Main Rotary Valve for Engine Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current active thermal management systems for internal combustion engine powertrains are complex and costly, requiring multiple coolant valves and circuits that complicate configuration and calibration, while also not optimizing operating temperatures or reducing emissions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A two-valve, split-layout cooling system with a Main Rotary Valve (MRV) assembly that integrates engine and heat sink management functions into a single control valve, reducing system components and complexity, and allowing for independent cooling of the cylinder head and engine block without modifying existing cooling jackets or radiators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple coolant valves and circuits are used in active thermal management systems, then thermal management capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple coolant valve functions into a single integrated rotary valve assembly. The rotary valve has multiple positions that can direct coolant flow to different destinations (radiator, engine block, cylinder head, transmission, differential) simultaneously or sequentially, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate valves and control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary valve assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a coolant distribution valve, a flow control valve, and a system integration point for both engine and transmission cooling circuits. A single valve body with multiple ports and positions provides universal control over the entire thermal management system.
2Reliability
If multiple coolant valves and circuits are used in active thermal management systems, then thermal management capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple coolant valve functions into a single integrated rotary valve assembly. The rotary valve has multiple positions that can direct coolant flow to different destinations (radiator, engine block, cylinder head, transmission, differential) simultaneously or sequentially, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate valves and control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary valve assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a coolant distribution valve, a flow control valve, and a system integration point for both engine and transmission cooling circuits. A single valve body with multiple ports and positions provides universal control over the entire thermal management system.
3Reliability
If multiple coolant valves and circuits are used in active thermal management systems, then thermal management capability is improved, but calibration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple coolant valve functions into a single integrated rotary valve assembly. The rotary valve has multiple positions that can direct coolant flow to different destinations (radiator, engine block, cylinder head, transmission, differential) simultaneously or sequentially, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate valves and control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary valve assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a coolant distribution valve, a flow control valve, and a system integration point for both engine and transmission cooling circuits. A single valve body with multiple ports and positions provides universal control over the entire thermal management system.
4Temperature
If existing cooling jackets or radiators are modified to achieve independent cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary valve is pre-configured with multiple positions and internal passages that enable independent cooling of the cylinder head and engine block before the system is assembled or put into service. The valve body itself contains the complexity of multiple cooling circuits, allowing the engine block and cylinder head to be manufactured with standard cooling jackets.
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 solution simplifies thermal management, reduces costs and packaging space, ensures optimal operating temperatures, improves combustion efficiency, and decreases emissions and specific consumption, while being adaptable to both gasoline and diesel engines and various transmission types.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic heat exchanger that actively transfers heat energy from a coolant fluid to an ambient fluid
Implementation Method 2
A coolant pump propels the cooling fluid—colloquially known as 'engine coolant'—through coolant passages in the engine block, coolant passages in the transmission case and sump
Implementation Method 3
A heat exchanging radiator cools hot engine coolant by rapidly convecting heat to ambient air
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are two-valve, split-layout engine cooling systems, methods for making and method for operating such cooling systems, engine coolant valve assembly configurations, and vehicles equipped with an active thermal management system for cooling select powertrain components. A disclosed thermal management system includes a radiator for cooling coolant fluid, and a coolant pump for circulating coolant fluid received from the radiator. A set of conduits fluidly connect the coolant pump to an engine block, a cylinder head, and an exhaust manifold. Another set of conduits fluidly connect the engine block, cylinder head, and exhaust manifold to the radiator, coolant pump, and one or more oil heaters. A first valve assembly is operable to regulate coolant flow between the coolant pump and the radiator. A second valve assembly is operable to regulate coolant fluid flow, individually and jointly, between the engine block, cylinder head, exhaust manifold, radiator, coolant pump, and oil heater(s).