Engine Cooling Control System Pressure Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cooling control systems for internal combustion engines with superchargers face challenges in managing pressure differences between engine cooling and intercooler cooling circuits, leading to increased manufacturing costs and potential coolant flow issues due to large pressure differences and the need for expensive valves to finely control valve openings.
Innovation Solution
A cooling control system that includes an engine cooling circuit and an intercooler cooling circuit connected by coolant inflow and outflow passages, allowing for the mixing of high-temperature and low-temperature coolant to reduce pressure differences and utilize a simple, inexpensive ON/OFF valve for controlling coolant flow between the circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If valves are used to finely control the degree of opening for coolant flow between cooling circuits, then proper coolant flow control is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from valve opening degree (continuous control) to valve on/off state (discrete control). By controlling whether the valve is open or closed rather than adjusting the degree of opening, the system achieves sufficient coolant flow control using a simple, inexpensive valve without requiring complex actuators or control mechanisms.
2Productivity
If large pressure differences exist between cooling circuits, then coolant circulation is maintained, but valve control becomes difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control approach from continuous valve opening adjustment to discrete on/off control. This parameter change simplifies the control system, allowing a simple valve to handle large pressure differences between cooling circuits effectively without requiring complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive valve instead of a complex, expensive valve with fine control capabilities. The simple valve, while less sophisticated, is sufficient for the application and significantly reduces manufacturing costs and system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If expensive valves with fine control capability are used, then precise coolant flow control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control precision requirement from fine continuous adjustment to sufficient discrete control. By accepting on/off control rather than precise degree-of-opening control, the system achieves adequate coolant flow management with a simple valve, eliminating the need for expensive, complex valve mechanisms.
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 configuration effectively reduces pressure differences between the cooling circuits, allowing proper coolant flow and preventing excessive cooling that can lead to condensed water formation, while using a cost-effective valve control method.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling control system including an intercooler cools intake air which has been increased in temperature by being pressurized by the supercharger
Implementation Method 2
the high-temperature system coolant in the engine cooling circuit is caused to flow into the intercooler circuit by opening the first and second valves, whereby the temperature of the low-temperature system coolant is raised
Data Source
AI summary
Out of connection passages connecting the engine cooling circuit and the intercooler cooling circuit, a coolant inflow passage is connected between downstream of a mechanical pump and also upstream of a main radiator of the engine cooling circuit, and downstream of a sub radiator and also upstream of an electric pump of the intercooler cooling circuit, and a coolant outflow passage is connected between downstream of the electric pump and also upstream of the sub radiator of the intercooler cooling circuit, and downstream of the mechanical pump and also upstream of the main radiator of the engine cooling circuit. An inter-cooling circuit valve is provided in the coolant inflow passage.