Two-Stroke Cylinder Lubrication With Electrically Pumped Injectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lubrication systems for large slow-running two-stroke engines lack flexibility in lubricant injection timing and frequency control, leading to imprecision in lubricant ejection due to long conduits that expand and retract under high pressure, affecting the Swirl Injection Principle (SIP) systems.

Innovation Solution

An internal electrical pumping system within each injector, comprising a reciprocal plunger member and an outlet-valve system, allows for precise control of lubricant pressure and volume, enabling better speed and volume control of lubricant ejection, with each injector being individually controllable for optimized timing and frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a common lubricant supply system with long conduits is used to feed multiple injectors, then the system structure is simple and lubricant can be supplied to all injectors, but the conduits expand and retract under high pressure causing imprecision in lubricant ejection timing and volume

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidlubricant ejection timing and volume precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the common lubricant supply system into separate independent supply lines for each injector. Each injector has its own dedicated conduit from the lubricant source, eliminating the problem of conduit expansion and retraction affecting multiple injectors simultaneously. This segmentation isolates pressure fluctuations to individual lines, maintaining precision in lubricant ejection timing and volume for each injector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If central control of lubricant injection is used, then the control system is simple and all injectors can be coordinated, but individual adjustment of timing and frequency for each injector is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol systemVSAvoidindividual injector timing and frequency adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control capabilities for each injector individually, allowing the timing and frequency of lubricant injection to be adjusted independently for each injector based on specific engine conditions and requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability enables optimization of lubrication for different cylinder positions and operating conditions while maintaining overall system coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If high pressure lubricant is used to move spring-loaded valve member in SIP systems, then atomized droplet spray is achieved, but the pressure fluctuation causes uncertainty in injection timing and volume

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray atomization qualityVSAvoidinjection timing and volume precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the actual pressure, timing, and volume of lubricant injection for each injector. This feedback information is used to adjust and compensate for pressure fluctuations, ensuring consistent spray atomization quality while maintaining precise control over injection timing and volume. The feedback loop allows real-time correction of deviations caused by pressure variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 provides improved precision in lubricant injection timing and frequency, minimizing uncertainties and errors in lubricant ejection, enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of lubrication systems, particularly in SIP systems, while reducing lubricant consumption and maintaining engine longevity.

Implementation Method 1

a reciprocal plunger member inside the injector housing which during its electrically-driven motion increases the pressure of the lubricant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure increase through mechanical displacement: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a solenoid coil and a solenoid plunger in the coil, the solenoid plunger being reciprocally movable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3724466B1Large slow-running two-stroke engine and method of lubricating such engine, as well as an injector with an electric pumping system for such engine and method
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 HANS JENSEN LUBRICATORS AS
  • EP3724466B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3724466B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3724466B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A large slow-running two-stroke engine and a method of lubricating the engine with an injector (4) that comprises an internal electrical pumping system (21) for pressurising lubricant for ejection, for example a solenoid coil (23) with a solenoid plunger (24).