Engine Cooling Degassing via Radiator Passage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cooling system of a motor vehicle's heat engine faces challenges in effective degassing of the heat transfer fluid when the predetermined setpoint temperature for the regulation element is too high, preventing frequent passage of the fluid to the radiator, which hinders efficient degassing, especially in modern vehicles where the setpoint temperature is higher and the radiator opening time is reduced.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves counting the opening time of the passage to the radiator and the total engassing time, resetting the counts when a predetermined duration for partial degassing is reached, and progressively lowering the setpoint temperature if degassing is insufficient, allowing for longer and more frequent openings to facilitate degassing, implemented through software changes in the control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the setpoint temperature for the regulating element is increased to reduce friction and fuel dilution, then engine performance is improved, but the frequency and duration of radiator passage is reduced, preventing effective degassing of the heat transfer fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors the actual coolant temperature and compares it with the target temperature, adjusting the regulating element accordingly. Additionally, the system tracks the cumulative duration of radiator passages and triggers forced passages when degassing thresholds are not met, creating a feedback loop that ensures both temperature control and effective degassing
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the regulating element opening based on real-time conditions. When the cumulative duration of radiator passages falls below the threshold, the control unit forces an additional passage to ensure adequate degassing, making the system adaptive rather than static
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the setpoint temperature is lowered to increase radiator passage frequency for better degassing, then gas venting is improved, but friction increases and fuel dilution worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously lowering the setpoint temperature, the system applies partial action by triggering additional radiator passages only when the cumulative duration threshold is not met. This excessive action (forced passage) is applied selectively to achieve adequate degassing without permanently compromising engine performance
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit temporarily modifies the setpoint temperature or regulating element control parameters during forced passages to ensure adequate degassing duration, then returns to optimal temperature control once the degassing threshold is achieved
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a degassing pipe is added to the cooling system to improve gas venting, then gas removal is enhanced, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing radiator passage system performs dual functions: coolant temperature regulation and gas degassing. By monitoring the cumulative duration of passages and triggering forced passages when needed, the system enables the existing structure to self-service the degassing function without requiring additional dedicated components
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 method ensures effective partial degassing of the heat transfer fluid by controlling the duration of engassing and radiator passage, allowing for precise adjustment of the setpoint temperature to ensure sufficient degassing, even when the original setpoint temperature does not allow frequent passage to the radiator, thus preventing engine issues like cracking and fluid pump loss.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer fluid cooling system for a motor vehicle internal combustion engine comprises an engine cooling circuit and a fluid temperature control circuit including a radiator
Implementation Method 2
a radiator open or closed by a regulating element depending on the prevailing fluid temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention concerns a method for protecting against the build-up of gas in a heat-transfer fluid in a cooling system of an engine comprising a radiator and a control element opening a passage for the fluid to the radiator from a first setpoint temperature (T1) reached by the fluid, the passage carrying out at least partial degassing of the fluid. A count of the open time period (CDO) during which the passage is open and a count of the total gas build-up time period (CDE) during which gas builds up in the fluid are carried out as soon as the heat engine is running, counting continuing as long as a predetermined at least partial degassing considered to be sufficient has not been carried out during one or more runs (R, R+1) of the vehicle. A first open time period (D1) during which the passage is open is predetermined as being sufficient for carrying out the degassing, the counts of open time periods (CDO) and gas build-up time periods (CDO) being reset (Ri) once the first open time period (D1) has elapsed.