Saddle-riding vehicle separation device cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Alcohol in the blow-by gas of saddle-riding vehicles is difficult to liquefy and separate due to its low boiling point, leading to deviations in air-fuel ratios and increased maintenance requirements, as existing solutions struggle to effectively condense alcohol at engine temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The separation device is positioned laterally on one side of the vehicle center line, overlapping with the engine in a side view, and is cooled by the oil cooler, allowing for gradual evaporation and reduced heat application, thereby enhancing alcohol liquefaction and separation while minimizing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the separation device is disposed forwards of the cylinder without overlapping the cylinder in plan view to reduce heat exposure, then alcohol liquefaction is improved, but the device occupies more space and increases vehicle width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional plan view arrangement to a three-dimensional overlapping arrangement. The separation device is positioned to overlap with the cylinder in plan view but is disposed above the cylinder in the vertical dimension, utilizing the third dimension (height) to resolve the spatial conflict while maintaining compact vehicle width.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation device is nested within the vertical space above the cylinder, effectively utilizing the engine assembly's vertical envelope. This nesting approach allows the separation device to be positioned in a space that would otherwise be unused, achieving compact integration without increasing vehicle width.
2Area of stationary object
If the separation device is positioned to overlap with the engine in side view for compact integration, then vehicle width is reduced, but the device is exposed to higher engine heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the separation device at a specific location above the engine where it can access cooling air flows. The device is arranged to be in the path of cooling air that flows over the engine, creating a localized cool environment for alcohol condensation while maintaining compact overall integration.
Solution Approach 2:
Cooling air acts as an intermediary between the engine and the separation device. The cooling air flow, which naturally moves over the engine for cooling purposes, is utilized to cool the separation device, effectively transferring thermal energy away from the alcohol condensation region without requiring additional cooling systems.
3Area of stationary object
If the separation device is positioned to overlap with the cylinder in plan view, then vehicle width is reduced, but maintenance access becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the engine assembly into distinct functional zones, positioning the separation device as a separate, accessible component above the cylinder. This segmentation allows the separation device to be independently accessed for maintenance while maintaining compact integration with the engine, as it is positioned in a vertically separated maintenance zone.
4Temperature
If the separation device is disposed away from the engine to reduce heat exposure, then alcohol condensation is improved, but the device size and vehicle complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The space above the engine is utilized for multiple functions: it serves as the mounting location for the separation device, maintains compact vehicle integration, and allows access to cooling air flows. This multi-functional use of the vertical space above the engine achieves alcohol condensation without requiring additional dedicated space or increasing vehicle 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
This configuration effectively condenses alcohol in the separation device, reducing the need for frequent maintenance by controlling evaporation and maintaining a stable air-fuel ratio, while also compactly integrating the oil cooler and separation device without increasing vehicle size.
Implementation Method 1
a motorcycle described in Japan Laid-open Patent Application Publication No. JP-A-2011-117339 includes a structure that at least a portion of the separation device is disposed forwards of the cylinder
Implementation Method 2
when the oil temperature increases and reaches the boiling point of alcohol, the alcohol contained in the oil evaporates and expands all at once
Implementation Method 3
the boiling point of ethanol is roughly 78 degrees Celsius to roughly 80 degrees Celsius
Implementation Method 4
it is required to liquefy and separate a part of the large amount of evaporated alcohol together with the lubricating oil
Data Source
AI summary
In a saddle-riding vehicle, a separation device (60) is disposed in a blow-by gas path. The separation device (60) is positioned laterally on one side of a vehicle center line extended in a back-and-forth direction. At least a portion of an oil cooler (50) is positioned on the same side as the separation device (60) with respect to the vehicle center line. In a side view, at least a portion of the separation device (60) is disposed in such a position that at least a portion of the separation device (60) is overlapped with an engine (3) in the back-and-forth direction. In a side view, at least a portion of the separation device (60) is positioned above the engine (3).