Crankcase Ventilation Flow Restriction for Solenoid-Free Breach Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current crankcase ventilation systems in automotive engines require expensive and space-consuming solenoid-powered gate valves for pressure integrity checks, which is not cost-effective and compact, and lacks electrical connection for actuator operation.
Innovation Solution
A breach detection system using a flow control system with parallel conduits, including a normally closed check valve and a second check valve or restriction profile, that allows for pressure differential-based flow control without electrical actuation, utilizing elastically flexible disks or hemispherical poppet sealing members for valve operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solenoid-powered gate valves are used for pressure integrity checks, then the system can detect breaches in crankcase ventilation, but the system becomes more expensive, heavier, and occupies more engine space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical actuation component (solenoid) from the valve system, replacing it with a purely mechanical check valve that operates automatically based on pressure differential. This removes the complex electrical控制系统 while maintaining the breach detection function through the pressure sensor that monitors the crankcase pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve is designed to operate autonomously without external electrical control, using the pressure differential across the crankcase ventilation system to automatically open or close. The valve self-regulates based on system pressure conditions, eliminating the need for solenoid actuation and electrical connections.
2Reliability
If solenoid-powered gate valves are used for pressure integrity checks, then the system can detect breaches in crankcase ventilation, but the system becomes more expensive and requires electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive electrical actuation system (solenoid, wiring, control electronics) and replaces it with a simple mechanical check valve. This dramatically reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the essential breach detection functionality through passive pressure monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve is designed as a simple, inexpensive mechanical component without moving electrical contacts or complex actuators. This low-cost component can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, providing an economical solution for breach detection.
3Reliability
If solenoid-powered gate valves are used for pressure integrity checks, then the system can detect breaches in crankcase ventilation, but the valve occupies more engine space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bulky solenoid actuator and electrical control components from the valve assembly, leaving only the compact mechanical check valve. This significantly reduces the space required for the valve assembly while maintaining the breach detection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve is designed to integrate within the existing crankcase ventilation system architecture, nesting the pressure sensing and valve functions within a compact arrangement that minimizes engine space occupation.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective pressure integrity checks of crankcase ventilation systems without the need for electrical connections, ensuring minimal restriction in normal flow directions and detecting breaches by pressure sensor detection.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically flexible disk is seated and is held in the closed position against a first seat by a plurality of fingers extending into the internal cavity, wherein a pressure drop across the elastically flexible disk from the first seat to the plurality of fingers flexes the elastically flexible disk into an open position
Implementation Method 2
a hemispherical poppet sealing member is seated and is held in the closed position against an annular seat. The annular seat of the hemispherical poppet check valve, in a longitudinal cross-section through the check valve, defines a convex spherical radius and, in the closed position, a convex surface of the hemispherical poppet sealing member is sealing engaged with the convex spherical radius of the annular seat
Data Source
AI summary
A breach detection system for an internal combustion engine having a crankcase, an intake manifold, a positive crankcase ventilation valve, a crankcase ventilation tube with a flow control system therein, and a pressure sensor between the flow control system and the crankcase. The flow control system subdivides the crankcase ventilation tube into a plurality of parallel conduits—a first conduit having a normally closed check valve that opens under a first preselected pressure drop in a first direction from the air intake to the crankcase, and a second conduit having either a second check valve that opens under a second preselected pressure drop in a second direction opposite the first direction or a restriction profile having a third preselected pressure drop that is the same in both the first and second direction. When the pressure sensor detects no pressure drop there is a breach in the system.