Oil Agitation Device for Engine Lubrication Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internal combustion engine lubrication systems face challenges in maintaining optimal oil temperature during cold starts, leading to increased component wear and degradation due to high viscosity, which can be exacerbated by the energy consumption and limited lifespan of electric heaters used for heating.

Innovation Solution

An oil agitation device is positioned downstream of the oil pump in the lubrication circuit to increase turbulence and heat the oil, reducing the likelihood of under-temperature conditions by converting kinetic energy into heat, thereby reducing friction losses and extending component longevity without consuming additional fuel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If electric heaters are integrated into oil pans to heat oil during cold starts, then oil temperature is increased and viscosity is reduced, but energy consumption from the vehicle's battery increases and the heater has a limited lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil temperatureVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the engine's own operation to heat the oil through natural convection and agitation, eliminating the need for external heating devices. The oil is heated by the engine components themselves during normal operation, making the system self-sufficient without additional energy consumption from the battery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electric heating system with a mechanical agitation system that uses the engine's motion to circulate and heat the oil. The mechanical energy from engine operation is converted into thermal energy through agitation, substituting the electric heater with a mechanically-driven heating approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If electric heaters are used to heat oil during cold starts, then component wear is reduced, but the heater has a limited lifespan due to oil degrading various parts of the heater

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent longevityVSAvoidheater lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system eliminates the heater component entirely by using the engine's own operational characteristics to heat the oil. The engine components themselves serve as the heating source, removing the vulnerable heater element that would be exposed to degrading oil.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes the electric heater from the system, extracting the problematic component that has limited lifespan. The heating function is achieved through alternative means that do not involve a separate heater element exposed to the oil environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Temperature

If heat exchangers are integrated into lubrication circuits to remove heat, then over-temperature conditions are avoided, but the system cannot effectively heat oil during cold starts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil temperature controlVSAvoidtemperature regulation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts its temperature control approach based on operating conditions. During cold starts, the system allows natural heating to occur, while during normal operation, the heat exchanger can be activated to prevent overheating. The agitation device operates selectively to provide heating when needed without interfering with cooling functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The oil agitation device is activated periodically or conditionally based on temperature requirements. During cold starts or when oil temperature is low, the agitation device is activated to promote heating. When the engine is operating normally and cooling is required, the agitation device can be deactivated, allowing the heat exchanger to function effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 method effectively reduces component wear and degradation by maintaining optimal oil viscosity during cold starts, enhancing engine efficiency and extending component lifespan while avoiding the energy consumption and limitations of electric heaters.

Implementation Method 1

operating an oil agitation device to increase the turbulence of oil in the lubrication circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTurbulence heating: Turbulence Heating

Implementation Method 2

increase the turbulence of oil... thereby heating the oil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscous heating: Viscous Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9951664B2Method for heating the engine oil of an internal combustion engine and internal combustion engine for performing such a method

Publication Date: 2018.04.24 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A method for operation of a lubrication circuit in an internal combustion engine is provided herein. The method comprises during a first operating condition, operating an oil agitation device to increase the turbulence of oil in the lubrication circuit, the oil agitation device positioned downstream of an oil pump in a supply line in fluidic communication with a lubricant receiving component.