Engine Block Spray Pipe Corrosion Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fuel injectors in internal combustion engines face corrosion issues due to acidic gases formed in the combustion chamber, which lead to degradation between the spray pipe and the engine block.

Innovation Solution

An engine block design that incorporates a channel for circulating hot exhaust gases around the spray pipe to maintain a higher temperature, preventing condensation and corrosion, with a temperature sensor and control unit to manage the heating process based on temperature and load conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the spray pipe is exposed to acidic gases from the combustion chamber, then the fuel injection function is maintained, but corrosion occurs at the periphery of the spray pipe

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel injection reliabilityVSAvoidcorrosion at spray pipe periphery
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful acidic gases into a beneficial heating source by directing exhaust gases through a channel surrounding the spray pipe. The exhaust gases, which would otherwise be waste, are used to heat the spray pipe periphery and prevent corrosion, transforming a harmful environmental factor into a protective mechanism.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces exhaust gases as an intermediary substance between the combustion chamber and the spray pipe. These exhaust gases serve as a thermal mediator that transfers heat to the spray pipe periphery, creating a protective thermal barrier against corrosion without directly contacting the fuel injection components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If exhaust gases are used to heat the spray pipe, then corrosion is prevented, but device complexity increases due to additional channel and control systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion preventionVSAvoidchannel and control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust gas channel serves multiple functions: it acts as a thermal insulation barrier, a heating source for corrosion prevention, and a pathway for waste heat utilization. By making the channel multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate heating systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the engine's own exhaust gases to heat and protect the spray pipe, making the protection mechanism self-sufficient. The control unit activates the heating only when needed (detected via temperature sensor), allowing the system to regulate itself without continuous external intervention, thus managing complexity efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If temperature control is continuously maintained around the spray pipe, then corrosion is prevented, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion preventionVSAvoidenergy consumption for heating
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous heating, the system uses periodic action by activating the exhaust gas channel only when the temperature sensor detects that the spray pipe temperature has dropped below a threshold. This on-demand heating approach prevents corrosion while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous heating systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the temperature sensor continuously monitors the spray pipe temperature and provides information to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit decides when to activate or deactivate the exhaust gas heating, ensuring energy is used only when necessary to maintain corrosion prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 corrosion at the spray pipe periphery by maintaining a heated environment without additional energy input, ensuring reliable fuel injection and engine performance.

Implementation Method 1

hot exhaust gases are transferred into the channel and thus, the periphery of the spray pipe is heated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

at least one channel wherein hot exhaust gases circulate in order to increase the temperature in the vicinity of said spray pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3377739B1An engine block which protects fuel injector against corrosion
Publication Date: 2020.06.17 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3377739B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to an engine block (30) where a fuel injector (10) having at least one spray pipe (22) is fixed, in order to be used for providing spraying of fuel into the combustion chamber (32) in a controlled manner in internal combustion engines. As an improvement, said engine block (30) comprises at least one channel (33) wherein hot exhaust gases circulate in order to increase the temperature in the vicinity of said spray pipe (22).