TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to systems for cooling an engine system.
BACKGROUND OF THE RELATED ART
[0002] In an engine system, one or more cylinders of a cylinder block of the engine generate
heat as combustion occurs. To avoid overheating, a cooling system circulates a coolant
fluid around the various cylinders in a liner (for example, a coolant fluid jacket,
a water jacket, etc.). In one of various arrangements of liners, a liner may surround
the various cylinders, allowing coolant fluid to flow around the cylinders from a
coolant fluid source (for example, a radiator). As the coolant fluid flows around
the cylinders, heat from each cylinder is transferred to the coolant fluid, which
flows back to the coolant fluid source to dissipate the heat and complete a coolant
fluid circuit. The shape of the liner can affect the efficiency of the coolant fluid
and the flow characteristics of the coolant fluid.
CONTENT OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In one set of embodiments, a coolant liner comprises a first flow surface to direct
coolant fluid toward a cylinder of an engine and a transition region coupled to the
first flow surface. The transition region includes a convex portion having a first
radius of curvature and a concave portion having a second radius of curvature. The
concave portion is coupled to the convex portion at an inflection point. A second
flow surface is coupled to the transition region to direct coolant fluid around the
cylinder.
[0004] In some embodiments, the first radius of curvature is greater than the second radius
of curvature.
[0005] In some embodiments, the second radius of curvature is greater than the first radius
of curvature.
[0006] In some embodiments, the first radius of curvature is substantially equal to the
second radius of curvature.
[0007] In some embodiments, a ratio of the first radius of curvature to the second radius
of curvature is between approximately 1.3 and approximately 2.5.
[0008] In some embodiments, the coolant liner further comprises: a curved portion coupled
to the second flow surface; and a base portion coupled to the curved portion.
[0009] In some embodiments, a height of the second flow surface extending between the base
portion and the concave portion is between approximately 8 mm and approximately 10
mm.
[0010] In some embodiments, a distance between the first flow surface and the base portion
is between approximately 12 mm and approximately 13 mm.In another set of embodiments,
a coolant liner comprises a first flow surface to direct coolant fluid toward the
cylinder. The first flow surface defines a first tangent line tangent to the first
flow surface. A transition region is coupled to the first flow surface. The transition
region includes a convex portion having a first vertex defining a second tangent line
tangent to the convex portion at the first vertex. A concave portion is coupled to
the convex portion at an inflection point. The concave portion has a second vertex
defining a third tangent line tangent to the concave portion at the second vertex.
A second flow surface is coupled to the transition region to direct coolant fluid
around the cylinder.
[0011] In another set of embodiments, A coolant liner, comprising:
a first flow surface to direct a coolant fluid toward a cylinder of an engine, the
first flow surface defining a first tangent line tangent to the first flow surface;
a transition region coupled to the first flow surface, the transition region comprising:
a convex portion having a first vertex, the first vertex defining a second tangent
line tangent to the convex portion at the first vertex;
a concave portion coupled to the convex portion at an inflection point, the concave
portion having a second vertex, the second vertex defining a third tangent line tangent
to the concave portion at the second vertex;
a first angle defined by the first tangent line and the second tangent line; and
a second angle defined by the second tangent line and the third tangent line; and
a second flow surface coupled to the transition region to direct the coolant fluid
around the cylinder.
[0012] In some embodiments, the first angle is greater than the second angle.
[0013] In some embodiments, the second angle is greater than the first angle.
[0014] In some embodiments, the first angle is substantially equal to the second angle.
[0015] In some embodiments, a ratio of the first angle to the second angle is between approximately
1.075 and approximately 2.0.In yet another set of embodiments, a system comprises
an engine with at least one engine cylinder and a liner positioned around the at least
one engine cylinder. The liner includes a first flow surface to direct coolant fluid
toward the at least one engine cylinder. The first flow surface defines a first tangent
line tangent to the first flow surface. A transition region is coupled to the first
flow surface. The transition region includes a convex portion having a first radius
of curvature and a first vertex. The first vertex defines a second tangent line tangent
to the convex portion at the first vertex. A concave portion is coupled to the convex
portion at an inflection point and includes a second radius of curvature and a second
vertex. The second vertex defines a third tangent line tangent to the concave portion
at the second vertex. A first angle is defined by the first tangent line and the second
tangent line, and a second angle is defined by the second tangent line and the third
tangent line. A second flow surface is coupled to the transition region to direct
coolant fluid around the at least one engine cylinder.
[0016] In some embodiments, the convex portion extends from the first flow surface and curves
downward relative to the first flow surface.
[0017] In some embodiments, the concave portion curves upward relative to the first flow
surface and is coupled to the second flow surface.
[0018] In some embodiments, the first flow surface is substantially horizontal.
[0019] In some embodiments, the second flow surface is substantially vertical.
[0020] In some embodiments, the second flow surface is coupled to a curved portion and the
curved portion is coupled to a base portion, the curved portion configured to direct
the coolant fluid from the second flow surface to the base portion.
[0021] In some embodiments, the base portion is coupled to a bottom portion, the base portion
configured to direct the coolant fluid to the bottom portion.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings
and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure
will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims, in which:
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a portion of a coolant liner, according to a particular
embodiment.
FIGS. 2A-B illustrate a side view of a cross-section of a transition region of the
coolant liner of FIG. 1, according to a particular embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an illustration of a velocity profile of coolant fluid flowing through the
coolant liner of FIG. 1, according to a particular embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and
implementations of, methods, apparatuses, and systems for directing coolant fluid
through a coolant fluid liner of an engine system. The various concepts introduced
above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous
ways, as the described concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation.
Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative
purposes.
I. Overview
[0024] In an engine cooling system, a liner may surround the various cylinders, allowing
coolant fluid to flow around the cylinders from a cooling fluid source (for example,
a radiator). As the coolant fluid flows around the cylinders, heat from each cylinder
is transferred to the coolant fluid, which flows back to the cooling fluid source
to dissipate the heat and complete a coolant fluid circuit. The shape of the liner
can affect the efficiency of the coolant fluid and the flow characteristics of the
coolant fluid. In some instances, the flow characteristics of the coolant fluid can
change the shape of the liner via erosion.
[0025] Implementations herein relate to a cooling system to direct coolant fluid efficiently
in a coolant liner and reduce or eliminate instances where the coolant fluid erodes
the liner. Embodiments of the cooling system described herein include a transition
region with a concave portion, a convex portion, and an inflection point between the
concave portion and convex portion. Coolant fluid flows along a first flow surface
that is substantially horizontal relative to a top portion of the coolant liner before
reaching the convex portion. The coolant fluid then flows along the convex portion
and then the concave portion before reaching a second flow surface that is substantially
vertical relative to the top portion of the coolant liner.
[0026] The various embodiments of the system described herein provide benefits that can
be applied to engine cooling systems. The transition region provides for coolant flow
that can cool a cylinder block more efficiently than an engine cooling system without
such a transition region. Additionally, the transition region can prevent erosion
of the liner, thereby increasing a useful life of the liner.
II. Coolant Liner Flow Path Structure
[0027] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a portion of a coolant liner 100, according to a particular
embodiment. The coolant liner 100 is configured to direct a coolant fluid (e.g., refrigerant,
water, etc.) around one or more cylinders in an engine system to cool the one or more
cylinders. The coolant fluid flows within the coolant liner 100 and does not directly
contact the one or more cylinders. Accordingly, the coolant liner 100 is constructed
from a material that can transfer heat from the one or more cylinders to the coolant
fluid flowing through the coolant liner. Examples of materials from which the coolant
liner 100 can be constructed include, but are not limited to, aluminum, cast iron,
or other materials with suitable heat transfer properties.
[0028] The coolant liner 100 includes a top portion 110, a first wall portion 108 extending
from the top portion 110 and a second wall portion 114 extending from the top portion
110. A first flow surface 102 is positioned opposite the top portion 110 and is substantially
horizontal (e.g., within fifteen degrees of perfectly horizontal relative to the top
portion 110). The top portion 110, the first wall portion 108, the second wall portion
114, and the first flow surface 102 define a coolant fluid flow path through which
the coolant fluid flows in the coolant liner 100. A transition region 104 is coupled
to the first flow surface 102 and a second flow surface 106 and is configured to direct
the coolant fluid from the first flow surface 102 to the second flow surface 106.
The second flow surface 106 is substantially vertical (e.g., within fifteen degrees
of perfectly vertical relative to the top portion 110) and directs the coolant fluid
around the coolant liner 100 and to a bottom portion 112. The bottom portion 112 is
configured to direct the coolant fluid around a cylinder of an engine. The transition
region 104 is further described with respect to FIGS. 2A-2B.
[0029] FIGS. 2A-B illustrate a side view of a cross-section of the transition region 104
of the coolant liner 100 of FIG. 1, according to a particular embodiment (with angular
representations shown in FIG. 2A but not FIG. 2B). The transition region 104 includes
a convex portion 202 coupled to, and extending from, the first flow surface 102. The
convex portion 202 extends from the first flow surface 102 in substantially the same
direction as the first flow surface 102 before curving downward relative to the first
flow surface 102. In other words, the convex portion curves away from the first flow
surface 102. A concave portion 204 is coupled to the convex portion 202 at an inflection
point 206. The concave portion 204 curves upward relative to the first flow surface
102. In other words, the concave portion 204 curves toward the first flow surface
102. When viewed in cross-section as shown, the transition region 104 resembles an
"S" shape. The concave portion 204 and convex portion 202 are configured to efficiently
direct the coolant fluid from the first flow surface 102 to the second flow surface
106 and prevent the coolant fluid from damaging the second flow surface 106 via erosion.
The shape of the transition region 104 prevents turbulent flow of the coolant fluid
(which can lead to erosion) at the second flow surface 106 by gradually changing the
direction of the flow of the coolant fluid from substantially horizontal (e.g., along
the first flow surface 102) to substantially vertical (e.g., along the second flow
surface 106).
[0030] The convex portion 202 is defined by a first radius of curvature, and the concave
portion 204 is defined by a second radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the first
radius of curvature is larger than the second radius of curvature. The second radius
of curvature may also be larger than the first radius of curvature. In some implementations,
the first radius of curvature is approximately equal to the second radius of curvature.
In an example embodiment, the first radius of curvature is approximately (e.g., within
plus or minus one millimeter) nine millimeters (mm) and the second radius of curvature
is approximately five mm.
[0031] The transition region 104 can also be defined by various angles related to tangent
lines associated with the transition region 104. For example, the transition region
104 also includes a first tangent line 208 that is tangent to the first flow surface
102 at the intersection between the first flow surface 102 and the convex portion
202. A second tangent line 210 is tangent to the convex portion 202 at a vertex of
the convex portion 202 (e.g., the point at which the convex portion 202 transitions
from a positive slope to a negative slope), and a third tangent line 212 that is tangent
to the concave portion 204 at a vertex of the concave portion 204 (e.g., the point
at which the concave portion 204 transitions from a positive slope to a negative slope).
An angle
a is defined as the angle between the first tangent line 208 and the second tangent
line 210. An angle b is defined as the angle between the second tangent line 210 and
the third tangent line 212. The value of the angle
a decreases as the vertex of the convex portion 202 moves toward the first tangent
line 208, and the value of the angle
a increases as the vertex of the convex portion 202 moves away from the first tangent
line 208. The value of the angle
b increases as the vertex of the concave portion 204 moves away from the first tangent
line 208, and the value of the angle
b decreases as the vertex of the concave portion 204 moves toward the first tangent
line 208. In some embodiments, the angle
a is larger than the angle
b. The angle
a can also be approximately equal to (e.g., within plus or minus five degrees) angle
b. In some implementations, the angle
a is smaller than the angle
b. In an example embodiment, the angle
a is approximately fifty-three degrees and the angle
b is approximately thirty-five degrees.
[0032] The concave portion 204 is coupled to the second flow surface 106 to direct the coolant
fluid toward the bottom portion 112. The second flow surface 106 is coupled to a curved
portion 214 positioned opposite the concave portion 204. The curved portion 214 is
configured to direct the coolant fluid that flows down the second flow surface 106
along a base portion 216 and toward the bottom portion 112.
[0033] The first flow surface 102 is positioned at a height
H above the base portion 216. The transition region 104 reduces the height
H to a smaller height
h above the base portion 216 at the intersection between the concave portion 204 and
the second flow surface 106. In some embodiments, the height
H is typically between twelve and thirteen mm and the height
h is between nine and ten mm. The reduction in height from
H to
h by the transition region 104 provides for efficient flow of the coolant fluid. The
efficient flow is accomplished by reducing the turbulence of the coolant fluid flow
as compared to a coolant liner that does not include the transition region 104 (e.g.,
coolant fluid flowing in a liner without the transition region 104 would encounter
a second flow surface directly coupled to a first flow surface). The reduction in
turbulence prevents the coolant fluid from damaging the second flow surface 106 as
the coolant fluid flows around the transition between the concave portion 204 and
the second flow surface 106. Reducing turbulence of the flow of the coolant fluid
also provides for more uniform distribution of the coolant fluid around the coolant
liner than a coolant fluid that has a more turbulent flow (e.g., a coolant fluid that
flows through a coolant liner that does not include the transition region 104).
III. Example Coolant Fluid Flow
[0034] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a velocity profile 300 of coolant fluid flowing through
the coolant liner 100 of FIG. 1, according to a particular embodiment. The velocity
profile 300 indicates the velocity of the coolant fluid as the coolant fluid flows
around a first cylinder and a second cylinder in the coolant liner 100 (e.g., the
lines around the elements in FIG. 3 indicate flow, and the shading of the lines indicate
velocity, with darker lines generally indicating a lower velocity). The velocity profile
300 includes a first cylinder profile 302, a second cylinder profile 312, and a coolant
inlet profile 322. The first cylinder profile includes a first coolant outlet profile
304, a second coolant outlet profile 306, a first upper portion 308, and a first lower
portion 310. The second cylinder profile includes a third coolant outlet profile 314,
a fourth coolant outlet profile 316, a second upper portion 318, and a second lower
portion 320.
[0035] Generally, the coolant fluid flows through a coolant inlet and enters the coolant
liner 100. The coolant fluid flows around the coolant liner 100 to cool a cylinder
and out one of the outlets associated with the cylinder. In coolant liners that do
not include the transition region 104 as described, the coolant fluid does not flow
entirely around the lower portions of the cylinders, leaving a "dead zone" where the
cylinder may not be effectively cooled by the coolant fluid. Such "dead zones" are
typically found in locations corresponding to the first lower portion 310 and the
second lower portion 320. In contrast, and as shown in FIG. 3, the first lower portion
310 and the second lower portion 320 show the coolant fluid flowing around the first
lower portion 310 and the second lower portion 320. Accordingly, the transition region
104 promotes circulation of the coolant fluid around the entire coolant liner 100
to eliminate "dead zones."
IV. Construction of Example Embodiments
[0036] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should
not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed but rather as
descriptions of features specific to particular implementations. Certain features
described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also
be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features
described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple
implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features
may be described as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such,
one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from
the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or
variation of a subcombination.
[0037] As utilized herein, the term "substantially," "approximately," and similar terms
are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage
by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure
pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure
that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described
and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical
ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that
insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter
described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited
in the appended claims.
[0038] The terms "coupled," "attached," and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of
two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary
(e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be
achieved with the two components or the two components and any additional intermediate
components being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another, with
the two components, or with the two components and any additional intermediate components
being attached to one another.
[0039] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the system shown
in the various example implementations is illustrative only and not restrictive in
character. All changes and modifications that come within the spirit and/or scope
of the described implementations are desired to be protected. It should be understood
that some features may not be necessary, and implementations lacking the various features
may be contemplated as within the scope of the application, the scope being defined
by the claims that follow. When the language a "portion" is used, the item can include
a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.
[0040] Also, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense)
so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term "or" means
one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase
"at least one of X, Y, and Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise
understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc.
may be either X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination
of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply
that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least
one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.
[0041] Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure,
those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many
modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes,
and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements,
use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the
novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example,
elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple components or elements,
the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number
of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence
of any method processes may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.
Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made in the
design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
1. A coolant liner, comprising:
a first flow surface to direct a coolant fluid toward a cylinder of an engine;
a transition region coupled to the first flow surface, the transition region comprising:
a convex portion having a first radius of curvature; and
a concave portion coupled to the convex portion at an inflection point, the concave
portion having a second radius of curvature; and
a second flow surface coupled to the transition region to direct the coolant fluid
around the cylinder.
2. The coolant liner of claim 1, wherein the first radius of curvature is greater than
the second radius of curvature, or wherein the second radius of curvature is greater
than the first radius of curvature, or wherein the first radius of curvature is substantially
equal to the second radius of curvature, or wherein when the first radius of curvature
is greater than the second radius of curvature, a ratio of the first radius of curvature
to the second radius of curvature is between approximately 1.3 and approximately 2.5.
3. The coolant liner of of claim2, further comprising:
a curved portion coupled to the second flow surface; and
a base portion coupled to the curved portion.
4. The coolant liner of claim 3, wherein a height of the second flow surface extending
between the base portion and the concave portion is between approximately 8 mm and
approximately 10 mm.
5. The coolant liner of claim 4, wherein a distance between the first flow surface and
the base portion is between approximately 12 mm and approximately 13 mm.
6. A coolant liner, comprising:
a first flow surface to direct a coolant fluid toward a cylinder of an engine, the
first flow surface defining a first tangent line tangent to the first flow surface;
a transition region coupled to the first flow surface, the transition region comprising:
a convex portion having a first vertex, the first vertex defining a second tangent
line tangent to the convex portion at the first vertex;
a concave portion coupled to the convex portion at an inflection point, the concave
portion having a second vertex, the second vertex defining a third tangent line tangent
to the concave portion at the second vertex;
a first angle defined by the first tangent line and the second tangent line; and
a second angle defined by the second tangent line and the third tangent line; and
a second flow surface coupled to the transition region to direct the coolant fluid
around the cylinder.
7. The coolant liner of claim 6, wherein the first angle is greater than the second angle,
or wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle, or wherein the first
angle is substantially equal to the second angle, or wherein when the first angle
is greater than the second angle, a ratio of the first angle to the second angle is
between approximately 1.075 and approximately 2.0
8. A system comprising:
an engine including at least one engine cylinder; and
a liner positioned around the at least one engine cylinder, the liner comprising:
a first flow surface to direct a coolant fluid toward the at least one engine cylinder,
the first flow surface defining a first tangent line tangent to the first flow surface;
a transition region coupled to the first flow surface, the transition region comprising:
a convex portion having a first radius of curvature and a first vertex, the first
vertex defining a second tangent line tangent to the convex portion at the first vertex;
and
a concave portion coupled to the convex portion at an inflection point, the concave
portion having a second radius of curvature and a second vertex, the second vertex
defining a third tangent line tangent to the concave portion at the second vertex;
a first angle defined by the first tangent line and the second tangent line; and
a second angle defined by the second tangent line and the third tangent line; and
a second flow surface coupled to the transition region to direct the coolant fluid
around the at least one engine cylinder.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the convex portion extends from the first flow surface
and curves downward relative to the first flow surface.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the concave portion curves upward relative to the first
flow surface and is coupled to the second flow surface.
11. The system of any one of claims 8-10, wherein the first flow surface is substantially
horizontal.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the second flow surface is substantially vertical.
13. The system of any one of claim 18-10 and 12, wherein the second flow surface is coupled
to a curved portion and the curved portion is coupled to a base portion, the curved
portion configured to direct the coolant fluid from the second flow surface to the
base portion.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the base portion is coupled to a bottom portion, the
base portion configured to direct the coolant fluid to the bottom portion.