Piston Cooling Nozzle with Shape Memory Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling nozzles for pistons in heat engines often provide flow rates of cooling fluid that do not match the actual needs, leading to power losses, increased consumption, and gas emissions.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle design featuring an activation device with shape memory material and elastic elements that adjust the flow rate based on oil pressure, thermal conditions, and lubrication circuit geometry, allowing optimal fluid ejection only when threshold values are met, thereby controlling the flow rate effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling nozzles are mounted in parallel on a high pressure circuit to eject cooling fluid towards the piston, then the piston cooling effect is improved, but power losses increase due to excessive flow rates that do not correspond to the real needs of the piston
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle incorporates a movable element that can change position dynamically based on operating conditions. This movable element adjusts the effective flow area of the nozzle, allowing the cooling fluid flow rate to vary dynamically rather than remaining constant. The activation device triggers movements of this element to optimize cooling efficiency and reduce energy losses by matching flow rates to actual piston cooling needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow rate parameter of the cooling fluid by using a movable element that adjusts the nozzle's effective opening. The activation device responds to varying operating conditions (such as engine load, temperature, or pressure) and modifies the flow rate accordingly. This parameter adjustment ensures optimal cooling performance while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption associated with excessive flow rates.
2Measurement precision
If a movable element is introduced to control the flow rate, then the precision of cooling fluid delivery is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the activation device and additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The activation device is designed to be activated by the operating conditions themselves (such as pressure differential, temperature, or flow characteristics) rather than requiring external complex control systems. The movable element responds automatically to these conditions, adjusting the flow rate in a self-regulating manner. This self-service approach achieves precise flow control while minimizing the complexity of external control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable element acts as an intermediary between the cooling fluid and the nozzle body, mediating the flow control function. Instead of complex control systems directly managing the flow, the movable element translates operating conditions into appropriate flow rate adjustments. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall control architecture while maintaining precision in flow rate delivery.
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 design optimizes the flow rate of the cooling fluid to the piston, reducing power losses and minimizing consumption and emissions in heat engines.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the activation elements is made of shape memory material
Implementation Method 2
capable of carrying out an elastic deformation aimed at closing off/clearing the escape opening
Implementation Method 3
an elastic element; the stiffness of the activation element is greater than the stiffness of the elastic element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a nozzle (1) for ejecting a cooling fluid towards a piston comprising: - a through conduit (7) in which a movable element (3) is capable of sliding to close/unclose an outlet orifice (8), and having an inlet opening (6) and a leakage opening (10) connected to a fluid housing, - an actuation device (4) connecting the leakage opening (10) and the movable element (3), the actuation device (4) comprising activation elements (11,12) for closing/unclosed the leakage opening (10) adapted to unclose said leakage opening (10) under a condition in a list comprising the temperature (T) of the fluid (5) greater than a temperature threshold (TS) and the pressure (P) of the fluid (5) greater than a pressure threshold (PM).