Auxiliary Oil Pump Heating Through Flow Restriction and Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines, particularly hybrid engines, face challenges in maintaining optimal oil temperature for efficient lubrication and fuel efficiency due to lower heat generation, leading to potential damage from conventional heating methods that can burn the oil or heat it too slowly.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing an auxiliary pump and conduit with a fluid restrictor to heat engine oil by pumping a portion of the oil through the conduit, where friction between the oil and pump components raises the temperature of a second portion of the oil, reducing viscosity and improving lubrication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional heater (heating rod or plug) is used to heat the oil, then the heating method is simple and cost effective, but the heater may cause the oil to burn when in contact, damaging the oil composition and creating a fire hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses water as an intermediary substance in a secondary circuit to transfer heat to the oil in the primary circuit, avoiding direct contact between the heater and oil. The water-based heating system acts as a mediator that safely transfers thermal energy without the risk of burning the oil.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct thermal contact heating system (heating rod/plug) with a fluid-based heat transfer system using water and oil circuits. This substitution eliminates the mechanical/thermal contact that causes oil burning while maintaining heating functionality through fluid-mediated heat transfer.
2Device complexity
If a conventional heater is used to heat the oil, then the structure is simple, but the heating process is slow and cannot raise oil temperature in a reasonable period of time
Solution Approach 1:
The water in the secondary circuit serves as an efficient heat transfer medium that can quickly absorb and transfer thermal energy to the oil. This intermediary fluid system enables faster heating rates compared to direct heating rods, as water has high specific heat capacity and efficient thermal conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic system using water circulation to transfer heat. The water-based heating circuit leverages fluid dynamics and thermal properties of water to achieve rapid and efficient heat transfer to the oil, significantly improving heating speed over solid heating elements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If hybrid engines are designed to be efficient and generate less heat, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the oil temperature does not reach the level needed for efficient engine operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary heating system that actively heats the oil before the engine reaches operating temperature. The water-based heating circuit pre-heats the oil in advance, ensuring that when the engine starts, the oil is already at the necessary temperature for efficient operation, compensating for the hybrid engine's reduced heat generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the engine's own water circulation system to provide heat for oil heating, creating a self-service heating mechanism. The water circuit, which is already part of the engine's thermal management system, is utilized to heat the oil, turning an existing system into a dual-purpose solution that maintains fuel efficiency while ensuring proper oil temperature.
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 enhances fuel efficiency by quickly reducing oil viscosity, reducing the engine's energy demand for pumping oil, and minimizing the risk of oil damage, while maintaining optimal operating temperatures for the engine's moving parts.
Implementation Method 1
The second portion of the fluid is heated due to friction between the second portion of the fluid and the auxiliary pump
Implementation Method 2
The aperture restricts the flow of the first portion of the fluid in the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for heating a fluid such as engine oil includes an auxiliary pump, a conduit connected to the auxiliary pump and provides fluid communication from the auxiliary pump and an aperture in the conduit. In use the auxiliary pump contains the fluid. A first portion of the fluid is pumped into the conduit by the auxiliary pump and a second portion of the fluid remains in the auxiliary pump. The aperture restricts the flow of the first portion of the fluid in the conduit. The second portion of the fluid is heated due to friction between the second portion of the fluid and the pump. There is also described a method of heating a fluid.