Engine Cooling Flow Controller with Pressure Relief Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Engine cooling systems conflict with fast engine warm-up as they circulate coolant during engine start-up, prolonging the time for components to reach desirable operating temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A flow controller for engine cooling systems that uses pressure relief valves to manage coolant flow based on engine RPM and temperature, eliminating the need for electrically actuated valves and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If coolant is circulated to components during engine warm-up, then cooling function is provided, but warm-up time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flow control through multiple valves (first valve, second valve, third valve) that adjust coolant flow paths based on real-time temperature conditions. During warm-up, valves dynamically switch to isolate components from coolant; during operation, valves dynamically open to enable cooling, resolving the contradiction between maintaining temperature and reducing warm-up time.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple controllable zones using separate valves for different flow paths. The first valve controls flow to the first component, the second valve controls flow to the second component, and the third valve controls bypass flow. This segmentation allows selective cooling of different components at different times, enabling fast warm-up while providing cooling when needed.
2Ease of operation
If electrically actuated valves are used to control coolant flow, then precise flow control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thermally actuated valves that automatically respond to temperature changes without external electrical control. The valves use the temperature of the coolant or surrounding environment to trigger opening or closing actions, eliminating the need for expensive electrical actuators while maintaining precise flow control based on actual thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The valves are designed to change their flow control parameters in response to temperature parameters. As temperature increases during engine operation, the valves automatically transition from closed to open states, providing precise flow control through passive thermal response rather than active electrical control, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.
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 allows engine components to quickly reach operating temperatures by optimizing coolant flow, reducing cold-start duration without the need for expensive electric valves.
Implementation Method 1
a first valve configured to open in response to a pressure of the coolant being greater than a first pressure and less than a second pressure
Implementation Method 2
a second valve configured to open in response to the coolant pressure being greater than the second pressure
Implementation Method 3
a coolant pump may be driven by the engine, wherein the pressure of the coolant increases as the engine RPM increases
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for a flow controller for an engine cooling system is provided. The flow controller comprises a chamber for receiving coolant flowing through the engine cooling system; a first aperture for coolant to flow into or out of the chamber; a first valve for controlling the flow of coolant through the first aperture according to a pressure of the coolant to flow through the first aperture; a second outlet for coolant to flow into or out of the chamber; and a second valve for controlling the flow of coolant through the second outlet according to the pressure of the coolant to flow through the second aperture, wherein the first and second apertures are inlets, for coolant to flow into the chamber though the first and second apertures, or the first and second apertures are outlets, for coolant to flow out of the chamber though the first and second apertures.