BMW may have lost the cause of one of the internal combustion engine's biggest problems – namely soot. The solution lies in a new patent.
BMW has applied for the patent for a new technology that will eliminate problems with soot deposits in internal combustion engines.
Soot can build up on the engine's intake valves and over time reduce performance and increase fuel consumption.
In the patent, BMW describes a solution that can potentially minimize soot on the valves and at the same time make the engine more efficient.
This is written by Carmoses , who picked up the patent application at the EU's patent and trademark office in Munich, Germany.
Generally, air and oil vapors are transported from the crankcase to the intake manifold using pressure differences.
This is a well-known method used in many cars. BMW suggests using a venturi pump instead, which can mix the vapors from the crankcase with fresh air.
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According to the patent, a separator is added that separates oil from the gases in the engine. The oil is returned to the oil sump, while the rest of the vapors are led away. In this way, the risk of the 'residual product' – i.e. the soot – settling as deposits in the engine is minimised.
As a motorist, the accumulation of soot particles can, as it is now, be freed from in the engine. But this typically requires costly cleaning or replacement of entire parts.
It can be both expensive and time-consuming. By preventing the soot from forming at all, BMW's new technology can save motorists a lot of money in workshop bills.
In the patent application, BMW does not say which models the new technology is intended for. Or whether this sort of thing will be optional equipment.
The patent has been submitted to the European Patent Authority, where it must now be assessed.
The new technology is an example of how car brands are still trying to improve the efficiency of the internal combustion engine and reduce its environmental impact.
Porsche is also trying to save the internal combustion engine. And this even at a time of increasingly strict requirements for the technology's CO2 emissions. Read more about it here .
Others have set about raising the bar for how much of the energy from the fuel itself, diesel engines can utilize. Here, the Chinese are allegedly very far ahead.
Read more exciting news from and about the world of cars right here!