Combustion Chamber Electrode Liquid Detection System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internal combustion engines face damage due to non-compressible liquids like water accumulating in cylinders, leading to increased pressure and potential destruction of engine components, as existing methods rely on visual inspection or complex sensor systems.

Innovation Solution

A simple liquid detection system using two electrodes installed in the combustion chamber, connected to a power supply and measurement unit, with a control unit that compares conductivity measurements to a threshold value to stop the engine's crankshaft rotation if excessive liquid is detected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If visual inspection or complex sensor systems are used to detect liquid in cylinders, then detection capability is provided, but device complexity increases and/or detection reliability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid detection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex optical sensors or visual inspection methods with a simple electrical conductivity measurement system. Two electrodes measure the conductivity of combustion chamber contents to detect liquid presence, substituting mechanical/optical detection with electrical measurement for improved reliability and reduced complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention detects liquid presence by measuring changes in electrical conductivity parameter of the combustion chamber contents. Liquid contaminants change the conductivity compared to normal combustion gases, providing a simple yet reliable detection mechanism that avoids complex sensor systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the engine is allowed to rotate freely for starting, then engine operation is maintained, but risk of damage from liquid-induced pressure strokes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine starting capabilityVSAvoiddamage risk from pressure strokes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of liquid contaminants in the combustion chamber before allowing the engine to rotate for starting. The conductivity measurement is taken in advance, and only after confirming no liquid presence does the system permit engine rotation, preventing damage while maintaining operational capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies preliminary anti-action by detecting and preventing liquid-induced pressure strokes before they can occur. The conductivity measurement system identifies liquid presence early, blocking the harmful pressure stroke event before it damages engine components during starting rotation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Device complexity

If simple detection methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection precision and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection system complexityVSAvoidliquid detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes simple electrical conductivity measurement for complex detection systems, achieving both low complexity and high precision. The electrical measurement approach provides accurate liquid detection through conductivity changes while maintaining system simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention achieves precise liquid detection by monitoring electrical conductivity parameter changes in the combustion chamber. This simple parameter measurement provides reliable differentiation between liquid contaminants and normal combustion gases, delivering high measurement precision with minimal system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Effectively prevents engine damage by reliably detecting conductive liquids and stopping the engine before significant pressure buildup occurs, using a cost-effective and straightforward installation method.

Implementation Method 1

detect conductivity through two electrodes in the combustion chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3030772B1An internal combustion engine with a liquid detection system
Publication Date: 2017.10.04 WARTSILA FINLAND OY
  • EP3030772B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3030772B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3030772B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention concerns a liquid detection system of an internal combustion engine (1 ) to detect undesired liquid in at least one cylinder of the engine. The arrangement comprises two electrodes (2, 3) cylinder specifically installed in a combustion chamber (4) of the cylinder (5). The electrodes are connected to a power supply (6) and a measurement part (7) to detect conductivity through two electrodes (2, 3) in the combustion chamber (4).