V-Type Engine EGR Valve Nesting for Compact Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in V-type internal combustion engines is to maintain a compact structure while effectively recirculating exhaust gas without increasing the number of parts or cost, while also preventing cooling of the exhaust gas, which is crucial for efficient cleaning and reducing nitrogen oxides.

Innovation Solution

The EGR control valve is strategically placed in the V-shaped space between cylinder blocks, with a single upstream passage and a branching chamber containing one-way valves to distribute exhaust gas to multiple cylinders, minimizing part count and using the engine's geometry to shield the valve from wind-induced cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the EGR control valve is disposed on each cylinder, then the exhaust gas recirculation function is improved, but the number of parts increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexhaust gas recirculation functionVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the EGR control valve functions for multiple cylinders into a single shared valve. The exhaust gas recirculation system uses one EGR control valve that can control exhaust gas recirculation to multiple cylinders simultaneously, rather than having separate control valves for each cylinder. This reduces the number of parts while maintaining the exhaust gas recirculation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single EGR control valve is designed to serve multiple cylinders universally. The valve can direct exhaust gas recirculation to different cylinders based on operational requirements, making it a multi-functional component that replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated valves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the EGR control valve is placed in exposed positions, then ease of access is improved, but wind-induced cooling increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of accessVSAvoidexhaust gas temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The EGR control valve is nested within the V-shaped space formed by the cylinder blocks. Specifically, the valve is disposed in the space between the cylinder blocks in a V-type configuration, using the existing engine structure to provide protective shielding. This nesting approach protects the valve from direct wind exposure while maintaining accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the V-shaped configuration of the engine, which originally creates exposed surfaces vulnerable to wind cooling, into a protective structure. The V-shaped space between cylinder blocks, which would normally be exposed area, is utilized to shield and protect the EGR control valve from wind-induced cooling, turning a potential harm into a beneficial protective feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the recirculation channels are branched to multiple cylinders, then the exhaust gas recirculation coverage is improved, but the piping disposition becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexhaust gas recirculation coverageVSAvoidpiping disposition

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The recirculation channels are segmented into multiple pathways that can be independently controlled. The single EGR control valve can segment the exhaust gas flow to different cylinders based on operational requirements, allowing flexible distribution without requiring separate valves for each cylinder.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the three-dimensional V-shaped space between cylinder blocks to route the recirculation channels. By exploiting the vertical and lateral dimensions of the V-configuration, the piping can reach multiple cylinders from a single valve location without requiring complex external routing, simplifying the overall disposition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS7314042B2Exhaust gas recirculation system for a V-type internal combustion engine, and engine including same

Publication Date: 2008.01.01 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An EGR control valve is disposed on a V-type internal combustion engine such that the engine is compact as a whole. In the internal combustion engine, cylinders are provided with the cylinders spaced apart from each other in a V-shape, and exhaust gas obtained from an exhaust port of the rear cylinder is supplied to intake ports of the respective cylinders via a single EGR control valve through exhaust-gas supply channels having a branching chamber. The EGR control valve is provided in a V bank space between the cylinders. In addition, the EGR control valve is disposed at the rear of the front cylinder, so that the cooling of the EGR control valve due to exposure to the wind caused by vehicle travel is inhibited, and the exhaust gas is maintained at a high temperature during recirculation.