Closing Plate EGR Integration for Compact Engine Packaging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for integrating an exhaust gas recirculation system within the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine are bulky and complex, occupying significant space in the engine compartment, complicating the engine architecture.

Innovation Solution

A liquid-cooled internal combustion engine with a distribution system covered by a closing plate that integrates an exhaust gas recirculation device, including a cooled EGR valve and bypass valve, with conduits for coolant and lubricating oil, simplifying the cylinder head by relocating EGR components to the closing plate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the exhaust gas recirculation system is integrated within the cylinder head, then the EGR function is achieved, but the cylinder head becomes complex and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEGR functionVSAvoidcylinder head complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the EGR system into separate modular components (EGR valve, cooling system, ducts) that can be independently installed and configured, rather than integrating all functions into the cylinder head. This segmentation reduces the complexity of the cylinder head while maintaining the complete EGR functionality through distributed components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the exhaust gas recirculation system is integrated within the cylinder head, then the EGR function is achieved, but the engine compartment space is significantly occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEGR functionVSAvoidengine compartment volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the vertical space above the cylinder head by positioning the EGR valve and cooling system in the upper region of the engine compartment. The ducts are routed to connect these upper-mounted components with the intake and exhaust systems, effectively using three-dimensional space rather than consuming additional horizontal engine compartment volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the EGR system is located within the cylinder head, then the EGR function is achieved, but additional interfaces and screws are required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEGR functionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the EGR valve body and cooling system into a single unified component structure, and combines the ducts with existing engine components. This merging reduces the number of separate parts that need to be assembled, thereby reducing the number of interfaces and fastening elements required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution reduces the overall volume of the engine, simplifies assembly, and enhances packaging efficiency by integrating EGR components into the closing plate, reducing the need for additional interfaces and screws.

Implementation Method 1

The closing plate includes a second coolant flow channel, including a second channel for cooling the cooled EGR valve and/or the bypass valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The closing plate includes a second coolant flow channel, including a second channel for cooling the cooled EGR valve and/or the bypass valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

The exhaust gas recirculation device includes a bypass valve capable of directing or not the recirculated exhaust gases to a cooling system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP3561282B1Internal combustion engine with plate for closing a distribution surface
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 HORSE POWERTRAIN SOLUTIONS S L U
  • EP3561282B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3561282B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3561282B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to an internal combustion engine (2), in particular liquid-cooled, in particular spark-ignition or Diesel, the internal combustion engine (2) comprising a distribution system (7) extending fully or substantially fully at the level of a distribution face (5) of the internal combustion engine (2), a closing plate (10) covering at least partially the distribution face (5), an exhaust gas recirculation device (9), in particular high-pressure recirculated exhaust gas, characterized in that the closing plate (10) comprises a first conduit (21) for the flow of recirculated exhaust gas.