Crankcase Ventilation via Gravity Oil Return and Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face inefficiencies in crankcase ventilation and lubrication systems, where blow-by gases and unburned fuel mixtures contaminate the crankcase, and traditional methods require additional pumps to manage oil distribution, leading to increased complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
An internal combustion engine design featuring a crankcase with a first valve allowing oil to flow from the crankcase to an oil tank and a second valve allowing gas to flow back, creating a circuit that utilizes pressure fluctuations and eliminates the need for additional oil pumps, with a common dividing wall for thermal efficiency and material savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional crankcase ventilation systems are used to discharge blow-by gas, then gas purification is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional pumps required for oil management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the crankcase ventilation function with the oil tank filling function into a single integrated system. The crankcase is directly connected to the oil tank, allowing blow-by gas to be discharged into the oil tank while oil simultaneously flows from the crankcase to the oil tank under gravity, eliminating the need for separate pumps for oil management.
Solution Approach 2:
The oil tank serves multiple functions: it acts as both the crankcase ventilation destination for blow-by gas discharge and the oil storage reservoir. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated separate systems for gas venting and oil management, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If additional pumps are installed to manage oil distribution, then oil delivery reliability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the oil tank at a higher elevation than the crankcase, creating a gravity-driven oil flow system. Oil naturally flows from the crankcase to the oil tank under gravitational force without requiring additional pumps, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable oil distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the weight of the oil itself and gravitational force to drive oil circulation from the crankcase to the oil tank. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources or additional pumping components, reducing both manufacturing cost and system complexity.
3Device complexity
If oil tank is positioned below crankcase (wet sump), then system simplicity is improved, but thermal efficiency decreases due to reduced heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the oil tank below the crankcase in the vertical dimension (wet sump), the patent positions it above the crankcase in the vertical dimension. This dimensional change allows gravity to drive oil flow while maintaining close thermal contact between the crankcase and oil tank for improved heat transfer efficiency.
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 design enhances lubrication efficiency, reduces friction, and lowers costs by eliminating the need for additional pumps, while effectively managing blow-by gases and ensuring reliable oil distribution, thus improving the engine's economic efficiency and thermal performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first valve which is open in the direction from the crankcase to the oil tank and closes in the opposite direction
Implementation Method 2
a second valve which opens in the direction from the oil tank to the crankcase and closes in the opposite direction
Implementation Method 3
a common dividing wall for thermal efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An internal combustion engine having a crankcase with a base and an oil tank, wherein a first connection between the crankcase and the oil tank is formed with a first valve, which is open in the direction from the crankcase to the oil tank and closed in the opposite direction, and a second connection between the crankcase and the oil tank is formed with a second valve, which is open in the direction from the oil tank to the crankcase and is closed in the opposite direction. The first valve is arranged on the base of the crankcase and the second valve is arranged above the first valve.