Engine Cooling Device Dynamic Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine cooling devices face energy loss and increased costs due to a large coolant flow rate exceeding radiator capacity, requiring model-specific designs for valve housings.
Innovation Solution
An engine cooling device with a flow passage switching part and a bypass flow passage, equipped with valves that adjust coolant flow based on temperature, and a flow splitting part to distribute coolant between the radiator and bypass passages, reducing energy loss and costs by optimizing coolant flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If three valves are provided in the engine cooling device, then the engine cooling control is improved, but the energy loss increases and costs increase due to large coolant flow rate exceeding radiator capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the number of operational valves variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts which valves are activated based on real-time coolant temperature and flow rate conditions, allowing the system to optimize between cooling performance and energy efficiency. This is achieved through a control unit that selectively opens or closes specific valves based on sensor feedback, transforming a static three-valve system into a dynamic configuration that adapts to operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the valve system by introducing intelligent control that monitors coolant temperature and flow rate. Based on these parameter readings, the control unit adjusts the number of active valves (from 0 to 3), thereby changing the system's flow characteristics. This parameter-based control allows the system to match coolant flow rate to radiator capacity, preventing energy loss while maintaining reliable cooling when needed.
2Loss of energy
If the number of valves is changed depending on the model, then the energy loss is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to model-specific housing designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a single housing structure that can accommodate up to three valves, making the same housing applicable across different engine models regardless of how many valves are actually needed. The control unit provides multi-functionality by being able to activate different combinations of valves (one, two, or three) based on operational requirements. This eliminates the need for model-specific housing designs while still allowing optimization of coolant flow for different radiator capacities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic control to adjust the number of active valves based on real-time conditions rather than requiring different physical housings for different models. The control unit dynamically determines the optimal valve configuration based on coolant temperature and flow rate sensors, allowing a single universal housing design to serve multiple model requirements.
3Temperature
If a large flow rate of coolant flows into the radiator, then the engine cooling capacity is improved, but the pump power increases leading to energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by activating only the necessary number of valves (one, two, or three) based on actual cooling requirements rather than always opening all valves for maximum flow. The control unit monitors coolant temperature and flow rate, then selectively opens sufficient valves to achieve adequate cooling without creating excessive flow that would require additional pump power. This partial activation strategy maintains engine cooling capacity while avoiding the energy penalty of oversized pump operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from temperature and flow rate sensors to continuously monitor engine cooling needs. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts the number of open valves in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system. When cooling demand is high, more valves are opened; when demand is low, fewer valves remain open, preventing excessive pump power consumption. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal balance between cooling capacity and energy efficiency.
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 cools engines while minimizing energy loss and costs by adjusting coolant flow rates, improving pump efficiency and radiator durability, and allowing for universal valve housing designs across different models.
Implementation Method 1
a radiator (5) that cools the coolant from the engine
Implementation Method 2
power of a pump for forcing the coolant to flow into a cooling flow passage of an engine
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an engine cooling device in which a flow passage switching part, which is provided between an outlet (EFb) of a cooling flow passage (EF) and a radiator and between the outlet (EFb) of the cooling flow passage (EF) and a pump, has valves that perform switching to a radiator connection flow passage or a bypass flow passage according to a temperature of a coolant (W), and a sleeve that is connected in parallel to the valves and is configured to circulate the coolant (W) to both the bypass flow passage and the radiator connection flow passage.