Parallel Check Valve for Fast Hydraulic Filling in Variable Valve Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable valve actuation systems for internal combustion engines face challenges in rapidly and completely filling the high pressure side, especially during cold startup conditions, due to limited passage areas and high oil viscosity, leading to incomplete pressurization and potential mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a high pressure check valve in parallel with the solenoid valve to increase the passage area for fluid flow, allowing oil to flow from the tank to the pressurized fluid chamber, thereby enhancing the filling process of the high pressure side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a single solenoid valve is used to control fluid flow to the pressurized fluid chamber, then the system structure remains simple, but the passage area is limited and filling speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a solenoid valve and a check valve into a parallel configuration to control fluid flow to the pressurized fluid chamber. This merging of two valve types creates a composite valve assembly that provides both a controllable path (through the solenoid valve) and a free-flow path (through the check valve), thereby increasing the total passage area and filling speed without requiring an overly complex system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid control function is segmented into two separate valve paths: one path through the solenoid valve for controlled flow, and another path through the check valve for unrestricted flow. This segmentation allows each valve to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing superior filling performance compared to a single valve system.
2Loss of time
If the passage area is increased to improve filling speed, then the filling time is reduced, but the valve size and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the solenoid valve and check valve in parallel, the system achieves a larger effective passage area without proportionally increasing overall valve assembly complexity. The check valve provides a simple, passive flow path that complements the active solenoid valve control, creating an efficient dual-path configuration that reduces pressurization time.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve acts as an intermediary element that provides a supplemental flow path. During the filling phase, when the solenoid valve is open, the check valve allows additional fluid to flow freely into the pressurized chamber, effectively mediating the flow augmentation without requiring complex control mechanisms.
3Quantity of substance
If the solenoid valve passage area is increased to improve filling, then the valve dimensions increase, but the system response time and compactness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow capacity is segmented across two separate valve paths rather than requiring a single large-valve passage. The solenoid valve maintains its compact, controllable dimensions while the check valve provides an additional flow path, collectively achieving the required fluid quantity without increasing individual valve dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the passage area within a single valve (one-dimensional approach), the system adds another flow dimension by introducing a parallel valve path. This dimensional approach to flow capacity allows the system to handle larger fluid quantities without increasing the footprint or dimensions of individual valve components.
4Reliability
If the system uses a single valve for both control and filling, then the system remains simple, but incomplete pressurization occurs during cold startup
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the solenoid valve (for controlled operation) and the check valve (for free-flow supplementation) into a unified valve assembly. This combination ensures complete and reliable pressurization during cold startup conditions by providing both controlled and unrestricted flow paths, eliminating the incomplete pressurization issue that occurs with single-valve systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve is pre-configured as a backup flow path that activates when additional flow is needed. During cold startup or high-demand conditions, the check valve provides beforehand cushioning by allowing extra fluid to flow into the pressurized chamber, ensuring that pressurization completeness is maintained even when the solenoid valve alone would be insufficient.
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 configuration ensures rapid and complete filling of the high pressure side, reducing the time needed for pressurization and minimizing mechanical stress on system components, even in cold conditions, thereby improving engine startup efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a check valve hydraulically connected between said first tank and said pressurized fluid chamber, said check valve being adapted to allow a fluid flow only out of said first tank towards said pressurized fluid chamber
Implementation Method 2
a solenoid valve hydraulically connected to said pressurized fluid chamber and to said actuator, said solenoid valve being adapted to set a hydraulic connection of said pressurized fluid chamber and of said actuator with an exhaust environment
Implementation Method 3
a hydraulic accumulator, hydraulically connected to said first tank
Implementation Method 4
a hydraulic supply line of said tank, connected thereto, and having a first check valve adapted to allow a fluid flow towards said tank only
Data Source
AI summary
An electronically controlled hydraulic system for variable actuation of the valves of an internal combustion engine is constructed for fast filling of the high pressure side of the system.