Dual Scraper Ring Piston for Condensation Removal in Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines using alternative fuels like natural gas, LPG, bioethanol, and hydrogen produce significant water vapor as combustion products, leading to residual water accumulation in the combustion chamber, which causes wear and operational issues due to condensation on cold cylinder walls.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a piston with two scraper rings, one for lubricating oil and another for condensation fluid, allows for separate removal of water vapor and oil, preventing mixing and accumulation, utilizing distinct drain channels and a fluid-oil separator for efficient separation and recycling of lubricating oil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single scraper ring is used to scrape off oil from the cylinder wall, then the lubrication system is maintained, but condensation fluid accumulates and mixes with the lubricating oil causing wear and operational issues
Solution Approach 1:
The single scraper ring function is segmented into two separate scraper rings: a first scraper ring for scraping lubricating oil and a second scraper ring for scraping condensation fluid. This segmentation allows each ring to perform its specific function independently, preventing mixing of fluids and eliminating the harmful effects of condensation accumulation in the lubrication system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If alternative fuels like natural gas, LPG, bioethanol, and hydrogen are used, then environmental sustainability is improved, but water vapor production increases leading to condensation and engine wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of condensation fluid (which causes wear and operational issues) into a manageable byproduct by providing a dedicated removal mechanism. The second scraper ring specifically targets and removes condensation fluid before it can cause damage, allowing the engine to continue using beneficial alternative fuels without suffering from their condensation byproduct.
3Device complexity
If condensation fluid is removed along with lubricating oil through a single drain channel, then the structure is simple, but the lubricating oil becomes contaminated and requires complete replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system is segmented into separate drain channels: a first drain channel for lubricating oil and a second drain channel for condensation fluid. This segmentation prevents contamination of the lubricating oil with condensation water, allowing the oil to be reused and reducing maintenance costs, while the additional drainage infrastructure remains relatively simple.
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 effectively prevents the mixing of lubricating oil and condensation fluid, reducing engine wear and maintaining operational efficiency by ensuring the removal of condensation water without interfering with the lubrication system, thus extending engine lifespan and performance.
Implementation Method 1
water (H 2 O) forms a relatively large portion of their combustion products. A portion of this water remains in the combustion chamber after each successive combustion. Over time, this residual water may accumulate and result in increased wear of the internal combustion engine
Implementation Method 2
a fluid-oil separator for efficient separation and recycling of lubricating oil
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine, comprising a cylinder defining a combustion chamber enclosed by a cylinder wall, a piston that is arranged inside the combustion chamber and moveable in a reciprocating motion away from and towards a crankshaft, and at least one first scraper ring defining an oil scraper ring that is arranged between the piston and the cylinder wall and configured to scrape oil off from the cylinder wall when the piston moves towards the crankshaft, wherein the internal combustion engine further comprises at least one second scraper ring defining a condensation fluid scraper ring that is arranged between the piston and the cylinder wall and configured to scrape a condensation fluid off from the cylinder wall when the piston moves away from the crankshaft.