Two-Way Coolant Valve with Bypass for Engine Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for internal combustion engines, particularly in marine propulsion systems, rely on complex and expensive motorized three-way valves that require frequent maintenance, consume high power, and have large dimensions, making them prone to failures and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A simplified cooling system using a two-way solenoid valve with a bypass and conduit junctions to regulate coolant flow, controlled by a pulse width modulated PWM signal, reducing parts, maintenance, and power consumption while enabling precise temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If motorized three-way valves are used to regulate coolant temperature, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling system into two separate two-way valves instead of using one three-way valve. Each two-way valve controls a specific cooling circuit (high-temperature cooler and air charge cooler respectively), simplifying the structure of each individual valve while maintaining overall temperature control capability through coordinated operation of both valves
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary that receives temperature signals from the engine and automatically actuates the two two-way valves to regulate coolant flow. This intermediary controller eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages and manual adjustment mechanisms, reducing valve complexity while improving temperature control precision
2Temperature
If motorized three-way valves are used to regulate coolant temperature, then temperature control capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces motorized valve actuators with electrically actuated two-way valves that are controlled by a control unit based on temperature signals. This substitution reduces power consumption by using more efficient actuation mechanisms and only activating cooling circuits when temperature thresholds are exceeded, rather than continuously powering complex three-way valve motors
3Temperature
If motorized three-way valves are used to regulate coolant temperature, then temperature control capability is improved, but valve dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single three-way valve into two separate two-way valves, each handling a specific cooling circuit. This segmentation reduces the volume of each individual valve by eliminating the need for complex internal passages and multiple actuation mechanisms required by three-way valves, while the distributed arrangement allows for more compact overall system layout
4Temperature
If motorized three-way valves are used to regulate coolant temperature, then temperature control capability is improved, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into two independent two-way valve circuits instead of one integrated three-way valve. This segmentation simplifies maintenance by allowing each valve to be serviced independently, reduces the number of moving parts in each valve (improving reliability), and enables easier replacement of individual valves without affecting the entire cooling system
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors engine temperature and automatically actuates the two-way valves as needed, eliminating the need for manual intervention and complex mechanical linkages. This automated control reduces maintenance requirements by minimizing the number of mechanical components that require regular servicing
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 system achieves efficient coolant regulation with reduced parts and maintenance, lower power consumption, and improved control, using a solenoid valve that can handle high flow rates and pressures with minimal space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The two-way valve is a solenoid valve and/or pilot-operated
Implementation Method 2
a device for absorbing heat from an internal combustion engine and/or an air charge cooler
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The present invention pertains to cooling system (10) for controlling a temperature of a coolant for an internal combustion engine, comprising a cooling circuit (A) and a bypass (B) fluidly connected to the cooling circuit (A) and bypassing a section (A') of the cooling circuit (A), and wherein a two-way valve (12) is provided to regulate the coolant distribution via the cooling circuit (A) and/or via the bypass (B).