Claims:We Claim:

1. A system (100) for regulating flow of coolant in an engine (200) of a vehicle, the system (100) comprising:
a separator plate (3) disposed between an engine block (2) and an engine head (1) of the engine (200), wherein the separator plate (3) is structured to divide the engine (200) into a first zone (1a) and a second zone (2a);
wherein, the separator plate (3) is defined with a first provision (10) to allow the flow of coolant from a coolant supply passage (7) to the first zone (1a) and one or more second provisions (8) to selectively channelize coolant to the second zone (2a);
a flow control valve (9) fluidly connected to a coolant outlet of the second zone (2a); and
a control unit (11) communicatively coupled to the flow control valve (9), wherein, the control unit (9) is configured to:
determine, temperature of the second zone (2a) based on signals received from one or more temperature sensors (12); and
selectively operate the flow control valve (9) to regulate the flow of coolant into the second zone (2a) based on the determination.

2. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the first zone (1a) of the engine (200) includes the engine head (1) and the second zone (2a) of the engine (200) includes the engine block (2).

3. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the flow control valve (9) is fluidly connected to at least one first channel (5) in the first zone (1a) and at least one second channel (6) in the second zone (2a).

4. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more temperature sensors (12) are positioned in the second zone (2a).

5. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the control unit (11) actuates the flow control valve (9) to allow the coolant flow through the second zone (2a) when the determined temperature of the second zone (2a) exceeds a pre-determined threshold limit.

6. The system (200) as claimed in claim 5 wherein, the pre-determined threshold temperature of the second zone (2a) is 90 degrees Celsius and above.

7. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1 comprising, a deflector plate (4) extending longitudinally from the separator plate, wherein the deflector plate (4) is extending along at least a portion of the second zone (2a).

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the deflector plate (4) is structured to divert the flow of coolant received from the coolant supply passage (7) towards the first provision (10).

9. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the deflector (4) includes one or more second provision (10) to allow passage of coolant into the second zone (2a).

10. The system (200) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the first provision (10) interconnects each of the at least one first channel (5) to the coolant supply passage (7) wherein, each of the at least one first channel (5) extends into the first zone (1a).

11. A method of regulating coolant flow in an engine (200) of a vehicle, the method comprising:
circulating coolant through a first zone (1a) and a second zone (2a) in the engine (200);
wherein the first zone (1a) and the second zone (2a) in the engine (200) are divided by a separator plate (3) and, a flow control valve (9) is communicatively coupled to a control unit (11);
monitoring, by the control unit (11), temperature of the second zone (2a) based on signals received from one or more temperature sensors 12;
selectively operating the flow control valve (9) by the control unit (11), to regulate the coolant flow into the second zone (2a) when temperature of the second zone (2a) exceeds a pre-determined threshold.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the c pre-determined threshold limit is 90 degree Celsius and above.

Dated 31st day of October 2021

GOPINATH A S
IN/PA 1852
OF K&S PARTNERS
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT
, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
The Patents Rules, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10 and rule 13]

TITLE: “A SYSTEM FOR REGULATING COOLANT FLOW IN AN ENGINE OF A VEHICLE”

Name and address of the Applicant:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra, INDIA.

Nationality: INDIAN

TATA MOTORS EUROPEAN TECHNICAL CENTRE of 18 Grosvenor Place,
London, SW1X 7HS,
United Kingdom

Nationality: GB

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure relates in general to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a system for regulating flow of coolant in an engine of a vehicle. Further embodiments of the disclosure disclose the system where the coolant circulation to the engine is divided between an engine head and an engine bock and the coolant flow into the engine block is controlled based on the temperature of the engine block.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An internal combustion engine of a vehicle produces power by converting chemical energy from fuels such as gasoline or diesel into mechanical energy. The combustion of the fuel inside the engine generates very high temperatures and burning gases in the engine cylinder reaches temperatures upwards of 1500 °C. These high temperatures may severely damage the engine and lower the engine performance over an extended duration of time. The high temperatures may also increase carbon dioxide emissions and reduce the operational efficiency of the engine. It is therefore crucial for controlling the temperatures in the engine.

Generally, a cooling system is employed in the engine for controlling the temperatures in the engine. In conventional cooling systems, a cooling circuit circulates a coolant through the flow passages defined in the engine. The cooling circuit generally includes a coolant pump powered by the engine crankshaft or electronic control module. The coolant pump propels the coolant through the cooling circuit and reduces the overall temperature of the engine.

The conventional coolant systems include coolant flow path that is defined throughout the engine. The coolant is circulated through the coolant flow path for reducing the temperature of the engine. The coolant follows a path through cooling passages in the engine block and the engine head. Coolant is further circulated from the engine block and the engine head to a radiator where, temperature of the coolant is reduced for the recirculation to engine block. The coolant then travels from the radiator through a hose and back to the coolant pump. Conventional systems are configured to cool all regions of the engine in a uniform manner since, the coolant is circulated uniformly thought the engine. However, the engine head often tends to reach higher temperatures when compared to the engine block. Conventional systems fail to consider the temperature differences at various regions in the engine. Consequently, the coolant circulated remains the same throughout the engine. Therefore, regions of the engine which are at higher temperatures are often inadequately cooled and these particular regions tend to wear out at a faster rate. The user often must replace these components or in some instances the complete cylinder head and the cylinder block are to be replaced prematurely due to constant exposure to high temperatures. Consequently, the repair and maintenance costs significantly increase, and the user may have to incur these costs at short intervals. Further, the operational efficiency due to premature wearing of the various regions in the engine decreases drastically and the carbon dioxide emissions also increase significantly. Thus, inadequate cooling of regions that are exposed to high temperatures, not only increase the service costs but also cause the engine to operate in a manner which is severely unfavorable to the environment.

The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the conventional system or method are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the method as claimed in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a system for regulating flow of coolant in an engine of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a separator plate disposed between an engine block and an engine head, where the separator plate is structured to divide the engine into a first zone and a second zone. The separator plate is defined with a first provision to allow the flow of coolant from a coolant supply passage to the first zone and one or more second provisions to selectively channelize coolant to the second zone. The system further includes a flow control valve which is fluidly connected to a coolant outlet of the second zone and a control unit is communicatively coupled to the flow control valve. The control unit is configured to determine, temperature of the second zone based on signals received from one or more temperature sensors. The control unit selectively operates the flow control valve to regulate the flow of coolant into the second zone based on the determination.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first zone of the engine includes the engine head and the second zone of the engine includes the engine block.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the flow control valve is fluidly connected to at least one first channel in the first zone and at least one second channel in the second zone.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the one or more temperature sensors are positioned in the second zone.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the control unit actuates the flow control valve to allow the coolant flow through the second zone when the determined temperature of the second zone exceeds a pre-determined threshold limit.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the pre-determined threshold temperature of the second zone is in a range of 90 degree Celsius and above.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a deflector plate extending longitudinally from the separator plate is provided, where the deflector plate extends along at least a portion of the second zone.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the deflector plate is structured to divert the flow of coolant received from the coolant supply passage towards the first provision.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the deflector includes one or more provision to allow passage of coolant into the second zone.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first provision interconnects each of the at least one first channel to the coolant supply passage where, each of the at least one first channel extends into the first zone.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a method of regulating coolant flow in an engine of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes aspects of circulating a coolant by a flow control valve, through a first zone and a second zone in the engine. The first zone and the second zone in the engine are divided by a separator plate and, the flow control valve is communicatively coupled to a control unit. The control unit monitors the temperature of the second zone based on signals received from one or more temperature sensors. The control unit selectively operates the flow control valve, to regulate the coolant flow into the second zone when temperature of the second zone exceeds a pre-determined threshold.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system for regulating flow of coolant in an engine of a vehicle.

Fig. 2 illustrates a front view of the engine with the system for regulating flow of coolant in the engine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 illustrates perspective views of the engine of Fig. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the separator plate and a deflector in the engine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 illustrates a block diagram of the system for regulating flow of coolant in the engine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a method for regulating flow of coolant in the engine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system for regulating flow of coolant in the engine of the vehicle without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other system for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to its organization, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that an assembly comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such assemblies. In other words, one or more elements in assemblies proceeded by “comprises” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system 100 or device.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs. For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated methods, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and uses. Further, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or summary or the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices or components illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described referring to the accompanying drawings. While some specific terms directed to a specific direction will be used, the purpose of usage of these terms or words is merely to facilitate understanding of the present invention referring to the drawings.

Accordingly, it should be noted that meaning of these terms or words should not improperly limit the technical scope of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, applications, conditions, or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system 100 for regulating flow of coolant in an engine 200 of a vehicle and Fig. 2 illustrates a front view of the engine 200 with the system 100 for regulating flow of coolant in the engine 200. The engine 200 may include an engine head 1 and an engine block 2. The engine block 2 may include at least one cylinder and the engine head 1 may be accommodated on the engine block 2 such that each of the at least one cylinder of the engine block 2 is encompassed by the engine head 1. A separator plate 3 may be accommodated between the engine head 1 and the engine block 2. The separator plate 3 may be a thin plate that is positioned between the engine head 1 and the engine block 2. The engine head 1 and the engine block 2 may be connected by any known means in the art including but not limited to fasteners, nuts and bolts etc. The engine head 1 may define the first zone 1a and the engine block 2 may define the second zone 2a. The temperature of the first zone 1a may be significantly higher than the temperature of the second zone 2a since, the combustion occurs proximal to the first zone 1a i.e., engine head 1.

With reference to the Fig. 1 to Fig.6., the engine block 2 may be defined with a coolant supply passage 7. The coolant supply passage 7 may extend longitudinally into the engine block 2. The coolant flow passage may be a cut out or a provision that is defined in the engine block 2 for facilitating entry of coolant from a coolant supply source. The coolant flow passage may be configured to extend through the engine block 2 to the separator plate 3. Further, the separator plate 3 may be defined with a first provision 10 and the first provision 10 in the separator plate 3 may be configured to coincide with the coolant flow passage defined in the engine block 2. The coolant flow passage in the engine block 2 and the first provision 10 may lie along the same axis and in an embodiment, may be defined with an equal diameter. The first provision 10 facilitates the flow of coolant from the coolant flow passage in the engine block 2 [hereinafter referred to as “the second zone 2a”] into the engine head 1 [hereinafter referred to as “the first zone 1a”]. Further, the coolant supply passage 7 may be enclosed or provided with a deflector plate 4. The deflector plate 4 may extend longitudinally from the separator plate 3 and may be extend throughout the length of the coolant supply passage 7. The deflector plate 4 may be structured to divert the flow of coolant received from the coolant supply passage 7 towards the first provision 10. The deflector plate 4 may be housed in the second zone 2a and the deflector plate 4 may also be defined with one or more second provision 8 [hereinafter referred to as “the second provision 8”]. The one or more second provisions 8 may be defined on a wall of the deflector plate 4 and each of the one or more second provisions 8 may enable the flow of coolant from the coolant supply passage 7 into the second zone 2a.

The first zone 1a may be defined by at least one first channel 5 [herein after referred to as “the first channel”]. The first channel may be configured to extend throughout the first zone 1a. The first channel may be defined in the first zone 1a and may be fluidly connected to the first provision 10 of the separator plate 3. The region where the first channel is fluidly connected to the first provision 10 on the separator plate 3 is the first coolant inlet for the first zone 1a. Further, the coolant flows from the coolant supply passage 7 into the first channel in the first zone 1a through the first provision 10. The coolant further exits the first zone 1a through a first coolant outlet for the first zone 1a. The first channel may be configured to extend throughout the width of the first zone 1a and the first coolant outlet for the first zone 1a may be configured at a side that lies opposite or farthest from the side of the first zone 1a where the first provision 10 is configured on the separator plate 3.

The second zone 2a may also be defined by at least one second channel 6 [herein after referred to as “the second channel”]. The second channel 6 may be configured to extend throughout the second zone 2a. The second channel may be defined in the second zone 2a and may be fluidly connected to the second provision 8 of the deflector plate 4. The second channel 6 may extend from the second provision 8 of the deflector plate 4 and may be configured to extend throughout the width of the second zone 2a. The first channel 5 in the first zone 1a and the second channel 6 in the second zone 2a are separated by configuring the separator plate 3 between the first zone 1a and the second zone 2a.

Further, the region where the second channel 6 is fluidly connected to the second provision 8 on the deflector plate 4 is the second coolant inlet for the second zone 2a. Further, the coolant flows from the coolant supply passage 7 into the second channel in the second zone 2a through the second provision 8 of the deflector plate 4. The coolant further exits the second zone 2a through a second coolant outlet for the second zone 2a. The second coolant outlet for the second zone 2a may be configured at a side that lies opposite or farthest from the side of the second zone 2a where the second provision 8 is configured on the separator plate 3. The second zone 2a may also include one or more temperature sensors 12 [herein after referred to as “the temperature sensors 12”] that are connected to a control unit 11. The temperature sensors 12 may be configured to constantly detect the temperature of the second zone 2a and transmit a corresponding signal to the control unit 11. The second coolant outlet extending from the second zone 2a may be fluidly connected to a flow control valve 9 through a hose pipe. The flow control valve 9 may further be communicatively connected to the control unit 11 where, the working of the flow control valve 9 is controlled by the control unit 11 based on the signals received from the temperature sensor corresponding to the temperature of the second zone 2a.

In an embodiment, the first channel 5 and the second channel 6 may be configured to extend along the walls of the engine 200 and may also be configured to encompass the central regions of the engine 200. The first channel 5 and the second channel 6 may extend to encompass all the regions of the first zone 1a and the second zone 2a respectively, such that the coolant circulated though the first channel 5 and the second channel 6 reduces the overall temperature of the first zone 1a and the second zone 2a respectively.

The working of the system 100 is illustrated below with reference to the flowchart in the Fig. 7. The coolant is initially circulated into the coolant supply passage 7. The coolant may be circulated into the coolant supply passage 7 through a coolant pump [not shown]. The coolant flows into the coolant supply passage 7 and the deflector plate 4 enclosing the coolant supply passage 7 directs the coolant into the first zone 1a through the first provision 10 defined in the separator plate 3. The coolant further enters the first channel 5 through the first coolant inlet and the coolant is circulated throughout the first channel 5 configured in the first zone 1a. The coolant absorbs the heat from the first zone 1a of the engine 200 and the high temperature coolant exits the first zone 1a through the first coolant outlet. Further, the temperature of the second zone 2a is constantly being monitored by the control unit 11. The control unit 11 may be configured to periodically receive signals from the temperature sensor 12 and the received signals may correspond to the temperature in the second zone 2a. As the coolant is being circulated through the first zone 1a, the control unit 11 monitors the temperature in the second zone 2a. The temperature sensor 12 transmits a signal to the control unit 11 that corresponds to the temperature of the second zone 2a. The control unit 11 receives the signal from the temperature sensor and the control unit 11 compares the temperature of the second zone 2a with a pre-determined threshold temperature in a range of 90 degree Celsius and above. If the temperature in the second zone 2a is lower than the pre-determined threshold temperature in the range of 90 degree Celsius and above, the control unit 11 does not operate the flow control valve 9 and allows the coolant to be circulated through the first zone 1a. When the temperature in the second zone 2a exceeds the pre-determined threshold temperature of 90 degree Celsius and above, the control unit 11 interprets that the second zone 2a has been heated excessively. Subsequently, the control unit 11 operates the flow control valve 9 to draw the coolant from the coolant supply passage 7 into the second channel. Once, the flow control valve 9 is operated, the coolant flowing through the coolant supply passage 7 is partially redirected through the second provisions 8 in the deflector plate 4 into the second channel. The coolant now flowing through the coolant supply passage 7, flows into the first channel with and is partially directed into the second channel in the second zone 2a. The coolant flowing through the second zone 2a, absorbs the heat in the second zone 2a and the high temperature coolant exits the second zone 2a through the second coolant outlet of the second zone 2a. As the coolant is circulated through the second zone 2a, the temperature in the second zone 2a reduces gradually. Once the temperature in the second zone 2a drops below the pre-determined threshold limit of 90 degrees Celsius, the control unit 11 terminates the operation of the flow control valve 9. Consequently, the flow of coolant from the coolant supply passage 7 into the second channel reduces gradually and most of the coolant is circulated to the first zone 1a which is at higher temperatures.

In an embodiment, the above illustrated system 100 selectively cools the engine block 2 while constantly cooling the engine head 1. Since, the engine head 1 is constantly exposed to higher temperatures, the system 100 cools the engine head 1 while selectively cooling the engine block 2 only when the temperature of the engine block 2 exceeds the pre-determined threshold. Consequently, the cooling of the engine 200 is uniform, and the overall operational temperature of the engine 200 is reduced throughout the engine 200. Maintaining lower temperatures throughout the engine 200 improves the operational efficiency of the engine 200 and drastically reduces the wear of the engine 200. Thus, the operational and service cost of the vehicle are also reduced drastically. Further, the carbon dioxide emissions which increase at higher operational temperatures are also contained.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the control unit 11 may be a centralized control unit 11, or a dedicated control unit 11 associated with the vehicle. The control unit 11 may be comprised of a processing unit. The processing unit may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user or system generated requests. The processing unit may be a specialized processing unit such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. The processing unit may include a microprocessor, such as AMD Athlon, Duron or Opteron, ARM’s application, embedded or secure processors, IBM PowerPC, Intel’s Core, Itanium, Xeon, Celeron or other line of processors, etc. The processing unit may be implemented using a mainframe, distributed processor, multi-core, parallel, grid, or other architectures. Some embodiments may utilize embedded technologies like application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc.

In some embodiments, the processing unit may be disposed in communication with one or more memory devices (e.g., RAM, ROM etc.) via a storage interface. The storage interface may connect to memory devices including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as serial advanced technology attachment (SATA), integrated drive electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, universal serial bus (USB), fiber channel, small computing system 100 interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drives may further include a drum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive, redundant array of independent discs (RAID), solid-state memory devices, solid-state drives, etc.

It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop an assembly and system 100 of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Equivalents

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding the description may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system 100 having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system 100 having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the description.

Referral numerals:

Referral numeral Detailed description
1 Engine head
1a First zone
2 Engine block
2a Second zone
3 Separator plate
4 Deflector plate
5 First flow channel
6 Second flow channel
7 Coolant supply passage
8 Second provision
9 Flow control valve
10 First provision
11 Control unit
12 Temperature sensor
100 System
200 Engine