Engine Startup Bypass for Faster Fumigation Engine Cranking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fumigation type internal combustion engines experience delayed engine starting due to the pressurized air-fuel mixture traveling through a compressor flow path, intake throttle, and charge air cooler before reaching the intake manifold, necessitating longer cranking times and requiring additional components like electric compressors and larger batteries for faster startup.

Innovation Solution

A bypass flow path is introduced that directly connects the air-fuel mixer to the intake manifold, bypassing the compressor, with a controllable valve to facilitate direct delivery of the air-fuel mixture during startup, and a controller to manage the flow paths and air-fuel ratio for rapid engine startup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the engine control module commands the fuel injection system to inject fuel during the startup bypass mode, then the engine can start more reliably under various conditions, but harmful emissions increase due to unburned fuel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine startup reliabilityVSAvoidharmful emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fuel injection function during startup bypass mode by commanding the fuel injection system to inject fuel directly into the combustion chamber, separating this function from the normal air intake path. This allows the engine to start reliably while managing emissions through the bypass valve control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the air intake system by opening the bypass valve to create a direct path from the throttle body to the combustion chamber, bypassing the normal intake manifold. This parameter change enables fuel injection during startup while controlling the flow characteristics to manage emissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the bypass valve remains open during engine operation, then the engine can start successfully, but the air-fuel mixture becomes unbalanced during normal operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine startup successVSAvoidair-fuel mixture balance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the bypass valve, transitioning it from a static open position during startup to a closed or partially closed position during normal operation. The valve responds to engine operating conditions, automatically adjusting the bypass flow to maintain proper air-fuel mixture balance while ensuring successful startup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass valve is opened in advance during the startup sequence to establish the necessary flow path before fuel injection begins. This preliminary action ensures the engine can start successfully, and the valve is subsequently closed or adjusted once the engine is running to restore proper air-fuel mixture balance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the throttle plate is closed during startup bypass mode, then emissions are reduced by preventing excess air intake, but the air-fuel mixture becomes too rich

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemissions reductionVSAvoidair-fuel mixture ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the air intake system into two separate paths: the normal intake path through the throttle plate and the bypass path from the throttle body directly to the combustion chamber. During startup bypass mode, the throttle plate remains closed while the bypass path is opened, allowing controlled air intake through the bypass valve to maintain proper air-fuel mixture ratio while still reducing overall emissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4085186B1Method and apparatus for engine startup
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 CUMMINS INC
  • EP4085186B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4085186B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4085186B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C

AI summary

Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for providing reduced engine start times for a fumigation type internal combustion engine. A bypass is provided that directly connects the air-fuel mixer upstream of the compressor to the intake manifold, providing the air-fuel mixture to the intake manifold during engine startup.