Controllable Oil Separator for Engine Crankcase Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil separator devices for internal combustion engines face inefficiencies at low volume flows due to fixed geometry, leading to poor separation capacity and increased pressure loss at high volume flows, and fail to utilize energy potential for improved separation performance across varying engine load points.
Innovation Solution
An oil separator device with adjustable flow cross-sections controlled by gas pressure in the crankcase and negative pressure in the intake tract, utilizing separate control elements to optimize separation performance across different engine operating conditions, thereby utilizing energy potential for improved separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed geometry oil separation device is used, then the structure is simple, but the separation capacity is poor at low volume flows and pressure loss increases quadratically at high volume flows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the flow cross-section adjustable through control elements that respond to pressure changes. The separation device transitions from a fixed geometry to a dynamic system where the effective flow area changes based on operating conditions, allowing optimal separation capacity across different volume flows while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
2Productivity
If a switchable oil separation device is used to maintain constant separation degree, then the separation performance is improved over a larger volume flow range, but the pressure drop across the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where control elements automatically adjust the flow cross-section based on the actual pressure conditions in the crankcase and intake tract. This closed-loop approach allows the system to maintain optimal separation degree while minimizing pressure drop, as the control elements only restrict flow when necessary to achieve separation objectives
3Stress or pressure
If a pressure control valve is used to limit negative pressure in the crankcase, then the pressure regulation is improved, but the flow cross section is reduced without improving separation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure control function and oil separation function into a single integrated system. The control elements that regulate negative pressure simultaneously optimize the flow cross-section for separation performance, eliminating the need for separate pressure control valves that merely restrict flow. This combination allows both pressure regulation and separation enhancement to occur together
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 device achieves optimal separation capacity and efficiency by adjusting flow cross-sections based on engine speed and load, utilizing energy potential to enhance separation performance at all operating points, including high vacuum conditions without increasing pressure in the crankcase.
Implementation Method 1
a first control element is provided, with which a first flow cross section of the gas flow through the oil separation device can be changed and which can be controlled by a gas pressure in the crankcase
Implementation Method 2
a second control element is provided, with which a second flow cross section of the gas flow through the oil separation device can be changed and can be controlled by a negative pressure in the intake tract
Implementation Method 3
oil separating device for separating oil from a gas flow for venting a crankcase of an internal combustion engine
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an oil separation device (1) for separating oil from a stream of gas (10) for ventilating a crankcase of a combustion engine, said device comprising: an inflow side (11) that can be fluidically connected to the crankcase of the combustion engine, and from which side the oil-laden gas stream (10) can flow into the oil separation device (1); and an outflow side (12) that can be fluidically connected to the intake tract of the combustion engine, and to which side the gas stream (10) from which the oil has been substantially removed can flow out of the oil separation device (1). According to the invention: a first control member (13) is provided via which a first flow cross-section (A1) of the gas stream (10) passing through the oil separation device (1) can be altered, and which first member can be controlled via gas pressure in the crankcase; and a second control member (14) is provided via which a second flow cross-section (A2) - situated downstream of the first flow cross-section (A1) - of the gas stream (10) passing through the oil separation device (1) can be altered, and which second member can be controlled via a reduction in pressure in the intake tract.