Crankcase Gas Cleaning Device Using Segmented Rotor and Traverse Wall

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing centrifugal separators for cleaning crankcase gases in internal combustion engines are limited by the size of their conical rotors and lack flexibility in controlling the cleaning level, restricting the design and efficiency of the cleaning process.

Innovation Solution

A device combining a traverse wall member and a rotatably arranged member with wings, which redirects and clusters contaminants, allowing for flexible design and improved separation of particles from the gas stream without the size constraints of conical rotors, and enabling flexible positioning of the inlet and use of separate fans for enhanced cleaning efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conical rotor centrifugal separator is used, then the crankcase gas can be cleaned, but the device size is constrained and flexibility in controlling cleaning level is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in controlling cleaning levelVSAvoidsize constraints of conical rotor

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is divided into multiple independent cleaning elements (traverse wall members and rotatably arranged members with wings) that can be arranged in series. Each element contributes to the cleaning process independently, allowing flexible configuration to achieve different cleaning levels without being constrained by a single large conical rotor structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatably arranged members with wings rotate to dynamically interact with the gas stream, creating variable centrifugal forces that enhance particle separation. This dynamic operation allows adjustment of cleaning effectiveness through rotational speed control, providing flexibility in controlling the cleaning level while maintaining a compact device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conical rotor is used, then particle separation is achieved, but the inlet positioning is restricted to axial entry only

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinlet positioning flexibilityVSAvoidgas flow path constraints

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device with traverse wall members and rotatably arranged winged members can handle gas flows from various inlet positions (axial, radial, or tangential entries). The modular design makes the device universal in accepting different gas flow configurations, eliminating the restriction to axial entry only while maintaining effective particle separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If multiple traverse wall members and rotatably arranged members are used in series, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of cleaning elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cleaning elements (traverse wall members and rotatably arranged members) are nested within a single housing structure. The elements are arranged in series within the same spatial envelope, allowing increased cleaning efficiency through multiple stages of separation without proportionally increasing the overall device size or complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 configuration allows for increased flexibility in device construction, improved cleaning efficiency, and reduced manufacturing costs by enabling a simplified arrangement and precise control of gas flow, effectively clustering contaminants for easier separation and recirculation, while maintaining or improving the cleaning quality of crankcase gases.

Implementation Method 1

the rotatably arranged member comprises a plurality of wings and by its rotation is configured to redirect contaminants comprised in the crankcase gas towards an inside surface of the longitudinally extending side wall portion of the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

a fan configured to establishing a gas flow through the housing between the inlet and the outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

the traverse wall member is arranged such that the direction of the flow of the crankcase gas inside of the housing is affected and/or restricted, whereby small particles, such as small oil droplets, when passing the traverse wall member are merged together into bigger droplets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow restriction and coalescence:

Data Source

PatentEP3201442B1A device for cleaning a contaminated crankcase gas

Publication Date: 2020.02.26 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

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AI summary

The present invention generally relates to a device (200) for cleaning a contaminated crankcase gas generated during operation of an internal combustion engine (102). The invention also relates to an internal combustion engine (102) comprising such a device (200). The present invention allows for an increased flexibility as to constructing the cleaning device (200) while maintaining or possibly improving cleaning of the contaminated crankcase gas.