Pressure-Actuated Sealing Valve for Engine Gas Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for controlling the flow of intake and exhaust gases in internal combustion engines are complex, cumbersome, and costly due to the need for independent control systems for flow control and hermetic sealing of recirculated exhaust gases, particularly when deactivating engine cylinders to reduce pumping losses.

Innovation Solution

A device that uses a sealing mechanism automatically controlled by pressure differences between the intake and exhaust to switch between supplying intake gases and recirculated exhaust gases to the cylinder, eliminating the need for separate control systems by utilizing a piston and rotary valve configuration that locks or releases based on pressure differences and a spring return mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If independent control systems are used for flow control and hermetic sealing of recirculated exhaust gases, then reliable gas flow control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas flow control reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the flow control function and hermetic sealing function into a single integrated valve mechanism. The valve simultaneously controls the flow of recirculated exhaust gases and provides hermetic sealing when deactivated, eliminating the need for separate control systems while maintaining reliable gas flow control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve mechanism performs multiple functions: it acts as both a flow control device for recirculated exhaust gases and a hermetic seal when the cylinder is deactivated. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components and control systems required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If hermetic sealing means is added to seal the arrival of recirculated exhaust gases, then gas flow control reliability is improved, but the device becomes more cumbersome and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehermetic sealing reliabilityVSAvoiddevice operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hermetic sealing function is merged with the flow control valve into a single integrated mechanism. The valve automatically provides hermetic sealing when deactivated, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and simplifying the overall device operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If two independent mechanical control systems are used for flow control and hermetic sealing, then precise gas flow management is achieved, but manufacturing cost and device weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas flow management precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates two previously separate mechanical control systems into a single valve mechanism that performs both flow control and hermetic sealing functions. This reduction in component count lowers manufacturing costs and simplifies production while maintaining precise gas flow management through the unified valve design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Simplifies the control of gas flow and sealing, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining efficient engine operation by automatically adjusting to pressure conditions, ensuring proper sealing and gas supply without additional control systems.

Implementation Method 1

the sealing means is configured to move under the effect of the pressure difference between the intake and the exhaust on either side of the sealing means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a spring return mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2881571B1Device for controlling a flow of intake gas and/or recirculated exhaust gas in an internal combustion engine cylinder and corresponding intake module
Publication Date: 2016.12.07 VALEO SYST THERMIQUES SAS
  • EP2881571B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2881571B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4
  • EP2881571B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a control device for a flow of intake gas and/or recirculated exhaust gases in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, and for an intake module comprising at least one pipe which is arranged so as to supply the cylinder. The control device comprises a sealing means, and a means for deactivating at least one pipe which is able to be controlled between a first position in which the pipe supplies the cylinder with the intake gases (F) and a second position in which the pipe supplies the cylinder with the recirculated exhaust gases. The sealing means is configured so as to be displaced as a result of the difference in pressure between the intake and the exhaust on both sides of the sealing means between a locked position of the deactivation means in the first position, and a position of release of the deactivation means.