Crankcase Gas Separator Tube Joint Seal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crankcase gas separators rely on O-rings for sealing, which can be cumbersome to mount during assembly and may allow the separated liquid phase to leak into the gas pressure regulating valve.

Innovation Solution

A crankcase gas separator design featuring a separate tube member extending from the inner wall surface into the gas passage, with a liquid tight seal formed by a joint arranged radially outside the inner wall surface, preventing the liquid phase from entering the gas pressure regulating valve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If O-rings are used for sealing the gas passage, then a seal is provided, but the assembly becomes cumbersome and liquid leakage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is extracted from the O-ring and integrated into the joint structure itself. The joint is designed with sealing surfaces and geometry that inherently provide the seal, eliminating the need for separate O-ring components and their associated assembly complexities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing function is merged with the joint structure. Instead of being a separate component (O-ring), the seal is an integral part of the joint between the tube member and separator housing, combining the mechanical connection and sealing functions into a single integrated solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If O-rings are used for sealing, then a seal is achieved, but liquid phase may leak into the gas pressure regulating valve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidliquid leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is extracted from the unreliable O-ring and reimplemented through the joint's inherent sealing surfaces and geometry, which provide a more reliable barrier against liquid leakage into the gas passage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a flexible O-ring to conform to the sealing surface, the joint uses rigid sealing surfaces that conform to each other through precise geometry. The seal is created by the mating surfaces pressing against each other rather than by a flexible element deforming to fit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 design effectively prevents the liquid phase from leaking into the gas pressure regulating valve, simplifying the assembly process and ensuring a reliable liquid tight seal.

Implementation Method 1

A liquid tight seal between the separate tube member and the wall member is formed by a joint arranged radially outside the inner wall surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment through geometric sealing: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS12241391B2Crankcase gas separator

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 ALFDEX

AI summary

A crankcase gas separator includes a separator housing delimiting at least part of a separation space and forming at least part of a liquid phase receiving circumferential inner wall surface, a wall member forming at least part of a gas passage, and a gas pressure regulating valve including at least part of the gas passage. The separator includes a separate tube member extending from a position radially inside the inner wall surface into the gas passage. A liquid tight seal between the separate tube member and the wall member is formed by a joint arranged radially outside the inner wall surface.