Pneumatic Valve Actuation System with Auxiliary Pressurization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engine systems face challenges in reducing parasitic losses, particularly in cam-less valve systems, which increase fuel consumption and energy requirements due to the need for a mechanically driven compressor to maintain valve operation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a primary fluid circuit, a secondary fluid circuit, and an auxiliary pressurized system that transfers energy from the secondary fluid circuit to the primary fluid circuit, using compressed air generated during braking to pressurize the primary fluid circuit, thereby reducing the need for the mechanically driven compressor and minimizing dirt transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanically driven compressor is used to maintain valve operation in a cam-less system, then valve controllability is improved, but fuel consumption increases due to parasitic losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the compression function from the primary engine-driven compressor and relocates it to an auxiliary system using exhaust gas pressure. This separates the valve control function from the main engine power train, eliminating the parasitic load on the engine while maintaining the ability to pressurize the fluid circuit for valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an auxiliary fluid circuit as an intermediary system that uses exhaust gas pressure (available waste energy) to compress and transfer fluid to the primary circuit. This intermediary system acts as a buffer that decouples the engine from the valve actuation system, eliminating direct parasitic losses while maintaining controllability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If compressed air from engine cylinders is used to pressurize the primary fluid circuit, then energy efficiency is improved, but dirt contamination may transfer to the primary circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid system into two separate circuits: a secondary circuit that interfaces with the engine cylinders and handles contaminated compressed air, and a primary circuit that supplies clean fluid to the valve actuators. This segmentation allows the system to use waste energy from exhaust gases while preventing contamination transfer between the two circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary fluid circuit serves as an intermediary system that receives contaminated compressed air from the engine cylinders, processes it through a dedicated compression system, and delivers clean fluid to the primary circuit. This intermediary arrangement enables energy recovery while maintaining fluid purity through physical separation and dedicated filtration paths.
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 solution effectively reduces parasitic losses by utilizing braking energy to pressurize the primary fluid circuit, leading to improved fuel efficiency and reduced energy consumption in internal combustion engine systems.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one reciprocating member pressurizes the primary fluid circuit when the compressed fluid medium of the secondary fluid circuit acts on the at least one reciprocating member
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system (100) for operating a valve of an internal combustion engine (10), said system comprising a primary fluid circuit (60) configured to define a fluid passageway for circulating a compressible fluid medium there through being operatively connectable to an actuator (92) of an actuated flow control valve (90, 95) of said internal combustion engine, thereby capable of delivering a valve opening force. The system further comprises: a secondary fluid circuit (80) configured to define a secondary fluid passageway for transporting a compressed fluid medium, and having an inlet passage (87) connectable to a cylinder for receiving the compressed fluid medium; and an auxiliary pressurized system (81 ) comprising a chamber (83) and at least one reciprocating member (82) operable in said chamber (83), said auxiliary pressurized system (81 ) being arranged in fluid communication with said secondary fluid circuit (80) and in fluid communication with said primary fluid circuit such that said at least one reciprocating member (82) pressurizes said primary fluid circuit when said compressed fluid medium of the secondary fluid circuit acts on said at least one reciprocating member (82).