Engine and ventilation system for an engine
AssigneeElectro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
InventorAaron Gamache Foege
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A ventilation system for an engine is disclosed. The ventilation system may include a first conduit configured to connect an exhaust system of the engine with a crankcase of the engine, a second conduit configured to connect to a vent of the crankcase, and a valve disposed within the second conduit. Additionally, the ventilation system may include a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a concentration of a gaseous constituent within the crankcase of the engine, and a controller in communication with the valve and the sensor, the controller being configured to selectively move the valve based on the signal.
Claims16
A ventilation system for an engine, comprising:
- a first conduit configured to connect an exhaust system of the engine with a crankcase of the engine;
- a second conduit configured to connect to a vent of the crankcase;
- a valve disposed within the second conduit;
- a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a concentration of oxygen within the crankcase of the engine;
- and
- a controller in communication with the valve and the sensor, the controller being configured to selectively move the valve based on the signal.
An engine, comprising:
- an engine block;
- a cylinder head connected to the engine block and, together with the engine block, at least partially defining a cylinder;
- a crankcase connected to the engine block opposite the cylinder head;
- an exhaust system fluidly connected to the cylinder head;
- a vent fluidly connected to an interior of the crankcase;
- a first conduit fluidly connected between the exhaust system and the crankcase;
- a second conduit fluidly connected to the vent;
- a valve disposed within the second conduit;
- a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a concentration of oxygen within the crankcase;
- and
- a controller in communication with the valve and the sensor, the controller being configured to selectively move the valve based on the signal.
A method of purging an engine crankcase, comprising:
- directing a flow of exhaust from an engine into the engine crankcase;
- sensing a concentration of oxygen within the engine crankcase;
- and
- selectively restricting the flow of exhaust out of the crankcase based on the concentration.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.