Fluid Reservoir Pressurization via Engine Intake Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid reservoirs in vehicles often face pressure issues that can lead to performance degradation or damage to components like hydraulic pumps, particularly when the pressure falls below atmospheric pressure, causing cavitation and other operational problems.
Innovation Solution
A system where the fluid reservoir is pneumatically connected to the intake air of a forced induction engine, with a controller that derates the engine when the reservoir pressure exceeds a certain threshold to maintain consistent pressurization and prevent over-pressurization, using check valves to regulate air flow and prevent contaminants from entering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the fluid reservoir is connected to atmospheric pressure, then the system is simple and easy to manufacture, but the pressure varies with altitude and temperature causing component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary pressurization system between the atmosphere and the fluid reservoir. This system uses a compressor driven by the engine to actively maintain reservoir pressure within a specified range, preventing both over-pressurization and under-pressurization that would otherwise damage hydraulic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent actively changes the pressure parameter of the fluid reservoir from passive atmospheric pressure to actively controlled pressurized state. By using a compressor and pressure regulation system, the reservoir maintains optimal pressure levels regardless of altitude or temperature variations, protecting hydraulic pumps and other sensitive components.
2Reliability
If a pressurization system is added to maintain consistent reservoir pressure, then component reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fluid reservoir pressurization function into the existing engine air intake system. The compressor that is already part of the engine's forced induction system is used to pressurize the reservoir, allowing one component to serve multiple functions and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the engine's own operational energy to pressurize the fluid reservoir. The compressor is driven by the engine, so the pressurization function is self-contained and does not require an external power source or additional complex control systems.
3Reliability
If the engine is derated when reservoir pressure is too high, then over-pressurization damage is prevented, but engine power output decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a pressure sensor continuously monitors the fluid reservoir pressure and communicates this information to the engine control unit. The ECU adjusts engine operation based on this feedback, derating the engine only when necessary to prevent over-pressurization while maintaining full power when conditions are normal.
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 ensures consistent pressurization of the fluid reservoir, reducing variance due to altitude and temperature changes, and prevents damage to components by derating the engine when pressure becomes too high or low, thus maintaining optimal operational conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The forced induction engine may be a turbocharged engine or a supercharged engine. The sensor may be in communication with the engine controller and may be configured to measure a pressure within the fluid reservoir
Implementation Method 2
The first pneumatic check valve may be configured to allow air flow from intake air of the forced induction engine to the fluid reservoir at a first pressure
Implementation Method 3
The second pneumatic check valve may be pneumatically connected to the fluid reservoir and the atmosphere, and may be configured to allow air flow from the fluid reservoir to the atmosphere at a second pressure, where the second pressure greater than the first pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle comprises a forced induction engine, fluid reservoir, engine controller, and sensor. The fluid reservoir is pneumatically connected to intake air of the forced induction engine. The engine controller is in communication with the forced induction engine and configured to control the forced induction engine. The sensor is in communication with the engine controller and is configured to measure a pressure within the fluid reservoir and communicate it to the engine controller. The controller is configured to derate the engine when the pressure within the fluid reservoir is above a first pressure.