Crankcase Vent Closing Device for Supercharged Engine Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supercharged internal combustion engines face challenges in cost-effectively monitoring the venting of the crankcase to prevent hydrocarbon emissions, as the connection between the crankcase ventilation hose and the fresh air intake path is not reliably ensured, leading to potential leaks and emissions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a closing device downstream of the compressor, which ensures a gas-tight connection between the airflow connection and the discharge opening, utilizing the existing charge pressure sensor to detect any pressure drops below a threshold, and implementing a diagnostic device to alert of improper connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closing device is added to ensure gas-tight connection, then reliability of connection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closing device is integrated into the existing hose connection structure between the crankcase and fresh air intake path. The closing element is combined with the hose assembly itself, so that a single component performs both the connection function and the sealing function, eliminating the need for separate sealing devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing device is designed to automatically seal the opening when the hose is properly connected to the discharge opening. The mechanical action of connecting the hose itself triggers the closing action, so the system monitors and seals the connection without requiring external actuation or additional control mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If pressure monitoring is implemented using existing sensor, then measurement capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pressure sensor, originally designed for monitoring compressor output pressure, is utilized to also monitor the crankcase ventilation connection integrity. By evaluating the charge pressure readings against expected ranges, the system gains connection monitoring capability without adding dedicated sensors, as the existing sensor serves multiple diagnostic functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors charge pressure and compares it against predefined threshold values to detect connection issues. When the pressure deviates from the expected range indicating a leak or disconnection, the system generates a diagnostic alert, providing real-time feedback on connection status without requiring separate monitoring hardware.
3Ease of manufacture
If closing device is integrated into hose connection, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closing device is integrated into the existing hose connection structure between the crankcase and fresh air intake path. The closing element is combined with the hose assembly itself, so that a single component performs both the connection function and the sealing function, eliminating the need for separate sealing devices and reducing overall system complexity.
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 allows for efficient and cost-effective monitoring of crankcase ventilation, preventing hydrocarbon emissions by ensuring the crankcase ventilation hose is correctly connected to the fresh air intake path, with no need for additional sensors and providing timely alerts for any connection issues.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for determining the charge pressure of the compressor is provided downstream of the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A supercharged internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle includes a venting device for the crankcase of the internal combustion engine and a compressor for supercharging the internal combustion engine. A discharge opening for discharging the crankcase gas is provided upstream of the compressor and a sensor for determining the charge pressure of the compressor is provided downstream of the compressor. The discharge opening is connected to the crankcase by a first connection for the airflow, in particular a hose connection. In order to cost-effectively monitor the venting of the crankcase of the internal combustion engine, an opening, to which the charge pressure of the compressor is applied, is provided downstream of the compressor. The first connection for the airflow includes a closing device for closing the opening to which the charge pressure is applied, wherein the closing device closes the opening if the first connection is connected to the discharge opening.