Rotatable EGR Distribution Pipes for Engine Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing EGR systems face challenges in effectively mixing and distributing exhaust gas and fresh intake air, leading to poor emissions control, as they are difficult to tune for multiple operational points of an internal combustion engine.

Innovation Solution

A tunable intake system with a dual concentric distribution pipe design, where both pipes are independently rotatable, allowing the engine control unit to adjust the relative positions of their perforations for optimal exhaust gas distribution across various engine operational points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed distribution rail or single distribution pipe is used, then the structure is simple, but the system cannot be tuned for multiple operational points of the engine

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetunability for multiple operational pointsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution system is segmented into multiple independent rotatable distribution pipes (first distribution pipe with first pattern, second distribution pipe with second pattern), each capable of independent rotation to adjust perforation positions. This segmentation allows the system to be tuned for multiple operational points while maintaining a relatively compact structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution pipes are made rotatable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the system configuration. The engine control unit can rotate the distribution pipes to different positions depending on the operational point, enabling the system to adapt to various engine conditions while using the same physical hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the inner distribution pipe is fixed with respect to outlet channels, then the structure is stable, but the options for varying relative positions of perforations are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptions for varying perforation positionsVSAvoidease of tuning
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Both the inner first distribution pipe and outer second distribution pipe are made independently rotatable, allowing dynamic adjustment of their relative positions. This enables the engine control unit to vary the relative positions of perforations from both pipes to optimize exhaust gas distribution for different operational points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The first distribution pipe is nested within the second distribution pipe, with both pipes concentrically arranged. This nesting arrangement allows both pipes to rotate independently while maintaining a compact overall structure, providing multiple degrees of freedom for tuning without significantly increasing space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If EGR-function is inactivated in non-optimized operational points, then the system performance is maintained at the optimized point, but the system cannot achieve optimal performance across multiple operational points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimal performance across multiple operational pointsVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic rotation of distribution pipes controlled by the engine control unit to achieve optimal exhaust gas distribution at different operational points. Instead of inactivating EGR-function, the control unit rotates the appropriate distribution pipe(s) to positions that optimize performance for the current operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the spatial parameters (angular positions) of the distribution pipes to optimize exhaust gas distribution for different operational points. The engine control unit adjusts the rotational position of the distribution pipes based on engine operating conditions, enabling optimal performance across multiple operational points without inactivating the EGR function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 adaptive and optimal distribution of recirculated exhaust gas for multiple engine operational points, improving emissions control and reducing unwanted emissions by allowing precise tuning of the distribution system.

Implementation Method 1

a first distribution pipe with a first pattern of flow distribution perforations for distributing the recirculated exhaust gas into the manifold; a second distribution pipe with a second pattern of flow distribution perforations for distributing the recirculated exhaust gas into the manifold

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow distribution:

Data Source

PatentEP3171013B1Tunable intake system for exhaust gas recirculation in an internal combustion engine
Publication Date: 2019.08.14 VOLVO CAR CORP
  • EP3171013B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a tunable intake system (1) for exhaust gas recirculation in an internal combustion engine with a plurality of cylinders, the system comprising: - an exhaust gas recirculation manifold (2) arranged to distribute recirculated exhaust gas in an intake air stream to be introduced into the combustion engine; - the manifold (2) having an exhaust gas recirculation inlet (3) and an intake air inlet (4) as well as at least one outlet (5) leading to the multiple cylinders of the engine; - a first distribution pipe (6) connected to the exhaust gas recirculation inlet (3), said first distribution pipe (6) having a first pattern of flow distribution perforations (7) for distributing the recirculated exhaust gas into the manifold (2), where the invention is especially characterized in: - a second distribution pipe (8) with a second pattern of flow distribution perforations (9) for distributing the recirculated exhaust gas into the manifold (2) is fitted outside of said first distribution pipe (6) whereby an interstitial gap (10) is formed therebetween, and - at least one of said first and second distribution pipes (6, 8) being rotatable with respect to the other in order to selectively tune the distribution of recirculated exhaust gas for multiple operational points of the engine.