Engine Crank Vent Routing Along Charging Unit to Prevent Freezing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles with ventilation flow paths connected to crank chambers, moisture can freeze and block the flow path immediately after engine start due to low temperatures, especially in cold regions, as the electric heater is operated after engine start.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation flow path is designed to extend along the surface of a charging unit, which generates heat during battery charging and power supply operations, effectively preheating the flow path to prevent moisture freezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric heater is operated after the engine is started, then the ventilation flow path can be heated to prevent moisture freezing, but the temperature of the ventilation flow path remains low immediately after engine start, causing moisture to freeze
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by routing the ventilation flow path along the surface of the charging unit, which generates heat during charging operations. This preheats the ventilation flow path before the engine starts, preventing moisture freezing from occurring in the first place, rather than waiting to heat it after the problem arises
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the ventilation flow path is heated using an electric heater after engine start, then moisture freezing is suppressed, but the temperature remains low immediately after engine start causing initial moisture freezing
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation flow path is positioned to utilize heat from the charging unit before engine start, performing the heating action in advance. This eliminates the time delay between engine start and effective heating, preventing moisture freezing immediately rather than after a delay
3Temperature
If the ventilation flow path is disposed away from heat sources, then the charging unit operation is not affected, but the ventilation flow path cannot be preheated and moisture freezes
Solution Approach 1:
The charging unit serves multiple functions: it charges the battery and simultaneously acts as a heat source to preheat the ventilation flow path. This multi-functionality allows the system to use existing components for dual purposes without adding separate heating devices or complex routing
Solution Approach 2:
The charging unit provides heat to the ventilation flow path as a byproduct of its charging operation. The system uses its own operational heat rather than requiring an external heating source, making the heating function self-generated and eliminating the need for separate heating equipment
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 configuration suppresses moisture freezing in the ventilation flow path by utilizing heat generated from the charging unit, ensuring smooth operation of the ventilation system upon engine start.
Implementation Method 1
the charging unit is operated by the electric power supplied from the outside via the charging inlet, and thus can be operated while the vehicle is stopped. With the operation of the charging unit while the vehicle is stopped, the charging unit generates heat
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a vehicle including a battery, a charging inlet, a charging unit configured to convert electric power supplied to the charging inlet from an outside and supply the converted electric power to the battery to charge the battery, an engine, and a ventilation flow path connected to a crank chamber of the engine. The ventilation flow path includes a specific portion disposed along a surface of the charging unit.