Parallel Ventilation Line Configuration for Engine Cylinder Heads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing internal combustion engine venting systems face challenges with rapid ventilation, particularly when filling the cooling system for the first time, due to flow reversal issues in series-connected ventilation lines, which hinder effective air escape from individual cylinder head openings.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a parallel ventilation line configuration, where two branches connect multiple ventilation openings in series but run independently, ensuring air flows out equally from all openings without reversal, and a third branch connects these parallel lines to the tank or environment, facilitating efficient air evacuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single series-connected ventilation line is used to connect all cylinder heads, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ventilation speed becomes insufficient due to flow reversal issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation line configurationVSAvoidventilation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation line is divided into multiple parallel branches (first branch, second branch, third branch) instead of using a single series-connected line. Each branch connects specific cylinder heads independently, allowing air to flow simultaneously through multiple paths without reversal, thereby increasing ventilation speed while maintaining manageable system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ventilation system transitions from a one-dimensional series connection to a multi-dimensional parallel structure. By introducing multiple branches that run in parallel and then converge, the system creates additional flow dimensions that eliminate the flow reversal problem inherent in single-series configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If a parallel ventilation line configuration is implemented to improve ventilation speed, then the ventilation efficiency increases, but the device complexity increases due to additional branches and connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation efficiencyVSAvoidventilation line structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first branch and second branch are merged into a common third branch that connects to the tank. This merging approach allows the system to benefit from parallel ventilation paths while reducing the number of separate components, thereby improving ventilation efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The third branch serves multiple functions: it acts as a common outlet for both the first and second branches, provides a direct connection to the tank, and enables the parallel ventilation configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, balancing the increased ventilation efficiency with controlled system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables significantly improved and rapid ventilation of cylinder heads, ensuring all air escapes properly during initial filling, enhancing the efficiency and speed of the venting process compared to traditional series-connected systems.

Implementation Method 1

The second parallel branch of the ventilation line enables improved ventilation of the cooling system of the cylinder heads, in particular improved quick ventilation... since there is no longer a flow reversal and air flows out equally from all ventilation openings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentEP3550119B1Combustion engine having a venting system
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 LIEBHERR MACHINES BULLE
  • EP3550119B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3550119B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3550119B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present application discloses an internal combustion engine with a venting system for a plurality of components and/or areas of the internal combustion engine, comprising a vent line which connects vent openings of the plurality of components and/or areas to a tank and/or the environment, wherein the vent line has a first branch which connects at least two vent openings in series. It is further provided that the vent line has at least a second branch which is arranged parallel to the first branch in the vent line.