Pressure Control Unit Temperature Compensation via Spring Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure control units for lubricant circuits in internal combustion engines require additional adjusting means to regulate pressure as a function of temperature, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A pressure control unit that adjusts lubricant pressure based on the deflection of a control piston influenced by hydraulic and spring forces, utilizing pressure differences to account for lubricant temperature without additional adjusting means, allowing for temperature-dependent control through the bypass mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional adjusting means (expansion element or bimetallic element) are added to the pressure control unit for temperature-dependent adjustment of spring force, then temperature-dependent pressure control is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the temperature-dependent adjustment function from separate adjusting means (expansion elements or bimetallic elements) and integrates it directly into the spring element itself. The spring element is designed with a specific geometry that provides automatic temperature compensation through its own structural properties, eliminating the need for additional adjusting components while maintaining the temperature-dependent pressure control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the temperature compensation function with the spring element by designing it with a specific geometric configuration. The spring element simultaneously provides both the mechanical spring force and the temperature-dependent adjustment, combining two functions into a single component. This reduces device complexity while achieving the desired temperature-dependent pressure control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional adjusting means are added to the pressure control unit, then temperature-dependent pressure control is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the temperature-dependent adjustment function from separate adjusting means and integrates it directly into the spring element itself. The spring element is designed with a specific geometry that provides automatic temperature compensation through its own structural properties, eliminating the need for additional adjusting components while maintaining the temperature-dependent pressure control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the mechanical spring force, enables temperature-dependent pressure control, and compensates for temperature variations. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies manufacturing, thereby reducing costs while achieving the desired adaptability.
3Productivity
If the control piston deflects more in the direction of the spring element, then more lubricant is regulated via the bypass, but the pressure in the lubricant circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a feedback mechanism where the control piston's position is automatically adjusted based on the balance between hydraulic force and spring force. The spring element's geometry provides temperature-dependent feedback that modulates the bypass opening area, regulating lubricant flow in response to temperature changes without requiring external control signals. This feedback loop maintains pressure within acceptable ranges while enabling temperature-dependent flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the spring element to achieve temperature-dependent pressure control. By designing the spring element with specific geometric characteristics, the system automatically adjusts the bypass opening area in response to temperature variations, thereby regulating lubricant flow and pressure without additional adjusting means.
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 the drive power of the lubricant pump, lowers fuel consumption, improves cold start behavior, extends lubricant filter service life, and allows for easy adjustment of lubricant requirements across different engine power levels without significant changes to existing pumps or installation space.
Implementation Method 1
the spring force F s of a spring element (8) which can be acted upon by a hydraulic force
Implementation Method 2
the control element can be acted upon on the one hand by a hydraulic force dependent on the pressure of the lubricant circuit
Implementation Method 3
the cooling water heats up the lubricant circuit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Pressure control unit (1) has a control piston and a third control area on the side that is turned away from the spring element, which forms a third control chamber with the housing. The second control chamber with the supply pressure side (2a) and the third control chamber is connected with the lubricant recycling (3) lubrication towards the direction of supply to a lubricant consumer (4) in order to supply the lubricant.