EGR Valve Vertical Positioning for Heat Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional internal combustion engines with EGR valves installed adjacent to the exhaust manifold are susceptible to being affected by exhaust heat, which can impact the durability and control accuracy of the EGR valve.

Innovation Solution

The EGR device is configured with the EGR valve attached to the exhaust side wall of the internal combustion engine, positioned above the exhaust outlet and passage, thereby isolating it from direct exhaust heat exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the EGR valve is installed adjacent to the exhaust manifold at the front surface of the internal combustion engine, then the device complexity is reduced and installation is simplified, but the EGR valve is affected by exhaust heat which deteriorates its reliability and control accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation complexityVSAvoidEGR valve reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the EGR valve from a horizontal arrangement adjacent to the exhaust manifold to a vertical arrangement above the exhaust outlet. This dimensional change in spatial layout moves the valve away from the harmful exhaust heat zone while maintaining functional connectivity through the exhaust passage portion, thereby resolving the contradiction between installation simplicity and valve reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If the EGR valve is installed adjacent to the exhaust manifold, then the manufacturing cost is reduced due to simpler installation, but the EGR valve is exposed to exhaust heat which reduces its service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidEGR valve service life
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the spatial dimension of the EGR valve installation from adjacent (horizontal) to above (vertical), the patent achieves both ease of manufacture and extended service life. The new position above the exhaust outlet simplifies the installation process while simultaneously protecting the valve from exhaust heat exposure, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the EGR valve is positioned above the exhaust outlet and passage, then the EGR valve is protected from exhaust heat improving its durability, but the device requires a different spatial configuration

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEGR valve durabilityVSAvoidspatial configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a vertical spatial configuration rather than a horizontal one, positioning the EGR valve above the exhaust outlet. This dimensional approach protects the valve from exhaust heat while the passage portion provides the necessary spatial connection, achieving durability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The exhaust passage portion serves as an intermediary element that connects the exhaust outlet to the EGR valve positioned above it. This intermediary structure enables the valve to be located in a protected position while maintaining functional integration, thus achieving durability without requiring a completely complex spatial reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4253750B1EGR device for internal combustion engine
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 SUZUKI MOTOR CORP
  • EP4253750B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4253750B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4253750B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Problem to be Solved] It is to provide an EGR device for an internal combustion engine capable of inhibiting an EGR valve from being affected by exhaust heat. [Solution] An EGR device 11 for an engine 1 includes an EGR valve 14 to adjust a flow rate at which an EGR gas flows through an EGR housing passage portion 26, the EGR valve being attached to a front wall 25A of an EGR housing portion 25 so as to be located above an exhaust collection portion 4b and an exhaust cleaning device 9.