Engine Oil Flow Control With Closed-Loop Pressure Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current engine oil flow regulation systems lack precision in maintaining optimal oil pressure, leading to inefficiencies and potential warnings when pressure falls below a predetermined value, necessitating improved control mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing an engine controller with sensors and a torque motor to determine an oil pressure target based on operating parameters, control oil flow, and adjust it based on closed-loop feedback to maintain optimal pressure, incorporating a pressure valve and sensors for real-time monitoring and adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a predetermined oil pressure value is used with a simple warning indicator, then the system is simple to operate, but the precision of oil pressure regulation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoil pressure regulation precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a closed-loop feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor actual oil pressure and feed this information back to the controller. The controller compares the actual pressure with the target pressure and dynamically adjusts the pressure valve accordingly, achieving precise oil pressure regulation while maintaining reasonable system complexity through automated feedback mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static predetermined pressure value to a dynamic target pressure that adapts to changing engine operating conditions. The controller continuously updates the target oil pressure based on real-time engine parameters, enabling the system to maintain optimal pressure across varying operational states rather than relying on a fixed threshold.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If oil pressure is maintained at a predetermined value, then the control mechanism is simple, but engine efficiency is reduced due to suboptimal oil flow regulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts target oil pressure based on real-time engine operating conditions such as engine speed, load, and temperature. This dynamic adaptation allows the oil pressure to be optimized for each operational state, improving engine efficiency by ensuring appropriate lubrication and cooling under varying conditions rather than maintaining a constant suboptimal pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The closed-loop feedback mechanism continuously monitors actual oil pressure and engine parameters, allowing the controller to make real-time adjustments to the pressure valve. This feedback-driven approach enables the system to achieve optimal engine efficiency by maintaining the precise oil pressure needed for each operating condition while automating the complex control adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If a simple warning indicator is used, then the system requires less maintenance, but oil pressure optimization across various flight phases is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoil pressure optimizationVSAvoidmaintenance requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The control system performs self-adjustment through automated feedback control, continuously optimizing oil pressure without requiring manual intervention or complex maintenance. The electronic controller and sensors work autonomously to maintain optimal pressure across all flight phases, reducing the need for manual system adjustments and improving reliability through consistent automated optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The closed-loop feedback system continuously monitors oil pressure and automatically adjusts the pressure valve to maintain optimal conditions, ensuring reliable oil pressure optimization across varying flight phases. This automated feedback mechanism improves reliability by consistently maintaining optimal pressure while reducing maintenance needs compared to manual adjustment systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 approach enables precise regulation of oil flow, improving engine efficiency, reducing maintenance needs, and optimizing oil consumption across various flight phases, while combining oil regulation and cold start functions for enhanced flexibility and reduced parts maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

a torque motor coupled to the pressure valve for controlling the pressure valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11371436B2Method and system for regulating oil flow to an engine
Publication Date: 2022.06.28 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP
  • US11371436B2 patent drawing
  • US11371436B2 patent drawing
  • US11371436B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for regulating oil flow to an engine are described herein. An oil pressure target for the engine is determined based on one or more engine operating parameters. Oil flow to the engine is controlled based on the oil pressure target. Closed-loop feedback of oil pressure of the engine is obtained from at least one sensor during the controlling of the oil flow to the engine. A pressure difference between the oil pressure target and the closed-loop feedback of the oil pressure of the engine is determined. The oil flow to the engine is adjusted based on the pressure difference.