PCV Separator Oil Leak Detection via Sensor Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicular internal combustion engines lack a reliable method to notify drivers when the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) separator is disconnected, which can lead to lubricating oil leaks and engine malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a drain pipe system with oil passages connected to a PCV separator, where lubricating oil is drained and stored, and a sensor to detect abnormal oil levels, triggering a malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument panel if the PCV separator becomes disconnected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the PCV separator is disconnected for maintenance or replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to lack of driver awareness

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePCV separator disconnectionVSAvoiddriver awareness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system automatically detects when the PCV separator is disconnected through oil level sensing and communicates this status to the driver via the instrument panel. This allows easy disconnection for maintenance while maintaining driver awareness through automated monitoring and visual/audible alerts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If oil passages are provided separately from the separator chamber, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil passage positioningVSAvoidPCV separator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the PCV separator into distinct functional regions: the separator chamber for oil mist separation and separate oil passages for lubricating oil flow. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled independently, improving manufacturing precision while the modular design actually reduces overall device complexity by clarifying functional boundaries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Ensures driver awareness of a disconnected PCV separator through visible oil leaks and a malfunction indicator lamp, preventing engine damage and ensuring timely maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor that detects an oil level in the oil pan

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOil level detection:

Implementation Method 2

a separator chamber that separates an oil component from oil mist in blowby gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational separation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11466611B2Vehicular internal combustion engine

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A vehicular internal combustion engine is equipped with a supercharger, a drain pipe for draining lubricating oil in the supercharger, a cylinder block including a first oil passage, and a PCV separator including a second oil passage connected to an outlet of the drain pipe and an inlet of the first oil passage.