Thermally Insulated Liquid Coolant Injector for Split-Cycle Engine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid injectors for split-cycle internal combustion engines face challenges in efficiently injecting liquid coolants during compression strokes, leading to overheating and potential over-pressurization, which can result in clogging and reduced engine performance.

Innovation Solution

A thermally insulating liquid coolant injector with a magnetically controlled valve closure mechanism and copper coils embedded in an epoxy resin matrix, which allows precise control of coolant flow and minimizes heat transfer to prevent overheating and over-pressurization, using a thermally insulating housing to limit heat transfer and a magnetic shield to prevent magnetic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional liquid injectors are used to inject coolant during compression strokes, then coolant injection is achieved, but overheating and over-pressurization occur leading to clogging and reduced engine performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoolant temperature controlVSAvoidengine performance

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical valve actuation with a magnetic field-based actuation system. Electromagnetic coils generate magnetic fields that actuate the valve closure member, enabling more precise and rapid control of coolant injection timing and duration, thereby preventing overheating and over-pressurization while maintaining reliable engine performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control of coolant injection parameters including injection timing, duration, and flow rate. By adjusting these parameters in response to real-time engine conditions, the system optimizes temperature control during compression strokes while preventing harmful over-pressurization and clogging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If magnetic field is used to control valve closure member, then precise control of coolant flow is achieved, but magnetic interference may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoolant flow controlVSAvoidmagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic shield as an intermediary element between the electromagnetic coils and the external environment. This shield contains and directs the magnetic field within the injector housing, enabling precise valve control while preventing magnetic interference with surrounding engine components and systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If thermally insulating housing is used to limit heat transfer, then overheating is prevented, but heat transfer necessary for normal operation is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoolant temperatureVSAvoidheat transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies thermal insulation selectively to specific regions of the injector where it is most needed to prevent overheating during coolant storage and injection. The insulation is applied locally rather than uniformly, allowing necessary heat transfer in other areas while preventing harmful overheating in critical zones, thus balancing temperature control with energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 enables quasi-isothermal compression, reduces the risk of over-pressurization, and prevents clogging by controlling coolant flow and temperature, enhancing engine efficiency and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

the driver is configured to generate a magnetic field to move the valve closure member between the first and second positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS11365707B2Injector

Publication Date: 2022.06.21 FPT IND SPA

AI summary

A liquid coolant injector for injecting a liquid coolant into a cylinder of a split cycle engine, wherein the liquid coolant has been condensed into a liquid phase via a refrigeration process, the injector comprising, a thermally insulating housing, a liquid coolant inlet, a liquid coolant outlet in fluid communication with the liquid coolant inlet via a liquid coolant flow path wherein the liquid coolant flow path extends through the thermally insulating housing, the thermally insulating housing configured to inhibit vaporisation of the liquid coolant within the liquid coolant flow path, a valve closure member, moveable between a first position in which the valve closure member blocks the liquid coolant flow path and a second position in which the liquid coolant may flow from the liquid coolant inlet to the liquid coolant outlet, and, a driver operable to move the valve closure member between the first and second position in response to a control signal.