Intake Throttle and EGR Closure Flap to Prevent Condensate Freezing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for internal combustion engines face issues with condensate formation on the control body during cold start phases, leading to potential freezing and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a control body featuring an opening area and a flow guide body that directs airflow to prevent condensate formation, utilizing a first flap to throttle the suction channel and a second flap to close the exhaust gas recirculation channel, creating an insulating air layer to prevent contact between hot exhaust gas and the control body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control element closes the exhaust gas recirculation channel in the second end position, then exhaust gas recirculation is achieved, but condensate forms on the control element due to contact between hot exhaust gas and cold control surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary airflow that flows through the opening area and along the rear side of the control element. This airflow acts as a mediator between the hot exhaust gas and the cold control element, creating a thermal barrier that prevents direct contact and subsequent condensate formation, while still allowing the control element to perform its exhaust gas recirculation function
2Ease of operation
If the control element is positioned to throttle the intake channel, then air intake control is achieved, but the control element remains exposed to cold temperatures promoting condensate formation
Solution Approach 1:
The opening area serves as an intermediary structure that redirects airflow to flow along the rear side of the control element. This creates a protective airflow layer that insulates the control element from cold temperatures during intake throttling, preventing condensate formation while maintaining effective intake control
3Reliability
If the control element is completely rotated out of the flow path in the second end position, then exhaust gas recirculation channel closure is achieved, but condensate may accumulate on the control element surface
Solution Approach 1:
The opening area positioned upstream of the exhaust gas recirculation channel outlet creates a continuous airflow path that follows the control element even when rotated out of the main flow path. This intermediary airflow prevents stagnation and condensate accumulation on the control element surface while maintaining complete closure of the exhaust gas recirculation channel
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
Effectively prevents condensate formation on the control body, ensuring continuous operation and avoiding damage to the compressor by maintaining an insulating air layer and ensuring unhindered airflow.
Implementation Method 1
an airflow passing through the opening area can be directed towards a downstream surface of the first flap
Implementation Method 2
The flow guide element facilitates a targeted flow onto the side of the first flap facing the exhaust gas recirculation duct in the second end position... This improves the formation of an insulating air layer at the first flap, thus preventing condensation
Implementation Method 3
This creates a flow along the control element, also along the side facing the exhaust gas recirculation channel in the second end position. This flow along the control element generates an insulating air layer that prevents contact between the exhaust gas and the potentially cold control element. This prevents condensation of water from the hot exhaust gas on the control element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a control device for an internal combustion engine, comprising an intake duct (12), an exhaust gas recirculation duct (16) that runs into the intake duct (12), a housing (10) in which the intake duct (12) and at least an orifice (14) of the exhaust gas recirculation duct (16) are formed, and a shaft (36) which acts as an rotary shaft (38) and is located upstream of the orifice (14) of the exhaust gas recirculation duct (16) in the housing (10) in relation to the direction of the air flow and perpendicularly to the central axes (34, 35) of the intake duct (12) and of the exhaust gas recirculation duct (16). The control device further comprises a control element (42) that is mounted on the shaft (36), the shaft (36) enabling the control element (42) to rotate inside the intake duct (12); the control element (42) at least restricts the intake duct (12) in a first end position, while resting against a valve seat (106) in a second end position in which the control element (42) closes the exhaust gas recirculation duct (16). The control element (42) has an open portion (52) which, in the direction of flow, is located at least in part upstream of the orifice (14) of the exhaust gas recirculation duct (16) in the second end position of the control element (42), while being located within the intake duct (12) in the first end position.