Engine Cooling Circuit with Bypass Valve for Constant Consumer Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermal regulation systems for engines face challenges in managing coolant circulation without the need for complex installations, particularly the difficulty of tapping between the water pump and the engine cylinder block, which affects efficient temperature regulation and emission control during transient phases.

Innovation Solution

A thermal regulation device with a two-way valve positioned at the outlet of the engine cooling enclosure and a secondary duct tapping into the main duct downstream of the pump, allowing constant coolant flow to consumers like the turbocharger and exhaust gas recirculation device, bypassing the need for an interface tapping between the water pump and cylinder block.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a three-way valve is positioned at the engine inlet downstream of the water pump to regulate coolant circulation, then thermal regulation of the engine can be achieved, but the installation becomes complex due to the need for tapping between the water pump and cylinder block

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal regulationVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the valve from the traditional position at the engine inlet and relocates it to the engine outlet. This extraction from the complex installation zone (between water pump and cylinder block) and placement in a simpler location (engine outlet) resolves the contradiction by maintaining thermal regulation functionality while eliminating the complex tapping requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of positioning the valve upstream of the engine to control coolant entry, the invention inverts the approach by positioning the valve downstream at the engine outlet. This inversion allows the valve to control coolant circulation by blocking or allowing flow at the exit point, achieving the same thermal regulation effect but with simplified installation that avoids complex internal engine tapplings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Temperature

If coolant circulation is maintained during the temperature rise phase, then engine temperature can be controlled, but fuel consumption increases due to high viscosity of lubricating oil and incomplete combustion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine temperature controlVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies a dynamic valve that can change its state (open/closed) based on operating conditions. During the temperature rise phase, the valve closes to block coolant circulation, allowing the engine to warm up quickly and reduce fuel consumption. When the engine reaches operating temperature, the valve opens to restore cooling. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by temporarily sacrificing temperature control to improve energy efficiency during transient phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The valve operates periodically, switching between closed state during warm-up phases and open state during steady-state operation. This periodic action allows the system to optimize fuel consumption during transient phases while maintaining proper temperature control during normal operation, effectively resolving the contradiction between temperature control and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If coolant circulation is blocked during temperature rise to reduce fuel consumption, then emissions decrease, but consumers like turbocharger and EGR device cannot be cooled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidconsumer cooling
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the coolant circulation system into two independent paths: a main path through the engine that can be blocked by the valve, and a bypass path that remains open to supply coolant to consumers. This segmentation allows the engine cooling to be stopped during warm-up (reducing fuel consumption) while maintaining continuous cooling of consumers like the turbocharger and EGR device, thus resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and consumer cooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass conduit acts as an intermediary path that allows coolant to flow independently from the main engine cooling circuit. This intermediary channel ensures that even when the main circulation is blocked during temperature rise, consumers receive continuous coolant supply through the bypass, resolving the contradiction by providing a separate cooling route that doesn't interfere with fuel consumption optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If a three-way valve is positioned at the outlet of the engine to short-circuit coolant circulation, then installation is simpler, but the system cannot meet the constraint of no tapping between water pump and cylinder block

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidinstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a universal solution that works for all engine types by positioning the valve at the engine outlet rather than requiring specific internal engine tapplings. This universal positioning allows the system to be adapted to any engine configuration without needing to modify the engine block or water pump connections, thus simultaneously achieving ease of manufacture and installation flexibility.

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

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

This solution enables efficient thermal regulation of engines and their consumers by maintaining constant coolant flow, reducing emissions and fuel consumption, while simplifying the installation process and reducing additional costs compared to existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

a two-way valve (4) is positioned on the main duct, at the outlet of the engine cooling enclosure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectValve: Valve

Implementation Method 2

a pump (5) positioned upstream of a cooling enclosure for the cylinder block and/or the cylinder head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 3

The flow is maintained constant and permanent to supply the consumers (6) independently of the thermal regulation of the engine (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2329120B1Cooling circuit for the thermal regulation of an engine independent from other consumers
Publication Date: 2018.12.26 RENAULT SA
  • EP2329120B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2329120B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6
  • EP2329120B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a thermal regulation device for the cooling system of an engine (1) that includes a pump (5) positioned upstream from a cooling housing of the engine (1) and at least one consumer (6) requiring permanent cooling, wherein the device includes a main pipe (2) for circulating the coolant through the cooling housing and a secondary pipe (3) bypassing the cooling housing, characterised in that a two-way valve (4) is positioned on the main pipe (2) at the outlet of the cooling housing of the engine (1), and in that the secondary pipe (3) includes a tapping on the main pipe (2) downstream from the pump (5) and upstream from the portion of the main pipe (2) used for cooling the engine so that the flow is maintained at a constant and permanent level for ensuring the cooling of at least one consumer (6).