Hydraulic Spool Valve Recirculation for Cam Phaser Fluid Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic fluid consumption in internal combustion engine systems is high due to the need for continuous pressurization and recirculation, which can be inefficient and wasteful, especially in hydraulically actuated components like camshaft phasers.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic fluid control valve with a spool and one-way valve configuration that allows for recirculation of hydraulic fluid between two actuation chambers, reducing the volume of fluid needed by routing excess fluid from one chamber to the other for replenishment, thereby optimizing fluid usage and reducing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic fluid is continuously pressurized and returned to reservoir, then the hydraulic system maintains pressure, but hydraulic fluid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers hydraulic fluid that would otherwise be discarded to the reservoir by capturing it in a storage chamber and redirecting it back to the actuation chamber, thereby maintaining hydraulic pressure while reducing fluid consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve acts as an intermediary device between the actuation chamber and reservoir, intercepting hydraulic fluid flow and redirecting it through a recirculation path back to the actuation chamber, preventing direct disposal to the reservoir
2Quantity of substance
If hydraulic fluid pump size is increased to meet demand, then pressurized fluid availability increases, but power requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation system enables continuous useful action by constantly redirecting used hydraulic fluid back to the actuation chamber, maintaining pressure and fluid availability without requiring a larger pump, thus avoiding increased power consumption
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 configuration enhances the responsiveness of the camshaft phaser to torsional forces while minimizing hydraulic fluid consumption, leading to more efficient operation and reduced pressurized fluid requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A one-way valve can be arranged between a radial outer surface of the spool and a radial inner surface of the housing. The one-way valve can open in a radial direction. The one-way valve can be configured to allow: the hydraulic fluid from the first actuation chamber to flow from the second aperture to the second hydraulic actuation chamber
Implementation Method 2
The spool is disposed at least partially within the longitudinal housing. The spool has a vent aperture, a first aperture, a second aperture, and a third aperture... In a first axial position of the spool: the first aperture is configured to receive hydraulic fluid from the first hydraulic actuation chamber; the second aperture is configured to deliver a portion of the hydraulic fluid from the first hydraulic actuation chamber to the second hydraulic actuation chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic fluid control valve (HFCV) configured to recirculate an exiting hydraulic fluid from a first hydraulic actuation chamber to a second hydraulic actuation chamber is provided. The HFCV includes a selectively movable spool having an inner fluid chamber configured to receive and deliver the exiting hydraulic fluid to one or both of either a sump or one of the first or second hydraulic actuation chambers.