Bi-directional Fluidic PCV Valve Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional PCV systems face issues with clogging and sticking due to moving parts, particularly in turbocharged engines, leading to inefficient gas flow control and potential engine damage.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional fluidic-equipped PCV valve assembly with no moving parts, utilizing fluidic geometry to switch between high and low flow modes based on pressure, featuring radial and tangential flow paths to manage gas flow effectively in both directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional PCV valves with moving parts are used, then gas flow control is achieved, but clogging and sticking occur leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical PCV valve system with a fluidic PCV valve assembly that uses fluid dynamics principles instead of mechanical moving parts. The fluidic geometry creates variable flow resistance through radial and tangential flow paths controlled by pressure differentials, eliminating pistons, springs, and other mechanical components that cause clogging and sticking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using gas pressure differentials to control flow through the fluidic geometry. The radial flow path allows high flow rates when pressure differential is high, while the tangential flow path provides low flow rates when pressure differential is low, creating automatic flow control without mechanical actuators.
2Duration of action of moving object
If PCV valve controls gas flow, then engine performance is maintained, but moving parts wear out and fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical wearing parts by substituting them with a stationary fluidic geometry. The flow control function is achieved through fixed radial and tangential passages that direct gas flow based on pressure conditions, removing pistons, seals, and springs that would otherwise wear and fail over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes all moving parts from the PCV valve assembly, retaining only the stationary fluidic body with radially and tangentially oriented flow paths. This extraction of mechanical components eliminates the source of wear and failure while maintaining the essential flow control function.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple vent tube is used, then gas venting is achieved, but oil and gases escape to atmosphere causing environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple passive vent tube with a fluidic PCV valve assembly that actively controls flow direction and rate. The fluidic geometry with radial and tangential paths regulates crankcase gases to be directed to the engine intake rather than allowing uncontrolled escape to the atmosphere, reducing emissions while maintaining system simplicity.
4Productivity
If PCV valve restricts flow, then gas flow control is achieved, but clogging occurs reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure differentials to dynamically control flow through the fluidic geometry. The radial flow path provides high flow rates when pressure differential is high, while the tangential flow path provides restricted flow when pressure differential is low, achieving flow control without mechanical restriction that causes clogging.
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 solution provides reliable, durable gas flow control with reduced risk of clogging and sticking, ensuring efficient engine performance by maintaining high flow rates in one direction and low flow rates in the opposite, without wearing out or failing.
Implementation Method 1
The fluidic geometry may include a swirl flow generating geometry defined to attach a fluid jet to a curved surface in accordance with the Coanda effect
Implementation Method 2
A first power nozzle and a second power nozzle may be tangentially aligned with a perimeter of the vortex chamber such that the power nozzles generate a vortex flow in the vortex chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a bi-directional PCV valve assembly, system and method. The bi-directional PCV valve may include a fluidic geometry that allows for a flow of fluid a high flow rate in one direction, forward flow, and a low flow rate in the opposite direction, reverse flow. The reverse flow includes a swirling flow that increases the pressure drop and reduces the flow rate to a third of the flow rate of the forward flow. The disclosed assembly produces a strong swirling flow (vortex) in the reverse direction and an efficient (low pressure drop) flow in the forward direction.