Particle Separator Valve Element Radial Spring Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil separators in internal combustion engines face limitations in response characteristic and adjustability due to limited spring travel, which restricts the precision of gas through-flow adjustment without increasing the axial dimension.
Innovation Solution
A particle separator device with a movable valve element and valve seat that allows for adjustable flow passage opening, utilizing a spring mechanism to enhance displacement and adjustability while maintaining a compact design, allowing for optimized gas through-flow and particle separation without increasing the device's axial dimension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring mechanism is used to actuate the valve element, then the response characteristic and adjustability of gas through-flow can be improved, but the axial dimension of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension by positioning the spring laterally adjacent to the valve element rather than axially behind it. The spring acts radially on the valve element to move it axially, effectively converting radial force into axial motion. This dimensional transformation allows the spring mechanism to function without increasing the axial length of the device, resolving the contradiction between improved response characteristic and maintained compact axial dimension.
2Measurement precision
If the spring travel is increased to improve adjustment precision, then the gas through-flow adjustment precision is enhanced, but the axial dimension of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves extended adjustment precision without increasing axial dimension by utilizing radial spring travel. The spring is positioned to travel radially, and this radial displacement is converted into axial movement of the valve element through the mechanical interface. This allows the valve element to achieve precise axial positioning with a compact axial footprint, resolving the contradiction between adjustment precision and axial compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve element acts as an intermediary that converts radial spring motion into axial valve opening motion. The spring does not directly travel axially but instead uses radial displacement that is transformed into axial movement through its interaction with the valve element geometry. This intermediary mechanism enables precise adjustment while maintaining a compact axial dimension.
3Ease of operation
If a deflection regulator with spring pretension is used, then the oil separation function can be realized, but the response characteristic is limited due to limited spring travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the spring from an axial arrangement to a radial arrangement, allowing the spring to exert force and travel radially rather than axially. This radial positioning enables the spring to achieve greater effective travel and faster response characteristics without being constrained by the limited axial space available in the separator housing. The spring's radial motion is converted to axial valve element movement, improving response characteristic while maintaining compact axial dimension.
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 enables improved response characteristic and precision adjustment of gas through-flow, enhancing the separation efficiency of particles like oil, water, and soot, while maintaining a compact design, thus addressing the limitations of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
A particle separator device with a movable valve element and valve seat that allows for adjustable flow passage opening, utilizing a spring mechanism to enhance displacement and adjustability
Implementation Method 2
passive separators utilize the kinetic energy of the gas flow. In this case, the particles are conveyed, for example, through a labyrinth or a cyclone such that they can be separated from the gas flow due to their mass inertia
Implementation Method 3
passive separators utilize the kinetic energy of the gas flow. In this case, the particles are conveyed, for example, through a labyrinth or a cyclone
Data Source
AI summary
A device separates particles such as oil particles from a gas flow, from a blow-by gas of a crankcase ventilation, in an internal combustion engine. The device includes a valve seat that defines a flow passage opening and a movable valve element that can be displaced between a closed position, in which the valve element is in abutting contact with the valve seat and the abutting contact defines an axial abutting point, and at least one open position, in which the valve element is moved from the axial abutting point in an axial actuating direction. The movable valve element has a rotationally symmetrical bowl upstream of the gas flow, and a base of the bowl axially protrudes past the abutting point opposite to the axial actuating direction.