Thermal Treatment Module for Internal Combustion Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat treatment modules for internal combustion engines face challenges such as increased powertrain size due to recirculation circuit arrangements, which are aesthetically incompatible and result in clogging fouling from low-temperature heat exchanges between EGR gases and cooling fluids, hindering proper functioning.
Innovation Solution
A heat treatment module with a third compartment that can be thermally contacted with the first compartment, interposed between them, to limit heat exchange between intake and EGR gas flows, using a control device to selectively direct EGR gases into either the third or second compartment based on operating modes, thereby optimizing thermal insulation and reducing fouling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bypass valve is added to the recirculation circuit to allow selective bypassing of the heat treatment module, then the engine can operate during cold starts, but the powertrain size increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bypass function directly into the heat treatment module structure by creating a through-flow configuration where the second compartment allows EGR gases to bypass the first compartment internally. This integration eliminates the need for separate bypass valves and external bypass piping, thereby achieving cold start capability without significantly increasing powertrain size.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat treatment module is designed with multi-functionality: the second compartment serves dual purposes by being both a heat exchange compartment (when thermally connected to the first compartment) and a bypass passage (when thermally isolated). This universal design allows the same structure to handle both normal operation and cold start conditions without requiring additional components.
2Temperature
If heat exchange is implemented between recirculated gas flow and cooling fluid with low temperature, then cooling efficiency improves, but fouling is generated that impedes proper functioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heat treatment process into two distinct compartments: the first compartment for heat exchange with cooling fluid, and the second compartment for EGR gas circulation. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function, enabling effective cooling while preventing fouling by controlling the thermal interaction between EGR gases and cooling fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary that selectively connects or disconnects the thermal interaction between the first and second compartments. By controlling the thermal contact between compartments, the system can enable heat exchange when needed while preventing fouling conditions, thus protecting the reliability of the heat treatment module.
3Temperature
If the third compartment is positioned in thermal contact with the first compartment, then thermal insulation between intake and EGR gas flows is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested compartment structure where the third compartment is positioned within the heat treatment module and can be thermally connected to the first compartment. This nesting arrangement provides effective thermal insulation between intake and EGR gas flows while utilizing the existing module structure, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 reduces the bulk of the heat treatment module, prevents clogging fouling, and ensures efficient cooling of both intake and EGR gases by selectively managing thermal interactions, enhancing engine performance and compatibility with aesthetic constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a first compartment intended to implement a heat exchange between a first flow, in particular an intake gas flow, and the cooling fluid
Implementation Method 2
a second compartment intended to implement a heat exchange between a second EGR gas flow, and the cooling fluid
Implementation Method 3
The third compartment may be positioned in thermal contact with at least the first compartment... to limit heat exchange between intake and EGR gas flows
Data Source
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AI summary
Heat treatment module (4) for internal combustion engine (1) comprising a primary housing (5) delimiting a primary volume (50), intended for the circulation of a cooling fluid (FR), and a secondary housing (6) extending at least partly into the primary volume (50) and including a first compartment (61) intended to implement a heat exchange between a first flow (F1) and the cooling fluid, a second compartment (62) intended to implement a heat exchange between a second flow (F2) and the cooling fluid, and a third compartment (63) intended for the circulation of the second flow (F2) and capable of ensuring thermal insulation of the first compartment (61) with respect to the second compartment (62) upon reaching a predetermined temperature threshold, in particular upon reaching a predetermined temperature threshold of the internal combustion engine (1).