Dual Storage Lubrication System for Engine Parasitic Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In internal combustion engines, the lubrication fluid stored in the sump and crankcase can interfere with engine components, leading to parasitic losses and issues like connecting rod dipping and fluid aeration, necessitating improved lubrication fluid systems.
Innovation Solution
A dual storage system is introduced, comprising a primary storage volume for circulating lubrication fluid and a secondary storage volume located in or adjacent to the cylinder head, connected via a throttled fluid flow path, which retains fluid during operation and drains back into the primary volume when the engine stops, reducing interference and ensuring sufficient lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If lubrication fluid is stored in the sump and crankcase, then sufficient lubrication supply is provided, but connecting rod dipping and fluid aeration occur causing parasitic losses
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is divided into two separate storage volumes: a primary storage volume in the crankcase and a secondary storage volume in the cylinder head. This segmentation allows the lubrication fluid to be distributed to different locations, preventing connecting rod dipping in the primary volume while maintaining sufficient lubrication supply through the secondary volume.
Solution Approach 2:
A throttled fluid flow path acts as an intermediary between the primary and secondary storage volumes. This intermediary component controls the fluid exchange between the two volumes, allowing the system to maintain optimal fluid levels in both locations and prevent harmful effects while ensuring adequate lubrication.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If lubrication fluid is retained in the secondary storage volume during operation, then connecting rod dipping is avoided, but fluid drainage becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The throttled outlet provides dynamic control over fluid drainage. During engine operation, the throttle restricts flow to prevent connecting rod dipping. During maintenance or shutdown, the throttle allows controlled drainage from the secondary storage volume back to the primary volume, balancing operational requirements with maintenance needs.
3Loss of energy
If a dual storage system is implemented, then parasitic losses are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary storage volume is integrated into the cylinder head structure, merging the storage function with an existing engine component. This reduces the overall complexity by eliminating the need for a completely separate secondary storage component, while still achieving the benefit of reduced parasitic losses.
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 reduces parasitic losses and prevents connecting rod dipping and fluid aeration, while maintaining an adequate lubrication supply during engine operation, facilitating efficient lubrication and easier fluid drainage for maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid flow path is throttled so that lubrication fluid is retained in the secondary storage volume during operation of the internal combustion engine
Implementation Method 2
The lubrication fluid in the secondary storage volume drains into the primary storage volume through the throttled fluid flow path in response to stopping operation of the internal combustion engine
Data Source
AI summary
An internal combustion engine includes an engine lubrication fluid storage system with a primary storage volume and a secondary storage volume that is separate from the primary storage volume. The secondary storage volume is linked to the primary storage volume with a fluid flow path that is throttled so that lubrication fluid is stored in the secondary storage volume during engine operation, and drains from the secondary storage volume to the primary storage volume when the engine is not running.