EGR Cooler Positioning Above Intake Passage Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-cylinder engines face issues with EGR cooler damage due to overheating and the need for increased cooling capacity, leading to a larger EGR cooler and potential damage to adjacent components.
Innovation Solution
The EGR cooler is positioned above the intake-air distributing passage wall, preventing heat from the exhaust-gas converging passage wall from reaching it, allowing for a compact design and reducing the risk of overheating, while also optimizing the EGR system to prevent damage to the EGR valve and valve actuator, and incorporating a check valve to control airflow and enhance NOx reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the EGR cooler is positioned to receive heat from the exhaust-gas converging passage wall, then the cooling ability is enhanced, but the EGR cooler becomes larger and is readily damaged by overheat
Solution Approach 1:
The EGR cooler is extracted from the exhaust-gas converging passage wall and repositioned to span above the intake-air distributing passage wall. This separation removes the EGR cooler from the harmful thermal environment while maintaining its cooling function through proximity to the EGR valve and passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The intake-air distributing passage wall serves as an intermediary structure that supports the EGR cooler in a position that is close enough to the EGR valve for effective cooling but far enough from the exhaust-gas converging passage wall to avoid harmful heat radiation and overheat damage.
2Temperature
If the EGR cooler is positioned to receive heat from the exhaust-gas converging passage wall, then the cooling ability is enhanced, but the EGR cooler becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the EGR cooler from the exhaust-gas converging passage wall and repositioning it above the intake-air distributing passage wall, the design eliminates the need for excessive cooling capacity that would be required to handle harmful heat radiation, thereby maintaining a compact size.
3Reliability
If the EGR cooler is repositioned above the intake-air distributing passage wall, then the EGR cooler is protected from overheat damage, but the engine layout complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The EGR cooler is merged with the intake-air distributing passage wall structure, spanning above it and utilizing the available space. This integration simplifies the overall layout by combining multiple functions in a compact arrangement rather than requiring separate mounted components.
Solution Approach 2:
The EGR cooler is positioned in the vertical dimension above the intake-air distributing passage wall rather than being mounted on the lateral exhaust-gas converging passage wall. This dimensional change utilizes unused vertical space and simplifies the lateral layout of the engine components.
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 effectively prevents EGR cooler damage, allows for engine downsizing, reduces NOx emissions, and simplifies assembly by creating a rigid connected body for easier part integration, while maintaining effective cooling through strategic passage arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
the exhaust-gas converging passage wall 4 having an interior area communicated with an interior area of the intake-air distributing passage wall 3 through an EGR cooler
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a multi-cylinder engine capable of inhibiting an EGR cooler from being damaged and at the same time making the EGR cooler compact. On the assumption that a direction where a crank shaft spans is taken as a front and rear direction and a widthwise direction of a cylinder head perpendicular to this front and rear direction is deemed as a lateral direction, an intake-air distributing passage wall is attached to one lateral side surface of the cylinder head and an exhaust-gas converging passage wall ached to the other lateral side of the cylinder head, the exhaust-gas converging passage wall having an interior area communicated with an interior area of the intake-air distributing passage wall through the EGR cooler. In this multi-cylinder engine, an intake-air inlet pipe is made to stand up at an upper portion of the intake air distributing passage wall and the EGR cooler is above the intake-air distributing passage wall. Further, the intake-air inlet pipe is arranged side by side with the EGR cooler.