Engine Oil Bypass Valve for Rapid Pressure Buildup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles face engine wear due to inadequate lubrication during intermittent internal combustion engine use and cold starts, as the engine oil takes time to properly lubricate the engine, leading to excess wear during high-performance maneuvers and when the engine is cold.
Innovation Solution
An engine oil system with a first and second by-pass conduit and valve configuration that allows oil to bypass the oil cooler and potentially other components, reducing the time to reach desired oil pressure by controlling the by-pass valve states based on temperature, pressure, elapsed time, torque, and other parameters to ensure quicker lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If oil passes through the oil cooler, then the oil is cooled down, but the time to reach desired oil pressure increases due to large pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes using a by-pass valve: Mode 1 (valve closed) directs oil through the cooler for temperature control during normal operation; Mode 2 (valve open) bypasses the cooler to rapidly build oil pressure during cold starts or high-performance maneuvers. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by adapting the oil flow path to the specific operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow resistance parameter by switching the by-pass valve state. When the valve is closed, the system experiences high flow resistance through the cooler (good for cooling). When the valve is open, flow resistance is reduced (good for rapid pressure buildup). This parameter change allows the system to optimize between cooling efficiency and pressure response time.
2Productivity
If the internal combustion engine remains stationary for periods of time, then the vehicle can run on the electric engine, but the engine is not properly lubricated when needed leading to excess wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by rapidly building up oil pressure through the by-pass mode before the engine needs high-performance operation. During cold starts or after prolonged idle, the by-pass valve opens to quickly circulate oil and establish proper lubrication pressure, ensuring the engine is ready for immediate high-performance maneuvers without excessive wear.
3Loss of time
If the by-pass valve is open allowing oil to bypass the oil cooler, then the time to reach desired oil pressure is reduced, but the oil is not cooled down
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the oil flow path based on operational needs. The control system monitors engine conditions and switches between by-pass mode (for rapid pressure buildup) and cooler mode (for temperature control), resolving the contradiction by applying the appropriate flow configuration at the appropriate time.
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 by-pass conduit and valve system reduces the time to achieve oil pressure, preventing engine wear by ensuring quicker lubrication during high-performance maneuvers and cold starts, applicable to various internal combustion engines.
Implementation Method 1
the oil cooler as well as some other components delay the time-to-oil-pressure due to that there is a large pressure drop when the oil passes the oil cooler
Data Source
AI summary
An engine oil system according to the disclosure comprises an oil pump connected to an oil sump, an oil cooler connected to the oil pump and an oil filter. The oil filter is connected to an engine. The engine oil system further comprises a first by-pass conduit connected to the oil pump and which is arranged to be connected to a component of the engine oil system other than the oil cooler. The first by-pass conduit comprises a first by-pass valve, wherein, in a first mode, the first by-pass valve is in an open state allowing oil to by-pass the oil cooler, and wherein, in a second mode, the first by-pass valve is in a closed state directing the oil through the oil cooler. The disclosure also relates to a vehicle comprising an engine oil system.