Hydraulic Intake Valve Control for Engine Airflow Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling intake valves in internal combustion engines fail to optimize airflow for high efficiency and low pollutant emissions across a wide range of engine torque magnitudes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using an electronic controller to manage a hydraulic system that operates intake valves in multiple modes, adjusting valve lifting and timing to optimize airflow patterns, including tumble and swirl motions, based on engine torque requirements, with independent control of multiple intake valves within a combustion chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single mode of intake valve control is used, then the system is simple to operate, but airflow cannot be optimized for different torque requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of intake valves by enabling the controller to switch between multiple operational modes (first mode with both valves actuated, second mode with only first valve actuated, third mode with asymmetric actuation) based on real-time engine torque requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize airflow patterns for different operating conditions without requiring a completely different control system for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into distinct operational modes that can be independently selected. The first and second intake valves can be controlled independently, allowing the system to selectively actuate only the necessary valve(s) based on torque requirements. This segmentation enables flexible adaptation to different operating conditions while maintaining a unified control architecture.
2Productivity
If multiple intake valves are always actuated, then airflow into combustion chamber is maximized, but combustion stability deteriorates at low loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively actuating only the first intake valve (leaving the second valve closed) during low-torque operating conditions. This partial actuation provides sufficient airflow for stable combustion at low loads without the excessive airflow that would destabilize combustion. The controller dynamically adjusts the degree of valve actuation based on actual torque requirements, applying full action (both valves) only when high productivity is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between different valve actuation states based on real-time torque sensing. At low loads, only the first valve is actuated to maintain stable combustion; at high loads, both valves are actuated to maximize air intake and productivity. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal combustion stability across the entire operating range.
3Power
If intake valve lifting is varied for torque requirements, then engine performance improves, but airflow pattern optimization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the airflow control function by providing separate control paths for the first and second intake valves. This segmentation enables the system to create different airflow patterns (tumble, swirl, or combined) by selectively actuating different valve combinations. The controller can independently adjust lifting of each valve to optimize airflow patterns for various torque requirements, combining power optimization with airflow pattern control.
Solution Approach 2:
The intake valve control system is designed with multi-functionality, where the same valve train and actuation mechanism can produce multiple airflow patterns (tumble motion, swirl motion, or combinations) depending on which valves are actuated and how they are lifted. This universal control approach allows the system to optimize both engine torque and airflow patterns using a single integrated system rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
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 efficient and stable combustion over a wide range of engine loads by optimizing airflow patterns, reducing fuel loss and improving engine performance while maintaining smooth power delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic system configured to hydraulically actuate a first intake valve and a second intake valve
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (201) and method for controlling intake valves (23) in an internal combustion engine (5), as well as an internal combustion engine and a vehicle comprising the apparatus, and an electronic processor for performing the method is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a hydraulic system (3) configured to hydraulically actuate a first intake valve (23a) and a second intake valve (23b) of a first combustion chamber (25) of an internal combustion engine (5). The apparatus also includes a controller (9) configured to control the hydraulic system (3) in at least a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, the controller (9) is configured to control the hydraulic system (3) to cause lifting of the first and second intake valves (23a, 23b) of the first combustion chamber (25) during each intake stroke of a respective cylinder piston (27). In the second mode of operation, the controller (9) is configured to control the hydraulic system (3) to cause lifting of the first intake valve (23a) of the first combustion chamber (25) during an intake stroke of the respective cylinder piston (27) and disable actuation of the second intake valve (23b) of the first combustion chamber (25) during that intake stroke.