Umbrella Valve Crankcase Pressure Regulator Without Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crankcase pressure regulator systems in internal combustion engines rely on diaphragms and springs, which wear out over time and require frequent replacement, and are prone to pressure fluctuations due to atmospheric pressure changes.
Innovation Solution
A springless pressure regulator assembly with a movable partition that adjusts the valve orifice based on pressure differentials between the crankcase and atmospheric chamber, maintaining a constant vacuum without the need for springs, using a valve assembly that changes configurations to regulate pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a diaphragm and spring system is used to maintain constant crankcase pressure, then the pressure regulation function is achieved, but the system requires many 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, extracting the problematic moving part that caused wear and maintenance issues. The springless design uses a diaphragm connected directly to a valve stem that responds to pressure differentials without mechanical springs, thereby eliminating the wear associated with spring mechanisms while maintaining pressure regulation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure regulation system uses the pressure differential itself to actuate the valve mechanism. The diaphragm responds directly to pressure changes between the crankcase and atmosphere, moving the valve stem to open or close the orifice automatically based on the pressure condition, without requiring external spring forces or additional actuating mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If atmospheric pressure changes occur, then environmental conditions vary, but the spring-based system is prone to pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the pressure differential between the crankcase and atmosphere through the diaphragm. When pressure deviates from the desired level, the diaphragm moves the valve stem to adjust the orifice opening, creating a feedback loop that automatically stabilizes crankcase pressure in response to atmospheric pressure changes or crankcase pressure variations.
3Reliability
If a valve member moves between fully closed, partially open and fully open positions, then pressure control is achieved, but the system requires complex valve mechanisms with multiple positions
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system transitions from a static spring-based positioning mechanism to a dynamic pressure-responsive system. The valve stem and orifice assembly move dynamically in response to real-time pressure differentials across the diaphragm, allowing the valve to automatically adjust its opening position (from fully closed to partially open to fully open) based on the immediate pressure conditions without requiring complex mechanical positioning mechanisms.
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 assembly effectively maintains a consistent crankcase pressure, reducing wear and maintenance needs while ensuring efficient emission filtration and prevention of pressure fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
The partition is moveable in a first axial direction and a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction responsive to a change in a pressure differential between the pressure in the regulator chamber and the pressure in the atmospheric chamber
Implementation Method 2
A filter element is in said housing
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated assembly includes a primary housing which carries the filter element. A partition resides in a secondary housing which seals off an atmospheric chamber from a pressure regulator chamber. The partition is moveable in a first axial direction and a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction response to a change in a pressure drop across the filter element. A valve assembly changes from a closed configuration to partially open configurations, and to a fully open configuration responsive to movement of the partition. The movement of the valve keeps a pressure in a crankcase downstream of said filter.