Engine Oil Pressure Control via Dynamic Relief Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing internal combustion engine lubrication systems face issues with energy inefficiency and reliability due to high oil pressure requirements, which can lead to engine damage or failure from excessive pressure and inadequate lubrication from minimal pressure, and are compromised by the lack of a fail-safe mechanism in electrically operated valves.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication system incorporating a high pressure mechanical relief valve and a pressure controller with a normally closed control valve, which can reduce oil pressure when not needed, ensuring engine safety and efficiency by returning oil to the reservoir, and is mounted externally for accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single pressure relief valve is used to limit maximum oil pressure to a high value, then adequate lubrication is assured in all operating regimes, but the oil pump's energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts oil pressure based on operating conditions by switching between a high-pressure mechanical relief valve and a low-pressure electronic control valve. The electronic valve can be opened to reduce pressure when full pressure is not needed, while the mechanical valve provides a fail-safe high-pressure backup, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining adequate lubrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter dynamically by using two different relief valves with different set pressures. The electronic control valve allows pressure to be reduced below the mechanical valve's set point when operating conditions permit, thereby reducing pump energy consumption while the mechanical valve ensures minimum pressure requirements are met.
2Use of energy by moving object
If an electrically operated valve is used to increase system pressure, then fuel economy improves during reduced load operation, but the valve lacks a fail-safe position
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical relief valve is positioned as a backup safety mechanism that automatically activates if the electronic valve fails. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even if the electronic control fails, the system will not experience catastrophic overpressure, as the mechanical valve provides a fail-safe pressure limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical relief valve acts as an intermediary safety device between the oil pump and the rest of the lubrication system. It provides a passive, fail-safe pressure relief path that operates independently of the electronic control system, ensuring reliability even when electronic controls fail.
3Ease of operation
If unfiltered oil flows through the electrically operated valve, then the valve can control pressure, but foreign matter may cause the valve to stick or wear excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The oil filter is positioned upstream of the electronic control valve, performing preliminary filtration of the oil before it reaches the valve. This preliminary action removes foreign matter that could cause the valve to stick or wear, ensuring reliable valve operation while maintaining the ability to control pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The oil filter serves as an intermediary component between the oil pump and the electronic control valve. It protects the sensitive electronic valve from contamination by trapping foreign particles in the oil, thereby extending valve life and ensuring reliable pressure control.
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 reduces parasitic losses, maintains safe engine oil pressure, and enhances fuel economy by minimizing oil pump work, while protecting the engine from excessive pressure and contamination, ensuring reliable operation across varying regimes.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure relief valve is connected to the distribution network downstream from the oil pump. The pressure relief valve limits oil pressure within the distribution system to a maximum permissible value.
Implementation Method 2
A pressure controller operatively connected with the distribution network downstream from the pressure relief valve selectively controls the pressure within the distribution network to at least one pressure value which is less than the maximum pressure produced by the pressure relief valve.
Data Source
AI summary
A lubricating oil supply system for internal combustion engine includes an oil reservoir and oil pump connected with a lubrication distribution network including a pressure controller which selectively controls the pressure within the distribution network to at least one pressure value that is less than the maximum pressure produced by a pressure relief valve associated with the oil pump.