Springless Pressure Regulator Assembly for Crankcase Vacuum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crankcase pressure regulator systems rely on diaphragms and springs, which require numerous small moving parts and eventually wear out, necessitating frequent replacements and inefficiencies in maintaining constant vacuum pressure.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulator assembly that uses a partition and diaphragm to create a variable orifice without springs, allowing the valve member to move between closed, partially open, and fully open positions based on pressure differentials, ensuring consistent crankcase vacuum pressure without the need for springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a diaphragm and spring are used to maintain constant vacuum pressure, then the pressure regulation function is achieved, but the system requires numerous small moving parts that wear over time and need frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring component from the pressure regulation system. Instead of using a spring-loaded diaphragm mechanism, the invention employs a valve member with variable orifice that is directly actuated by pressure differentials between the crankcase and atmosphere, eliminating the spring and its associated wear issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is designed to automatically regulate pressure through its own geometric features (variable orifice) without requiring external spring force. The pressure differential between the crankcase and atmosphere directly controls the valve opening, making the system self-regulating and free from spring wear.
2Reliability
If a valve member with variable orifice is used to maintain constant vacuum pressure, then spring-related wear issues are eliminated, but the valve must move between multiple positions (closed, partially open, fully open) requiring precise control
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member features a variable orifice geometry that dynamically adjusts the flow area based on its position. As the valve moves between closed, partially open, and fully open positions, the effective orifice area changes continuously, providing smooth pressure regulation without requiring precise positioning at discrete points.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the orifice area as a function of valve position. The variable orifice design means that small movements of the valve member result in controlled changes in flow area, enabling precise pressure regulation through simple linear valve displacement rather than requiring complex positioning control.
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
The solution provides a reliable and efficient means to maintain constant vacuum pressure in the crankcase, reducing the need for frequent replacements and improving system longevity by eliminating spring-related wear issues.
Implementation Method 1
The partition is moveable in opposite axial directions responsive to a change in a pressure differential between the atmospheric chamber and regulator chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A primary housing carries an air/oil separation element. A valve member extends into a throat of the element. A secondary housing forms a regulator chamber and an atmospheric chamber. A partition of the secondary housing delimits and fluidly seals the atmospheric chamber from the regulator chamber. The partition is moveable in opposite axial directions responsive to a change in a pressure differential between the atmospheric chamber and regulator chamber without the use of a spring. The valve opens into and is in fluid connection with the regulator chamber. The secondary housing is carried by the primary housing. Alternatively, a fluid port can open up out of the secondary housing and the valve not open into the regulator chamber.