Engine Brake Valve Sequencing for Intake Counterflow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

State-of-the-art engine braking systems experience excessive loading on the intake valve train due to premature intake valve lift against high combustion chamber pressures, leading to undesirable consequences like counter flow in the intake manifold and surge of the upstream turbocharger.

Innovation Solution

Implement systems and methods for managing intake flow path pressure and counter flow by controlling valve motion sequencing, using components like an intake throttle, EGR valve, intake manifold blow-off valve, and turbocharger geometry to prevent excessive intake valve train forces through proactive brake motion activation and delayed main event deactivation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If brake motion activation occurs before main event deactivation in enhanced engine braking systems, then engine braking effectiveness is improved, but excessive loading occurs on the intake valve train due to premature intake valve lift against high combustion chamber pressures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine braking effectivenessVSAvoidintake valve train loading
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by activating brake motion before main event deactivation to ensure proper valve sequencing. The lost motion device is pre-positioned and the braking piston is activated in advance, allowing the intake valve to remain closed during compression stroke while exhaust valve opens for braking, preventing premature intake valve lift and excessive loading on the intake valve train.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If main event exhaust motion is deactivated prematurely before braking piston reaches steady state position, then valve timing control is improved, but high-pressure pulses occur in the intake manifold causing counter flow and turbocharger surge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve timing control precisionVSAvoidintake manifold counter flow
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lost motion device serves as an intermediary mechanism between the cam-driven valve train and the hydraulic braking piston. It decouples the timing of main event deactivation from brake activation, allowing precise control of valve timing while preventing harmful counter flow by ensuring the braking piston reaches steady state before intake valve lift occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If lost motion devices are used to facilitate auxiliary event valve movement, then valve motion flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional hydraulic components and sequencing mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve motion flexibilityVSAvoidvalve train component complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lost motion device performs multiple functions: it enables main event valve operation, facilitates auxiliary braking events, and provides transient pressure management. By integrating these functions into a single mechanism with hydraulic actuation, the system achieves valve motion flexibility without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same hydraulic circuit serves multiple valve control purposes.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3662149B1Systems and methods for counter flow management and valve motion sequencing in enhanced engine braking
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS INC
  • EP3662149B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3662149B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3662149B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Systems and methods for managing excessive intake flow path pressure and counter flow are implemented to support enhanced engine braking applications, such as 2-stroke or 1.5-stroke engine braking implementations where the intake flow path may be exposed to excessive transient pressures in the combustion chamber during activation or deactivation of an engine brake. Intake throttle, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, intake manifold blow-off valve, compressor bypass valve, exhaust throttle, turbocharger geometry or turbocharger waste gate may be controlled to effectuate counter flow management separately or in combination. Excessive transient conditions may also be prevented or managed by sequential valve motion in which brake motion activation occurs first and then exhaust valve main event deactivation occurs second. Delay between brake activation and main event deactivation may be facilitated using mechanical and/or hydraulic implements as well as electronically.