Engine Cooling Fluid Flow Control Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current temperature control systems in internal combustion piston engines are inadequate for precise and rapid temperature regulation, especially in large engines where mechanical thermostatic valves lead to delayed response times and significant temperature fluctuations due to long distances between the engine and central coolers.

Innovation Solution

A fluid flow control device with multiple parallel valve units, each with two operational positions and different flow characteristics, is integrated into the cooling system of the engine, allowing for precise control through a control system connected to temperature probes at various engine locations, enabling proactive and accurate temperature management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical thermostatic valves are used for temperature control, then the system is simple and reliable, but the response time is delayed and temperature fluctuations are significant

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical thermostatic valves with an electronically controlled fluid flow control device that receives control signals from a control system based on temperature sensor feedback. This substitution eliminates the inherent delay of mechanical thermostatic valves while maintaining system reliability through electronic control and monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback control system where temperature sensors continuously monitor engine temperature and send signals to the control system, which then adjusts the fluid flow control device accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables rapid response to temperature changes while maintaining stable temperature control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If mechanical thermostatic valves are used for temperature control, then the system structure is simple, but temperature control precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidtemperature control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical thermostatic valves with an electronically controlled fluid flow control device that receives control signals from a control system based on temperature sensor feedback. This substitution eliminates the inherent delay of mechanical thermostatic valves while maintaining system reliability through electronic control and monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical valve opening degree to electronically controlled fluid flow rate, allowing for more precise adjustment of cooling fluid flow. The control system can modulate the fluid flow rate in response to temperature sensor feedback, achieving superior temperature control precision compared to binary open/closed mechanical valves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If long fluid paths are used in large engines, then the engine size is accommodated, but temperature control accuracy deteriorates due to flow losses and erosion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine sizeVSAvoidtemperature control accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where temperature sensors continuously monitor engine temperature and send signals to the control system, which then adjusts the fluid flow control device accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables rapid response to temperature changes while maintaining stable temperature control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from static mechanical valve control to dynamic electronic control of fluid flow rate. The fluid flow control device can dynamically adjust the cooling fluid flow rate in response to real-time temperature sensor feedback, accommodating long fluid paths in large engines while maintaining temperature control accuracy through active compensation of flow losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides improved temperature control performance by allowing for precise and rapid adjustments in fluid flow rates, reducing temperature fluctuations and enhancing the overall engine operation, particularly in large engines with long fluid paths.

Implementation Method 1

a cooler system for cooling the cooling fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

a main cooling fluid channel having a pump system which main cooling fluid channel is arranged to run though at least a part of the engine from which heat is extracted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid circulation: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP2724003B1Arrangement for an internal combustion piston engine and an internal combustion piston engine
Publication Date: 2015.07.22 WARTSILA FINLAND OY
  • EP2724003B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2724003B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2724003B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Invention relates to an arrangement for an internal combustion piston engine having a cooling system for conveying heat from the internal combustion piston engine and maintaining temperature of the engine and/or its parts at a predetermined range, the cooling system comprising a main cooling fluid channel (12) having a pump system (14) which main cooling fluid channel is arranged to run though at least a part of the engine from which heat is extracted, and a branch channel (18) which branches from the main cooling fluid channel (12) in which branch channel there is a cooler system (20) for cooling the cooling fluid, and into which cooling system a fluid flow control device (22) is arranged at a the location where the branch channel branches from the main cooling fluid channel. The fluid flow control device (22) comprises at least two parallel valve units each having two operational positions.