Description:Field of Invention
[001] The invention relates to oil coolers provided in Diesel Internal Combustion (IC) Engines. It more particularly relates to oil coolers whose operation can be controlled electrically to increase operating fuel efficiency of the Diesel IC engine powered vehicle.
Background of the Invention
[002] Oil coolers are installed in vehicles with internal combustion engines to cool the oil that is circulated for lubrication. This cooling function is essential for maintaining the viscosity of the lubricating oil within the recommended range, ensuring adequate coverage and retention of oil on the engine's moving parts. The operation of these oil coolers is linked to that of the engine, and it activates as soon as the vehicle is turned on. The circulation of the lubricating oil through the oil coolers occurs regardless of the oil temperature.
[003] The conventional oil coolers continue to operate regardless of whether the lubricating oil has reached a temperature that requires cooling. This leads to wastage of power, as extra fuel is burned to provide power for the circulation of the lubricating oil through the oil coolers. As a result, the vehicle's fuel efficiency decreases, and the time the vehicle must idle after starting the engine increases to ensure the lubricating oil reaches the necessary operating temperature for proper lubrication.
[004] Current solutions to this issue involve using passive bypass valves that adjust based on the engine's operating conditions. These valves divert oil away from the oil coolers if the engine conditions do not necessitate lubrication oil cooling. However, implementing these solutions on the vehicle often increases the size, weight and complexity of the apparatus used for circulating the lubricating oil.
[005] In vehicle design, both size and weight are highly valued commodities. As a result, unless the benefits of a solution exceed a certain threshold, current oil cooling bypass options are often not utilized. Due to space and weight restrictions, vehicle designers typically choose not to implement these existing solutions, which leads to a missed opportunity for improving fuel efficiency. Therefore, it is an objective of the present invention to provide an electric solenoid-actuated oil cooler for vehicles that is compact and light weight, thereby presenting little to no obstacles in its inclusion on new or even preexisting vehicles.
[006] It is another objective of the present invention to provide an electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for vehicles that allows itself to be actively controlled through the use of controllers provided on the vehicle, so as to allow implementation of suitable lubrication oil cooling strategies for different vehicle operating conditions.
[007] It is still another objective of the present invention to provide an electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for vehicles that can be very easy adapted to be provided in different vehicles.
[008] It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for vehicles that provides sufficient fuel efficiency improvement to justify its inclusion on different vehicles.
[009] It is still another objective of the present invention to provide an electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for vehicles that doesn’t not negatively affect the functioning of other vehicular systems while performing its function.
Summary of the Invention
[0010] An embodiment of the invention achieving the stated objective, that is electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium duty engine vehicles, comprises of, a base (1), electrically controlled solenoid valve (15SV), lubricating oil bypass flow path (20), lubricating oil return flow path (25), a lubricating oil return outlet (30), lubricating oil flow channels (35, 40, 45, and 50), and end plugs (65). In the electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium duty engine vehicles, the base (1) is provided with an opening (35H1) that opens into the lubricating oil flow channel (35), said opening (35H1) receives lubricating oil coming from the oil pump of the vehicle; the electrically controlled solenoid valve (15SV) is positioned in a cylindrical housing portion (15SVH) on the base (1), the cylindrical housing portion (15SVH) intersects with lubricating oil flow channel (35 and 45), the cylindrical housing portion (15SVH) also has an opening (20H1) on its curved surface that allows lubricating oil to flow from the housing portion (15SVH) to the lubricating oil bypass flow path (20), the second opening (20H2) of the lubricating oil bypass flow path (20) opens into the lubricating oil flow channel (40), the lubricating oil flow channel (40) in turn merges into the lubricating oil return path (25) that is in turn linked with the lubricant oil return outlet (30); and end plugs (65), plug the open ends of the oil flow channels (35, 40, 45, 50) and also the upper open end of the lubricating oil return flow path (25).
Brief Description of Drawings
[0011] The present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings that contain references numerals for indicating its various parts. The description of the present invention would therefore be better understood with reference to accompanying diagrams, wherein
[0012] Figure 1 discloses the front view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] Figure 2 discloses a cut section view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] Figure 3 discloses a schematic of the preferred embodiment of the present invention integrated on the vehicle as operated in accordance with its preferred method of operation.
[0015] Figure 4a and 4b discloses the front and cut-section view respectively of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the circulation of the lubricating oil when under operation.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0016] Referring to the set of figures 1, and 2, an electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium duty engine vehicles (100), comprises of, a base (1), electrically controlled solenoid valve (15SV), lubricating oil bypass flow path (20), lubricating oil return flow path (25), a lubricating oil return outlet (30), and lubricating oil flow channels (35, 40, 45, and 50), and end plugs (65). The construction of preferred embodiment of the electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium duty engine vehicles (100) is as shown in figures 1, 2, 4a and 4b and as described hereinafter.
[0017] In the electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium duty engine vehicles (100) (refer to Figs 1 and 2) the base (1) is provided with an opening (35H1) that opens into the lubricating oil flow channel (35). The opening (35H1) receives lubricating oil coming from the oil pump of the vehicle. The electrically controlled solenoid valve (15SV) is positioned in a cylindrical housing portion (15SVH) on the base (1). The cylindrical housing portion (15SVH) intersects with lubricating oil flow channel (35 and 45).
[0018] The cylindrical housing portion (15SVH) (refer to Figs 4a and 4b) also has an opening (20H1) on its curved surface that allows lubricating oil to flow from the housing portion (15SVH) to the lubricating oil bypass flow path (20). The second opening (20H2) of the lubricating oil bypass flow path (20) opens into the lubricating oil flow channel (40). The lubricating oil flow channel (40) in turn merges into the lubricating oil return path (25) that is in turn linked with the lubricant oil return outlet (30).
[0019] The lubricating oil bypass flow path (20) is provided on the base (1) and is positioned above the oil flow channels (35 and 45). The end plugs (65) (refer to Figs 4a and 4b), plug the open ends of the oil flow channels (35, 40, 45, 50) and also the upper open end of the lubricating oil return flow path (25). The open ends of the oil flow channels (35, 40, 45, 50) and the upper open end of the lubricating oil return flow path (25) are located along an upper portion of the base (1).
[0020] The base (1) is provided with multiple fastening points (5FH) along its periphery to allow it to be fastened to an engine superstructure. A gasket is provided between the base (1) and the vehicle superstructure to provide an effective seal and prevent leakage of the lubrication oil. The oil cooler (55) is fastened below the base (1) along attachment points provided on its bases (60B) (refer to Fig. 2) located in a top portion of the base (1). The bases (60B) and their attachment points (provided for attaching the oil cooler (55)) are located along the lubricating oil flow channels (40 and 50), with the openings (55H1, 55H2) being provided for integrating the oil cooler (55) into the oil flow path that is opening into the oil flow channels (50 and 40) respectively.
[0021] A solenoid oil thermostat installed on the vehicle allows the vehicle mounted controller to sense the temperature of the oil flowing through the electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium duty engine vehicles (100). The oil cooler (55) so provided is any conventional cooler capable of being used in automotive applications and is specifically designed for the vehicle on which the electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium duty engine vehicles (100) may be utilised.
[0022] According to the preferred method of operating the electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium duty engine vehicles (100) (refer to Fig. 3, 4a and 4b), the electrically controlled solenoid valve (15SV) is controlled by a vehicle mounted controller to cause it to completely close the oil flow into the oil flow channel (45) thereby diverting the flowing lubricating oil directly into the lubricating oil bypass flow path (20), and then through it to the lubricating oil return flow path (25), and back then back into circulation through the oil filter via the lubricating oil return outlet (30) if the oil temperature is sensed to be below 113°C. An electrical harness connects the electrically controlled solenoid valve (15SV) to the vehicle mounted controller to enable such control to be exercised by it.
[0023] According to the preferred method of operating the electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium duty engine vehicles (100) (refer to Fig. 3, 4a and 4b), the electrically controlled solenoid valve (15SV) is controlled by a vehicle mounted controller to cause it to partially close the oil flow into the oil flow channel (45) thereby diverting 75% of the flowing lubricating oil directly into the lubricating oil bypass flow path (20), and then through it to the lubricating oil return flow path (25), and back then back into circulation to the oil filter via the lubricating oil return outlet (30) if the oil temperature is sensed to be between 113°C and 114°C.
[0024] According to the preferred method of operating the electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium duty engine vehicles (100) (refer to Fig. 3, 4a and 4b), if the oil temperature is sensed to be between 113°C and 114°C, the electrically controlled solenoid valve (15SV) is partially closed by the vehicle mounted controller to cause 25% of the lubricating oil flow to be channelled into the oil flow channel (45) and through it to the oil cooler (55) and then through an opening back into the oil flow channel (40) and then through the lubricating oil return flow path (25), and then back into circulation to the oil filter via the lubricating oil return outlet (30).
[0025] According to the preferred method of operating the electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium duty engine vehicles (100) (refer to Fig. 3, 4a and 4b), the electrically controlled solenoid valve (15SV) is controlled by a vehicle mounted controller to cause it to partially close the oil flow into the oil flow channel (45) thereby diverting 25% of the flowing lubricating oil directly into the lubricating oil bypass flow path (20), and then through it to the lubricating oil return flow path (25), and back then back into circulation to the oil filter via the lubricating oil return outlet (30) if the oil temperature is sensed to be between 114°C and 115°C.
[0026] According to the preferred method of operating the electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium duty engine vehicles (100) (refer to Fig. 3, 4a and 4b), if the oil temperature is sensed to be between 114°C and 115°C, the electrically controlled solenoid valve (15SV) is partially closed by the vehicle mounted controller to cause 75% lubricating oil flow to be channelled into the oil flow channel (45) and through it to the oil cooler (55) and then through an opening back into the oil flow channel (40) and then through the lubricating oil return flow path (25), and then back into circulation to the oil filter via the lubricating oil return outlet (30).
[0027] According to the preferred method of operating the electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium duty engine vehicles (100) (refer to Fig. 3, 4a and 4b), if the oil temperature is sensed to be above 115°C, the electrically controlled solenoid valve (15SV) is closed by the vehicle mounted controller to cause 100 % of the lubricating oil flow to be channelled into the oil flow channel (45) and through it to the oil cooler (55) and then through an opening back into the oil flow channel (40) and then through the lubricating oil return flow path (25), and then back into circulation to the oil filter via the lubricating oil return outlet (30).
[0028] The preferred method of operation of operating the electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium-duty engine vehicles (100), so disclosed, enables fuel efficiency improvement of up to 1%. This is significant enough to allow the vehicle designers to consider the usage of the electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium-duty engine vehicles (100), given that it is reasonably compact and lightweight as compared to other conventional solutions.
[0029] Technical advantages offered by the invention, i.e., the electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium-duty engine vehicles (100), are-
- It is compact and lightweight, thereby presenting little to no obstacles in its inclusion on new or even preexisting vehicles.
- It allows itself to be actively controlled through the use of controllers provided on the vehicle so as to allow the implementation of suitable lubrication oil cooling strategies for different vehicle operating conditions.
- It can be very easily adapted for being provided in different vehicles.
- It provides sufficient fuel efficiency improvement to justify its inclusion on different vehicles.
- It doesn’t not negatively affect the functioning of other vehicular systems while performing its function.
[0030] The disclosed invention, i.e. the electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium-duty engine vehicles (100), achieves all the set-out objectives.
[0031] It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the present invention has been herein described in terms of its preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the preferred embodiment herein disclosed, can be practiced with modifications within the scope of the invention herein described.
, Claims:We Claim,
1. An electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium duty engine vehicles (100) comprising,
• a base (1),
• electrically controlled solenoid valve (15SV),
• lubricating oil bypass flow path (20),
• lubricating oil return flow path (25),
• a lubricating oil return outlet (30),
• lubricating oil flow channels (35, 40, 45, and 50),
• end plugs (65),
wherein,
- the base (1) is provided with an opening (35H1) that opens into the lubricating oil flow channel (35), said opening (35H1) receives lubricating oil coming from the oil pump of the vehicle;
- the electrically controlled solenoid valve (15SV) is positioned in a cylindrical housing portion (15SVH) on the base (1), the cylindrical housing portion (15SVH) intersects with lubricating oil flow channel (35 and 45), the cylindrical housing portion (15SVH) also has an opening (20H1) on its curved surface that allows lubricating oil to flow from the housing portion (15SVH) to the lubricating oil bypass flow path (20), the second opening (20H2) of the lubricating oil bypass flow path (20) opens into the lubricating oil flow channel (40), the lubricating oil flow channel (40) in turn merges into the lubricating oil return path (25) that is in turn linked with the lubricant oil return outlet (30); and
- end plugs (65), plug the open ends of the oil flow channels (35, 40, 45, 50) and also the upper open end of the lubricating oil return flow path (25).
2. The electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium duty engine vehicles (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the base (1) is provided with multiple fastening points (5FH) along its periphery to allow it to be fastened to an engine superstructure.
3. The electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium duty engine vehicles (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the lubricating oil bypass flow path (20) is provided on the base (1) and is positioned above the oil flow channels (35 and 45).
4. The electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium duty engine vehicles (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the oil cooler (55) is fastened below the base (1) along attachment points provided on its bases (60B) located in a top portion of the base (1), the bases (60B) and their attachment points are located along the lubricating oil flow channels (40 and 50), openings (55H1, 55H2) for integrating the oil cooler (55) in the oil flow path open into the oil flow channels (50 and 40) respectively.
5. The electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium duty engine vehicles (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the open ends of the oil flow channels (35, 40, 45, 50) and the upper open end of the lubricating oil return flow path (25) are located along an upper portion of the base (1).
6. The method of operating the electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium duty engine vehicles (100) as claimed in the preceding claims, wherein,
- the electrically controlled solenoid valve (15SV) is controlled by a vehicle mounted controller to cause it to completely close the oil flow into the oil flow channel (45) thereby diverting the flowing lubricating oil directly into the lubricating oil bypass flow path (20), and then through it to the lubricating oil return flow path (25), and back then back into circulation through the oil filter via the lubricating oil return outlet (30) if the oil temperature is sensed to be below 113°C;
- the electrically controlled solenoid valve (15SV) is controlled by a vehicle mounted controller to cause it to partially close the oil flow into the oil flow channel (45) thereby diverting 75% of the flowing lubricating oil directly into the lubricating oil bypass flow path (20), and then through it to the lubricating oil return flow path (25), and back then back into circulation to the oil filter via the lubricating oil return outlet (30) if the oil temperature is sensed to be between 113°C and 114°C;
- the electrically controlled solenoid valve (15SV) is controlled by a vehicle mounted controller to cause it to partially close the oil flow into the oil flow channel (45) thereby diverting 25% of the flowing lubricating oil directly into the lubricating oil bypass flow path (20), and then through it to the lubricating oil return flow path (25), and back then back into circulation to the oil filter via the lubricating oil return outlet (30) if the oil temperature is sensed to be between 114°C and 115°C; and
- if the oil temperature is sensed to be above 115°C, the electrically controlled solenoid valve (15SV) is closed by the vehicle mounted controller to cause 100 % of the lubricating oil flow to be channelled into the oil flow channel (45) and through it to the oil cooler (55) and then through an opening back into the oil flow channel (40) and then through the lubricating oil return flow path (25), and then back into circulation to the oil filter via the lubricating oil return outlet (30).
7. The method of operating the electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium duty engine vehicles (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein, if the oil temperature is sensed to be between 113°C and 114°C, the electrically controlled solenoid valve (15SV) is partially closed by the vehicle mounted controller to cause 25% of the lubricating oil flow to be channelled into the oil flow channel (45) and through it to the oil cooler (55) and then through an opening back into the oil flow channel (40) and then through the lubricating oil return flow path (25), and then back into circulation to the oil filter via the lubricating oil return outlet (30).
8. The method of operating the electric solenoid actuated oil cooler for medium duty engine vehicles (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein, if the oil temperature is sensed to be between 114°C and 115°C, the electrically controlled solenoid valve (15SV) is partially closed by the vehicle mounted controller to cause 75% lubricating oil flow to be channelled into the oil flow channel (45) and through it to the oil cooler (55) and then through an opening back into the oil flow channel (40) and then through the lubricating oil return flow path (25), and then back into circulation to the oil filter via the lubricating oil return outlet (30).

Dated 12th day of February 2025

VIDIT CHOUBEY
(IN P/A 5566)
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT(S)

To,
The Controller of Patents,
The Patent Office, at Mumbai