Variable Compression Engine Valve Filter Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internal combustion engine connecting rods and switching valves are prone to contamination by dirt particles, which can impair their function and require complex filtration systems to prevent damage.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating filter elements, such as sieves or metal fabric filters, into the connections and supply lines of the switching valve and connecting rod to filter out particles and chips from the hydraulic fluid, ensuring reliable operation and extending the lifespan of sensitive components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If filter elements are integrated into the switching valve or connecting rod, then reliability is improved by preventing dirt particles from reaching sensitive components, but device complexity increases due to additional filtration components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is integrated directly into the switching valve assembly, combining the filtration function with the valve structure. This merging approach allows the filter to be positioned at the oil inlet of the switching valve, protecting it from dirt particles without requiring a separate, standalone filtration system, thus improving reliability while limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter element acts as an intermediary component between the hydraulic oil and the switching valve. It intercepts and removes dirt particles from the oil flow before the oil reaches the sensitive switching valve components, thereby protecting the valve without requiring complex modifications to the valve structure itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple filter elements are positioned at different locations, then reliability is improved by comprehensive filtration coverage, but manufacturing complexity increases due to additional machining operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration effectivenessVSAvoidmachining complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The filtration system is segmented into multiple filter elements positioned at different locations within the connecting rod and switching valve assembly. This segmentation allows comprehensive filtration coverage at critical points (such as oil inlet to switching valve and hydraulic chambers) while each filter element can be manufactured and installed as a relatively simple, discrete component, managing manufacturing complexity through modular segmentation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If filter elements are integrated into the changeover valve, then reliability is improved by protecting the valve from particles, but the connecting rod requires modifications increasing device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechangeover valve reliabilityVSAvoidconnecting rod complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is merged with the changeover valve structure itself, integrating the filtration function directly into the valve. This allows the filter to be positioned at the oil inlet of the changeover valve, protecting it from dirt particles. The integration is designed to minimize modifications to the connecting rod, as the filter-valve assembly can be installed as a unit, thereby improving reliability while limiting the increase in connecting rod complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 implementation of filter elements effectively prevents dirt particles from reaching sensitive components, ensuring reliable and long-lasting function of the connecting rod and switching valve without increasing the complexity of the connecting rod's machining, thus enhancing the robustness against contamination.

Implementation Method 1

at least one filter element is arranged in the area of the changeover valve's connections... which protects sensitive hydraulic components such as check valves and/or mechanical or hydraulic switches from these particles and/or shavings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3306055B1Selector valve and connecting rod for a combustion engine with variable compression
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 ECO HLDG 1 GMBH
  • EP3306055B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3306055B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3306055B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a changeover valve (6) for controlling a hydraulic fluid flow of a connecting rod (1) for a variable compression internal combustion engine, with an eccentric adjustment device (3) for adjusting the effective connecting rod length, and a valve housing (8) comprising a first working port (10) and a second working port (11), as well as a supply port (12). According to the invention, at least one filter element (29, 30, 31) is arranged in the region of the ports (10, 11, 12) of the changeover valve. The invention further relates to a connecting rod for a variable compression internal combustion engine.