Recirculating Hydraulic Fluid Control Valve for Camshaft Phaser
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hydraulic fluid control systems for internal combustion engines, such as those used in camshaft phasers, face inefficiencies due to the high volume of hydraulic fluid required, which leads to increased pump size and power consumption, as not enough fluid is recirculated or reused from the reservoir after being utilized in actuation processes.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic fluid control valve design featuring a spool with specific apertures and annuli configurations, along with one-way valves, allows for the recirculation of hydraulic fluid between actuation chambers and routing of excess fluid to a vent, optimizing fluid distribution and reducing consumption by continuously connecting apertures to manage fluid flow and pressure states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If hydraulic fluid is not recirculated from the reservoir after actuation, then the hydraulic system can operate simply, but the pump size and power consumption increase due to high fluid volume requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recirculation system that recovers hydraulic fluid from the actuation chambers and returns it to the reservoir, then recirculates it back to the actuation chambers. This continuous recovery and reuse of hydraulic fluid reduces the total volume of fluid needed in the system, thereby reducing pump size and power consumption requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a continuous recirculation loop where hydraulic fluid is constantly moved from the actuation chambers through the reservoir and back to the actuation chambers. This continuous cycle ensures that fluid is always available for actuation without requiring large volumes of fresh fluid, optimizing pump performance and reducing energy consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If hydraulic fluid is recirculated from the reservoir, then pump size and power consumption are reduced, but the valve structure becomes more complex with multiple apertures and annuli
Solution Approach 1:
The spool assembly is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs several functions: controlling fluid flow between actuation chambers, managing recirculation paths, regulating pressure, and directing fluid to the reservoir. By integrating these multiple functions into a single spool structure with strategically positioned apertures and annuli, the patent achieves efficient recirculation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the spool is positioned within the valve body, with the spool itself containing internal apertures and annular structures. The first aperture is arranged within the spool, the second aperture within the spool's annular region, and the third aperture at the spring end. This nested arrangement allows multiple fluid paths to be integrated within a compact geometry, reducing the need for separate external components.
3Productivity
If a spool with multiple apertures and annuli is used for fluid recirculation, then hydraulic fluid management efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fluid control functions into a single integrated spool assembly, merging the control of primary actuation flow and secondary recirculation flow into one component. By consolidating these functions, the design reduces the number of separate precision-critical features that would otherwise require independent manufacturing and assembly, thereby lowering overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining high fluid management efficiency.
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 design enhances the efficiency of hydraulic fluid management, reducing the overall hydraulic fluid consumption and improving the responsiveness of the camshaft phaser to torsional forces, while minimizing the pressurized fluid needed, thus optimizing the hydraulic system's performance and reducing energy requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a one-way valve arranged between the spool and an inner surface of the bore of the housing. The one-way valve can be configured to: i) allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the outer annulus to the first and second hydraulic actuation chambers, and ii) prevent hydraulic to flow from the first and second hydraulic actuation chambers to the outer annulus
Implementation Method 2
The first aperture can be configured to receive hydraulic fluid from a pressurized hydraulic fluid source. The inner fluid chamber is configured to flow hydraulic fluid from the first aperture to the second aperture, and from the first aperture to the third aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic fluid control valve (HFCV) configured to recirculate an exiting hydraulic fluid from a first hydraulic actuation chamber to a second hydraulic actuation chamber is provided. The HFCV includes a selectively movable spool having an outer annulus configured to receive and deliver the exiting hydraulic fluid to one or both of either a sump or one of the first or second hydraulic actuation chambers.