Engine Oil Pressure Regulator With Recirculation Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure regulators in internal combustion engines perform unsatisfactorily due to pulsed outlet flow from the oil pump, leading to uncontrolled cycling, excessive noise, premature wear of the regulator spring, and oil pressure instability.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow control device with a first chamber that opens in response to excessive fluid pressure, allowing fluid to recirculate from the outlet side of the pump back to the suction side, and featuring elongated apertures for controlled fluid flow, thereby smoothing pulsed output and reducing oscillations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pressure regulator is used to control oil pressure, then pressure regulation function is provided, but uncontrolled cycling occurs due to pulsed outlet flow from the pump
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator is positioned upstream of the pump inlet, allowing it to regulate pressure before the fluid enters the pump. This preliminary pressure regulation prevents the pump from experiencing excessive pressure fluctuations, thereby eliminating uncontrolled cycling and improving overall system stability
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure regulator acts as an intermediary component between the oil source and the pump, mediating the pressure conditions. By controlling the pressure upstream, it buffers the pump from direct exposure to pulsed flow conditions, ensuring stable operation
2Stress or pressure
If the pressure regulator opens to discharge oil, then pressure is relieved, but large changes in oil pressure cause excessive noise
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator opens upstream of the pump to relieve pressure before it can build to excessive levels. This prevents sudden pressure discharge and associated noise by maintaining pressure within acceptable ranges continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator converts the potentially harmful effect of pressure buildup into a beneficial continuous pressure management system. By opening upstream, it transforms what would be sudden noisy discharge events into controlled, quiet pressure regulation
3Ease of operation
If the pressure regulator opens and closes rapidly, then pressure control is attempted, but rapid oscillations in oil flow lead to instability
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the regulator upstream, pressure control actions are taken in advance before fluctuations can propagate through the system. This prevents the formation of rapid oscillations and maintains stable oil flow to the pump
Solution Approach 2:
The upstream positioning creates a feedback mechanism where pressure conditions are regulated before affecting downstream components. This feedback loop prevents oscillations from developing, as the regulator responds to pressure changes before they amplify into unstable flow conditions
4Reliability
If the pressure regulator operates under pulsed flow conditions, then pressure regulation is attempted, but premature wear of the regulator spring occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator operates upstream under more stable pressure conditions, taking preliminary pressure control actions before pulsed flow conditions from the pump affect the system. This reduces the mechanical stress and cycling frequency on the regulator spring, extending its service life
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 effectively regulates fluid flow, reducing oscillations and stabilizing oil pressure, thus minimizing noise and prolonging the lifespan of the pressure regulator components.
Implementation Method 1
a spring loaded valve member in the first end opening that is configured to crack open in response to the outlet pressure of the fluid from pump exceeding a predetermined threshold
Implementation Method 2
The aperture(s) allow fluid in the chamber to flow to an inlet side of the pump
Data Source
AI summary
A lubrication system for an internal combustion engine includes a fluid flow control device at the outlet side of the pump that regulates pressure conditions at the outlet side of the pump upstream of the lubrication circuit in the engine. The fluid flow control device includes a chamber that is opened in response a fluid pressure exceeding a threshold to allow the fluid to pass from the outlet side of the pump back to the inlet side of the pump. The fluid flow control device also includes at least one elongated aperture in communication with the chamber for receiving fluid fed from the chamber and allowing the fluid in the chamber to flow to the inlet side of the pump.