Volume Flow Control Valve with Spring Sheet Feedback

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing volume flow control valves for internal combustion engine crankcases require large mounting spaces and fail to effectively separate oil from blow-by gas while controlling gas flow and pressure, as they rely on compression springs and separate oil separation systems.

Innovation Solution

A volume flow control valve with a feedback-control function using a spring sheet that maintains a constant cross-section for one opening and adjusts the other opening's cross-section based on pressure differences, reducing gas flow and pressure drop, and incorporates a flow barrier for oil separation, minimizing mounting space and utilizing a single movable element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If compression springs and separate oil separation systems are used, then gas flow and pressure control functions are achieved, but mounting space becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas flow controlVSAvoidmounting space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the gas flow control function and oil separation function into a single integrated valve assembly. The valve body houses both the compression spring mechanism for pressure control and the oil separation chamber with coalescing media, eliminating the need for separate oil separation systems and reducing overall mounting space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The oil separation chamber is nested within the valve body structure. The coalescing media is positioned inside the valve housing, and the oil drain passage is integrated into the same assembly, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes space requirements while maintaining both control and separation functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If compression springs and separate oil separation systems are used, then pressure control function is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure controlVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single valve assembly: the compression spring provides pressure control, the same valve body contains the oil separation chamber with coalescing media, and integrated passages handle both gas flow and oil drainage. This integration reduces device complexity by eliminating separate systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the compression spring mechanism for pressure regulation, contains the oil separation chamber, provides flow passages for gas and oil, and includes the oil drain outlet. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If separate oil separation systems are used, then oil separation function is achieved, but mounting space becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil separationVSAvoidmounting space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The oil separation chamber is nested within the valve body structure. The coalescing media is positioned inside the valve housing, and the oil drain passage is integrated into the same assembly, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes space requirements while maintaining both control and separation functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the gas flow control function and oil separation function into a single integrated valve assembly. The valve body houses both the compression spring mechanism for pressure control and the oil separation chamber with coalescing media, eliminating the need for separate oil separation systems and reducing overall mounting space.

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 solution provides efficient gas and pressure control with a defined valve characteristic, reduces mounting space, and effectively separates oil from blow-by gas, ensuring reduced contamination and optimized ventilation in internal combustion engines.

Implementation Method 1

when the pressure difference between the crank chamber (1) and the intake tract (8) increases

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

at least one spring sheet (3) opens a lower volume flow at first, switches at a defined high pressure drop, the spring sheet (3) thus reducing the cross-section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

incorporates a flow barrier for oil separation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow separation: Flow Separation

Data Source

PatentUS10634023B2Volume flow control valve

Publication Date: 2020.04.28 POLYTEC PLASTICS GERMANY

AI summary

The invention relates to a volume flow control valve with a control function for ventilating the crankcase of an internal combustion engine in a housing between a crank chamber of a crankcase and an intake tract with at least two openings between the crank chamber and the intake tract.