Engine Air Intake Valve Controlled Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional engine shut-off valves for diesel engines often result in unburnt fuel remaining in the engine during a runaway condition, leading to issues like smoking, noise, and potential damage upon restart, due to the instantaneous removal of air supply.
Innovation Solution
A shut-off valve system with a butterfly valve actuated by an electric motor and worm gear, controlled by an electronic controller module, which gradually closes over a predetermined period, allowing for a tapered reduction of air supply to the combustion chamber, thereby consuming fuel and preventing unburnt fuel buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional spring-loaded shut-off valve is used to instantly cut off air supply, then the engine shutdown response speed is improved, but unburnt fuel accumulates in the engine causing smoking, noise, and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static, instantaneous valve closure to a dynamic, controlled closure process. The valve is actuated by an electric motor with variable speed control, allowing the closure speed to be adjusted based on engine operating conditions. This enables the system to optimize both response time and fuel consumption during shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of valve closure speed from fixed (instantaneous) to variable (controlled). By using an electric motor with variable speed control, the system can adjust the closure speed parameter based on engine load, temperature, and other operating parameters, thereby controlling the rate of fuel consumption during shutdown.
2Loss of time
If the air supply is instantly removed using a conventional valve, then the engine stops quickly, but the fuel loaded engine experiences smoking and engine noise upon restart
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through controlled valve closure cycles. The electric motor actuator can perform multiple small closure movements rather than one instantaneous closure, allowing the valve to gradually close and control the rate of air supply reduction. This periodic action prevents sudden fuel accumulation and reduces smoking upon restart.
3Device complexity
If a spring-loaded valve is used for shutdown, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision and ability to manage fuel consumption is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical spring-loaded valve system with an electric motor-driven actuation system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex spring mechanisms while providing precise electronic control over valve position and closure speed. The electric motor can be controlled via microprocessors to achieve exact control precision.
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
The solution effectively mitigates the issues of unburnt fuel accumulation by allowing a controlled shutdown of the engine, reducing the risk of damage and post-shutdown issues like smoking and noise, while ensuring safe and efficient engine operation.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor and worm gear actuation mechanism
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor and worm gear actuation mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a shut-off valve for stopping the air-flow to an engine. A butterfly valve disposed in an air passage is moved between a first open position and second closed position in a controlled fashion to prevent the build up un-burnt fuel in the event of the activation of the valve.