Pneumatic Valve Spring Venting Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current internal combustion engine (ICE) valve systems rely on strong coil springs for valve closure, resulting in excessive energy expenditure for opening valves, and existing pneumatic valve spring arrangements suffer from significant gas leakage, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A cylinder valve assembly with a pneumatic valve spring arrangement featuring a movable sealing member and a venting system that allows controlled gas leakage, utilizing a feedback channel and elastic member to manage pressure differences and reduce gas loss, enabling gradual reduction of valve spring pressure over multiple operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a strong coil spring is used to ensure sufficient valve closure force for all operating conditions, then valve reliability is improved, but energy consumption for opening valves increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a pneumatic valve spring arrangement where gas pressure dynamically adjusts the valve spring force based on operating conditions. The gas pressure in the valve spring cavity varies with engine load and speed, automatically reducing the force needed to open valves when less load is required, while maintaining sufficient closure force when needed. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between reliability and energy consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If controlled gas leakage is allowed from the valve spring cavity to reduce spring force, then energy consumption is reduced, but gas loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the valve spring cavity is connected to a venting arrangement that monitors and controls gas pressure. The system allows controlled gas leakage through a venting channel when pressure exceeds a threshold, preventing excessive force buildup while recovering and recycling the leaked gas back into the system. This feedback control resolves the contradiction between energy efficiency and gas conservation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a pneumatic valve spring arrangement is used to reduce spring force, then energy efficiency is improved, but complex venting arrangements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the venting function with the existing valve spring cavity structure. The venting arrangement is integrated into the valve assembly, with the venting channel formed as part of the valve spring cavity architecture. The sealing member is positioned within the existing structural components, combining multiple functions (pressure control, sealing, and venting) into a unified structure, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining energy efficiency benefits.
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 reduces gas leakage and energy consumption by allowing controlled valve spring force adjustments, enhancing energy efficiency and allowing reliable passage of lubricants like oil through the venting system.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member urging the sealing member to move from the second sealing member position towards the first sealing member position
Implementation Method 2
a pneumatic valve spring arrangement including a first valve spring member and a second valve spring member defining a valve spring cavity, the second valve spring member being arranged to move in relation to the first valve spring member to compress gas in the valve spring cavity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The invention relates to a cylinder valve assembly (19) comprising a pneumatic valve spring arrangement (25) including a first (29) and a second (31) valve spring member defining a valve spring cavity (33), and a valve spring venting arrangement (27) comprising a first venting cavity portion (37) in fluid flow connection with the valve spring cavity (33); a second venting cavity portion (39); a movable sealing member (41) arranged to allow a pressure difference between the first venting cavity portion (37) and the second venting cavity portion (39); a feedback channel fluid flow connecting the first venting cavity portion (37) and the second venting cavity portion (39); and a venting channel (53). The sealing member (41) is configured to be movable between a first sealing member position where the sealing member (41) prevents fluid flow from the first venting cavity portion (37) through the venting channel (53); and a second sealing member position where the sealing member (41) allows fluid flow from the first venting cavity portion (37) through the venting channel (53). The valve spring venting arrangement (27) further comprises an elastic member (55) urging the sealing member (41) towards the first sealing member position.