Engine Oil Pressure Regulator With Progressive Recirculation Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure regulators in internal combustion engines suffer from unsatisfactory performance due to pulsed outlet flow causing uncontrolled cycling, excessive noise, premature wear, and oil pressure instability, primarily due to large pressure changes.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow control device with an elongated body and a spring-loaded plunger that opens when pressure exceeds a threshold, allowing fluid to recirculate back to the pump inlet through elongated apertures, smoothing pulsed output flow and reducing oscillations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a conventional pressure regulator is used to limit excessive pressure, then pressure control function is provided, but uncontrolled cycling occurs due to large pressure changes when the regulator opens
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator valve is segmented into multiple functional zones along its length, with different aperture sections (first, second, and third apertures) that open at different pressures. This segmentation allows progressive pressure relief, preventing sudden large pressure changes that cause cycling instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve operates dynamically by progressively opening different aperture sections based on pressure conditions. The first aperture opens at a higher pressure threshold, while second and third apertures open at lower thresholds, creating a dynamic, adaptive pressure control system that responds smoothly to pressure variations.
2Stress or pressure
If the pressure regulator opens to discharge oil, then pressure is relieved, but excessive noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief function is segmented across multiple aperture sections that open at different pressure thresholds. This distributes the pressure relief action over time and pressure ranges, preventing sudden large-volume discharge that generates excessive noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve provides periodic, controlled pressure relief through sequentially opening aperture sections. This creates a more gradual and less turbulent flow discharge compared to sudden full opening, thereby reducing noise generation during pressure relief operations.
3Speed
If the pressure regulator opens and closes rapidly, then pressure control response is fast, but premature wear of the regulator spring occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The valve's pressure control action is segmented into multiple stages with different aperture sections opening at different pressure thresholds. This segmentation smooths the valve's operation, reducing the frequency and intensity of full open-close cycles, thereby extending spring lifespan while maintaining responsive pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve provides dynamic, progressive opening of aperture sections based on pressure conditions. This creates a more gradual and less violent operational cycle compared to sudden full opening and closing, reducing mechanical stress on the spring and extending its service life.
4Stress or pressure
If conventional pressure regulators are used, then basic pressure control is achieved, but rapid oscillations in oil flow occur leading to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control function is segmented across multiple aperture sections that open at different pressure thresholds. This creates a progressive, multi-stage pressure relief mechanism that smooths oil flow variations and eliminates rapid oscillations, ensuring stable oil flow and pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve implements periodic, controlled opening of different aperture sections in response to pressure conditions. This creates a more gradual and stable pressure control action that prevents rapid flow oscillations and maintains consistent oil flow through the lubrication system.
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 device stabilizes oil pressure by progressively opening and closing the recirculation path, reducing noise and wear, and eliminating the need for separate bypass valves and pressure relief valves.
Implementation Method 1
a spring loaded plunger at a 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
a spring loaded plunger at a first end opening
Implementation Method 3
The device stabilizes oil pressure by progressively opening and closing the recirculation path
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2
Figure 3
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.