Cooling Valve Control Using Ambient Temperature Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle cooling systems struggle to maintain engine temperature within a preferred range during sudden temperature increases, leading to excessive component degradation, especially in high ambient temperatures and varying operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A controller for the cooling system that adjusts the thermostatic valve's operation by using ambient temperature signals, along with additional signals like knock, transmission oil temperature, and mass flow rate, to control the flow of coolant and heating of a wax medium, allowing the valve to open at lower temperatures and maintain optimal engine operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thermostatic pressure relief valve with a fixed wax pellet is used to control coolant flow, then the valve operates at a predetermined temperature, but the system cannot adapt to sudden temperature increases or varying operating conditions, resulting in excessive engine component degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the thermostatic valve adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically modifies the thermostatic characteristics of the valve based on real-time engine operating conditions, allowing the system to adapt to varying loads, ambient temperatures, and cooling requirements. This dynamic adjustment prevents excessive component degradation by maintaining optimal cooling under all operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the thermostatic valve's opening temperature and flow characteristics based on detected engine conditions. The controller adjusts parameters such as the effective thermal expansion properties of the wax pellet or the valve's mechanical characteristics to match changing operating requirements, thereby improving reliability across different scenarios.
2Reliability
If the cooling system maintains a fixed predetermined relationship between mass flow rate and coolant temperature, then the system operates efficiently under normal conditions, but it cannot respond to sudden temperature increases, causing rapid deterioration of engine components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using sensors to continuously monitor engine temperature, mass flow rate, and other operating parameters. The controller processes this feedback information and dynamically adjusts the thermostatic valve characteristics in real-time. This closed-loop control enables the system to respond to sudden temperature increases and prevent component deterioration while managing complexity through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical thermostatic control with an electronically controlled system. The controller uses electronic signals to modify the thermostatic valve's characteristics, substituting mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronic actuation. This reduces mechanical complexity while improving the system's ability to prevent component deterioration.
3Reliability
If the thermostatic valve opens at a fixed temperature, then the system is simple to manufacture and operate, but it cannot reduce engine operating temperature in high ambient conditions to prevent excessive component degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a thermostatic valve that can perform multiple functions: operating as a fixed-temperature valve under normal conditions and as an adjustable-temperature valve under high-stress conditions. The same valve structure serves both protective and efficiency functions, reducing the need for multiple specialized components and maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an electronic controller as an intermediary between the sensor inputs and the thermostatic valve. This intermediary processes operating conditions and applies appropriate adjustments to the valve characteristics, protecting components in high-temperature conditions without requiring complex mechanical modifications to the valve itself.
4Productivity
If the cooling system operates with a fixed thermostatic setting, then fuel efficiency is optimized for normal conditions, but engine temperature cannot be increased in cold conditions for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the thermostatic valve to adapt its opening characteristics based on ambient temperature and engine load conditions. In cold conditions, the valve can maintain higher operating temperatures for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, while in hot conditions it can lower temperatures for component protection. This dynamic adaptation optimizes productivity across all operating scenarios.
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 effectively reduces engine operating temperature in high ambient conditions, preventing excessive degradation and maintaining efficient engine operation, while also allowing increased engine temperature in cold conditions for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
Implementation Method 1
The controller is configured to apply a pulsed potential difference across the heating element to cause a pulsed electrical current to pass through the heating element to cause heating of the wax medium
Implementation Method 2
Thermostatic pressure relief valves are typically of the wax pellet type and arranged such that a valve permitting flow of coolant through the radiator is opened by thermal expansion of a wax pellet at a predetermined coolant temperature
Implementation Method 3
a radiator through which flows a coolant to be cooled by the radiator
Implementation Method 4
an outlet of the pump arranged to be coupled to an inlet of an engine and an inlet of the pump arranged to be coupled to an outlet of the engine downstream of the exhaust gas recirculation cooler arrangement
Data Source
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AI summary
A controller for a motor vehicle cooling system thermostatic valve assembly, the assembly having a radiator bypass coolant flow inlet, a radiator coolant flow inlet and a coolant outlet, the assembly being configured to allow flow of coolant from the bypass coolant flow inlet to the coolant outlet and from the radiator coolant flow inlet to the coolant outlet, the assembly comprising means for controlling a flow rate of fluid from the radiator coolant flow inlet to the coolant outlet, the controller being configured to receive an ambient temperature signal indicative of an ambient air temperature, the controller being configured to control flow of coolant from the radiator coolant flow inlet to the coolant outlet in dependence at least in part on the ambient temperature signal.