Centrifugal Separator in Engine Shaft for PCV Oil Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Positive crankcase ventilation systems face challenges in efficiently separating oil particles from gases to reduce engine emissions and oil consumption, as existing filters can become clogged and are prone to icing in cold climates.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal separator is integrated within a shaft member of the engine, using rotational motion to separate oil particles from gases, with a hollow tube member dividing the cavity into regions for oil drainage and gas recirculation, effectively managing oil separation and preventing icing by internal mounting of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a semi-permeable filter element is used to separate oil particles from PCV gases, then oil particle separation is improved, but the filter element becomes clogged with oil and obstructs gas flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful oil particles from the PCV gas stream by introducing a co-current demisting liquid stream that captures oil particles through coalescence and drainage, removing the need for a semi-permeable filter element that would clog and obstruct gas flow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a liquid intermediary stream that acts as a mediator between the PCV gases and the oil particles, facilitating oil particle removal through co-current demisting without requiring direct contact with a filter element that would become clogged
2Ease of operation
If PCV system components are mounted externally, then ease of access is improved, but the risk of freezing or icing of the system in cold climates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the PCV system components with the engine block itself, integrating the demisting chamber and associated components into the engine's internal structure, which reduces the risk of freezing or icing while maintaining operational effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the engine block as a multi-functional component that serves both as the engine structure and as the housing for the PCV demisting system, eliminating separate external components that would be susceptible to freezing or icing
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 centrifugal separator efficiently separates oil particles from gases, reducing emissions and oil consumption while minimizing the risk of icing by ensuring oil particles are drained and gases are recirculated effectively, enhancing engine performance in various climates.
Implementation Method 1
A centrifugal separator is disposed within the generally cylindrical cavity and is operable to effect rotation of the gases and oil particles within the generally cylindrical cavity. At least a portion of the oil particles are forced to the outer region of the generally cylindrical cavity by the centrifugal separator
Data Source
AI summary
A positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system is provided for an internal combustion engine. The PCV system includes a centrifugal separator disposed within a shaft member, for example a balance shaft, of the internal combustion engine. The centrifugal separator is operable to impart rotational motion on the gases flowing through the shaft member such that the centrifugal forces urge the separation of oil particle entrained within the gases.