Resonator Crankcase Ventilation System Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face challenges with noise attenuation and oil contamination due to blowby gases, which are not effectively managed by existing resonator and crankcase ventilation systems, leading to reduced engine efficiency and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a sound dissipating resonator with an oil separation unit into the crankcase ventilation system, where blowby gases are evacuated through the resonator volume to the air intake system, reducing leak paths and incorporating enlarged flow areas for improved Onboard Diagnostics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a resonator is attached to the air induction system using clamps and hoses, then noise attenuation is improved, but device complexity and potential leak paths increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the resonator directly into the engine block as a unified component, eliminating the need for separate clamps and hoses to attach the resonator to the air induction system. This merging of the resonator with the engine block structure reduces the number of potential leak paths while maintaining noise attenuation functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for resonator and crankcase ventilation, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and packaging size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resonator is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides noise attenuation for the air induction system, acts as a mounting structure for the crankcase ventilation system, and integrates the oil separation function. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining all required functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The crankcase ventilation system components, including the oil separation assembly, are nested within or mounted on the resonator structure. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional components to occupy the same spatial envelope, reducing overall packaging size while maintaining functional versatility.
3Loss of substance
If traditional crankcase ventilation systems are used, then oil separation is improved, but diagnostic capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual indicators or color-coded elements in the resonator and crankcase ventilation system that change or provide visual feedback to indicate system status, oil separation effectiveness, or potential leaks. This allows for easier detection and diagnosis without requiring complex instrumentation.
4Ease of operation
If separate mounting structures are used for resonator, then installation flexibility is improved, but device complexity and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resonator is integrated directly into the engine block structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures, brackets, and fasteners. This integration reduces overall component mass while the resonator's own structure provides the necessary mounting capability for the crankcase ventilation system.
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 configuration reduces engine mass, cost, and packaging size while enhancing noise attenuation and diagnostic capabilities by effectively managing blowby gases and oil separation, improving engine efficiency and diagnostic ease.
Implementation Method 1
A resonator, for example, may be attached to the air induction system... Resonator devices of various configurations are available in the prior art which are specifically designed to counteract, attenuate, and/or absorb intake air sound energy
Implementation Method 2
An oil separator is often incorporated into the blowby gas ventilation system to separate oil from the blowby gas
Implementation Method 3
An oil separation unit that fluidly communicates the valve cover with the resonator. The oil separation unit is configured to separate entrained oil particulates from the blowby gases
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a crankcase ventilation system and resonator for a turbocharged internal combustion engine assembly. The resonator, designed for intake noise reduction, is mounted to the engine. An oil separation unit, designed for passage of blowby gases, is mounted to a cam cover, sandwiched between the resonator and cam cover. The resonator has a resonator body defining a resonator volume therein. The resonator fluidly communicates the oil separation unit with the turbocharger air inlet pipe, whereby blowby gases are evacuated from the cam cover and delivered through the resonator volume for reintroduction to the engine's air intake system. Integration of the blowby passages into the resonator reduces the number of potential leak paths in the air induction system, and reduces overall engine mass, cost, and packaging size. The present design also offers improved On-board Diagnostics (OBD) by allowing only large flow areas to be disconnected.