Rapid Compression-Expansion Machine for Marine Engine Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current rapid compression-expansion apparatuses for testing internal-combustion engines are inadequate for simulating the thermodynamic and mechanical dynamic performance of marine two-stroke engines due to their small-cylinder-diameter structure, limited to single fuel injection and pressure, and unable to accommodate multiple fuel types and injection pressures.

Innovation Solution

A rapid compression-expansion machine apparatus with a dual-fuel cylinder head, multi-injector assembly, and advanced air intake and exhaust systems, capable of simulating high- and low-pressure conditions, using a motor-driven piston mechanism and solenoid valve control to replicate marine engine conditions, allowing for multi-fuel injection and observation through quartz windows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a four-stroke small-cylinder-diameter structure is adopted, then the apparatus structure is simplified, but it cannot simulate the thermodynamic and mechanical dynamic performance of marine low-speed engines with large internal cylinder space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus structureVSAvoidsimulation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by rapidly varying the compression ratio during the test cycle. The compression ratio is changed from a fixed value to a time-varying parameter, allowing the apparatus to simulate different combustion chamber conditions. This enables the small-cylinder apparatus to replicate the thermodynamic states of large marine engines through dynamic parameter adjustment rather than physical scaling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by introducing rapid compression and expansion cycles that dynamically adjust the cylinder pressure and temperature conditions. The system transitions from static test conditions to dynamic conditions where pressure, temperature, and volume change rapidly during each cycle, allowing simulation of different engine operating states within a single apparatus

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a single fuel injection system is used, then the injection system is simplified, but it cannot accommodate multiple fuel types and injection pressures required by marine engines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinjection systemVSAvoidfuel injection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a multi-injector assembly where each injector can handle different fuel types and pressure ranges. The system integrates multiple injection functions (different fuels, different pressures, different injection timings) into a single coordinated assembly, allowing the apparatus to test various fuel injection scenarios without requiring separate dedicated systems for each fuel type

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements segmentation by dividing the injection system into multiple independent injector units. Each injector can be independently controlled and configured for specific fuel types and pressure requirements. This modular segmentation allows flexible combination of different injection configurations to match various marine engine fuel injection patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If high temperature and pressure conditions are simulated, then the combustion performance testing is improved, but the energy consumption and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion performance testingVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by using rapid cyclic compression and expansion that repeatedly creates high temperature and pressure conditions for short durations. Instead of maintaining continuous high energy states, the system periodically generates extreme conditions only when needed for measurement, then rapidly returns to lower energy states, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements skipping by rapidly passing through the high temperature and pressure state during each compression cycle. The system quickly reaches peak conditions for measurement, then rapidly expands and returns to ambient conditions, minimizing the time spent in high-energy states. This 'rush through' approach reduces energy consumption and safety risks compared to maintaining sustained high-energy conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

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

Enables comprehensive testing of spray and combustion performance in marine two-stroke engines by accurately simulating pressure and temperature conditions, supporting high- and low-pressure dual-fuel and diesel fuel tests, and providing detailed visual and data analysis of fuel injection forms.

Implementation Method 1

a rapid compression-expansion machine includes a driving mechanism, a transmission mechanism, an engine cylinder, an air intake system and an exhaust system. The engine cylinder includes a piston, a cylinder block, a dual-fuel cylinder head and a multi-injector assembly. The piston is disposed in the cylinder block, the driving mechanism is connected with the piston through the transmission mechanism and drives the piston to linearly move back and forth along a vertical direction of the cylinder block.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

The external air tank is connected with the air intake pipeline through a first solenoid valve, the gas control system is connected with the air intake pipeline through a fifth solenoid valve, the pressure stabilizing tank is connected with the air intake pipeline through a fourth solenoid valve, the nitrogen bottle group is connected with the air intake pipeline through a second solenoid valve, the air tank is connected with the air intake pipeline through a third solenoid valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolenoid valve control: Solenoid

Implementation Method 3

The multi-fuel injection assembly includes a plurality of injectors which are of the same type and are all disposed on the dual-fuel cylinder head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFuel injection: Injector

Implementation Method 4

allowing for multi-fuel injection and observation through quartz windows

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical transmission: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS11454203B2Apparatus for testing spray and combustion performance of internal-combustion engines based on rapid compression-expansion machine
Publication Date: 2022.09.27 HARBIN ENG UNIV
  • US11454203B2 patent drawing
  • US11454203B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an apparatus for testing spray and combustion performance of an internal-combustion engine based on a rapid compression-expansion machine, which belongs to the testing field of internal-combustion engines. It includes a driving mechanism, a transmission mechanism, an engine cylinder, an air intake system and an exhaust system. The engine cylinder includes a piston, a cylinder block, a dual-fuel cylinder head and a multi-injector assembly. The piston is disposed in the cylinder block. The driving mechanism is connected with the piston through the transmission mechanism and drives the piston to linearly move back and forth along a vertical direction of the cylinder block. The dual-fuel cylinder head is connected to an upper part of the cylinder block. The multi-fuel injection assembly includes a plurality of injectors. The plurality of injectors are of the same type and are all disposed on the dual-fuel cylinder head.