compactness is achieved, but flow resistance increases causing uneven gas distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the space-flow resistance contradiction by transitioning from a single-stage separation to a multi-stage disc stack configuration. The separating discs are arranged axially in series, creating multiple radial flow paths that distribute gas flow more evenly across the limited radial space. This dimensional arrangement allows the separator to maintain compact positioning near the delimiting wall while reducing flow resistance through the distributed multi-path geometry, preventing uneven gas distribution.
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 solution enables effective, compact, and cost-effective cleaning of crankcase gas with improved separation performance by utilizing existing engine spaces, reducing flow resistance and enhancing pollutant distribution, while maintaining a compact design and adjustable cleaning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the pollutants are separated from the crankcase gas by the rotating centrifuge rotor
Implementation Method 2
the centrifuge rotor is arranged, as a result of the counterflow separation, to propel the separated pollutants radially outwards
Data Source
AI summary
A device for cleaning of polluted gas from a combustion engine, includes a centrifugal separator with a centrifuge rotor arranged to cause the polluted gas to rotate. The centrifuge rotor comprises a stack of truncated conical separating discs disposed at mutual spacing so they delimit intermediate spaces between them for the gas to flow through. An outlet chamber is disposed centrally within the stack of separating discs, whereby the centrifuge rotor is configured for counterflow separation. The centrifugal separator comprises a gas outlet which communicates with the outlet chamber. The stack of separating discs is disposed for rotation in a space formed within the combustion engine and arranged to receive the polluted gas, to which end the intermediate spaces between the separating discs communicate directly with the space, and the gas outlet is arranged to conduct the cleaned gas out from the space through a wall which delimits the space.