Engine Lubrication Control via Auxiliary Tank Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine lubrication systems face challenges such as oil overpressure leading to engine failure, longer oil warming times, and complex oil regulation, particularly in systems with auxiliary tanks, which are expensive, bulky, and lack flexibility in tank positioning.
Innovation Solution
A method for managing an engine lubrication device using an auxiliary oil tank with solenoid valves controlled by an electronic control unit, which acquires engine functional characteristics, calculates setpoints for valve operation, and actsuates the valves to regulate oil level, pressure, and temperature, allowing for efficient oil circulation and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the volume of oil in the oil pan is increased to extend oil life, then oil life is improved, but oil overpressure risk increases which can cause engine failure
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is divided into two separate tanks: the main oil pan and an auxiliary oil tank. This segmentation allows the total oil volume to be distributed across both tanks, extending oil life without concentrating excessive oil volume in a single location that could cause overpressure. The auxiliary tank serves as an additional reservoir that can be selectively connected to the lubrication circuit.
2Ease of operation
If a dry sump system with two pumps is used to manage oil volume, then oil circulation control is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the oil volume management function from the mechanical pump system and transfers it to an electronic control system. Instead of using two mechanical pumps as in a traditional dry sump system, the patent uses a single pump with electronic control of the auxiliary tank's inlet and outlet solenoid valves to manage oil circulation and volume, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit receives feedback from sensors monitoring oil pressure, temperature, and engine operational state. Based on this feedback, the ECU dynamically controls the solenoid valves to regulate oil flow between the auxiliary tank and the lubrication circuit, optimizing oil circulation without requiring complex mechanical pump systems.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a second auxiliary oil tank is added to increase oil volume, then oil life is extended, but oil warming time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the oil volume in the lubrication circuit based on operational conditions. During cold starts or when rapid warming is needed, the electronic control unit can isolate the auxiliary tank from the circulation circuit, reducing the total oil volume that needs to be heated. When extended oil life is the priority and warming time is less critical, the auxiliary tank is connected to increase total oil volume. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between oil volume and warming time.
4Ease of manufacture
If the auxiliary oil tank is positioned below engine components near the oil pan, then integration is simplified, but positioning flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary oil tank is designed as a multi-functional component that can serve different purposes depending on its position and system configuration. It can be located in various positions around the engine (not limited to below engine components) and can function as an oil reservoir, a thermal management component, or a pressure regulation element. This universality provides positioning flexibility while maintaining ease of integration through standardized mounting interfaces and connections to the lubrication circuit.
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 accelerates oil heating during engine start-ups, limits pressure losses, and facilitates easy emptying of the lubrication device, ensuring optimal engine lubrication and maintenance while avoiding oil overpressure risks.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary oil tank with solenoid valves controlled by an electronic control unit
Implementation Method 2
supplied by a high-pressure oil circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
Method of managing a lubrication device (30) of an engine comprising an oil sump (1), an auxiliary oil reservoir (2) equipped with an inlet solenoid valve (15) and/or an outlet solenoid valve (16) and supplied by a high-pressure oil circuit (101), the management method comprising an acquisition step (E1) of at least one functional characteristic of the engine, a calculation step (E2) of at least one setpoint for opening or closing at least one solenoid valve as a function of at least one functional characteristic of the engine and an actuation step (E3) of at least one solenoid valve as a function of at least one setpoint.