Engine Cooling Device Channel Switching Valve for Heater Core Warming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine cooling devices face a challenge in quickly warming up the heater core during cold starts while maintaining adequate cooling performance for auxiliary devices, as unrestricted flow rate to auxiliary device channels can cause a steep temperature decrease in the heater core.
Innovation Solution
An engine cooling device with a channel switching valve system that controls the connection between heater and auxiliary device circulation passages based on engine temperature, allowing independent circulation during initial warming stages and combined circulation when temperatures are higher, thereby preventing low-temperature cooling water from auxiliary devices from entering the heater channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the flow rate of cooling water to auxiliary device channel is restricted to low flow rate, then the temperature decrease of heater core is suppressed, but the cooling performance with respect to engine main body and auxiliary device decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the flow rate restriction variable rather than fixed. The flow control valve is controlled to gradually increase the flow rate of cooling water to the auxiliary device channel over time, transitioning from a low flow rate at the start to a higher flow rate as the engine warms up. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to suppress heater core temperature decrease initially while maintaining adequate cooling performance as conditions change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a time-based control strategy where the flow rate to the auxiliary device channel is gradually increased rather than opened fully immediately. This staged approach allows the cooling system to first prioritize heater core temperature maintenance, then progressively transition to auxiliary device cooling as the engine and cooling water reach appropriate temperatures.
2Reliability
If flow rate restriction of auxiliary device channel is completely released when starting to supply cooling water, then cooling performance is improved, but a large amount of low-temperature cooling water flows into heater channel causing temperature decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing time-based flow rate control that transitions from restricted to unrestricted flow. The control portion gradually increases the opening degree of the flow control valve over a predetermined period, allowing the auxiliary device channel to progress from flow rate restriction to complete release. This dynamic transition prevents sudden temperature drops in the heater core while ultimately achieving full cooling performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a staged opening sequence for the auxiliary device channel. Before completely releasing the flow rate restriction, the system first operates with limited flow to protect heater core temperature, then progressively opens the channel as the engine and cooling water reach suitable temperatures, ensuring a smooth transition that protects against sudden temperature decreases.
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 suppresses the decrease in cooling performance for auxiliary devices while promoting the warming-up of the heater core by managing the flow rates and connections between circulation passages, ensuring efficient heat transfer and distribution.
Implementation Method 1
an exhaust-side channel (22) extending through an exhaust port-side portion (5a) of the cylinder head (5A)
Implementation Method 2
a heater channel (15) connected to the exhaust-side channel (22) and extending through a heater core (6) of an air conditioner
Data Source
AI summary
An engine cooling device includes a heater circulation passage including an exhaust-side channel and a heater channel, the exhaust-side channel extending through an exhaust port-side portion of a cylinder head, the heater channel extending through a heater core; an auxiliary device circulation passage including a main channel and an auxiliary device channel, the main channel extending through a portion of the cylinder head other than the exhaust port-side portion, the auxiliary device channel extending through an auxiliary device; a temperature detecting portion configured to detect a temperature of an engine; and a channel switching valve configured to perform connection between the main channel and the auxiliary device channel and connection between the heater circulation passage and the auxiliary device circulation passage depending on the detected temperature falling within one of three temperature ranges.