THERMOSTAT HOUSING, AN ENGINE SYSTEM, AND A METHOD FOR OPERATING A THERMOSTAT HOUSING ASSEMBLY

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202441093009, filed Nov. 28, 2024 and the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of engine coolant systems.

BACKGROUND

In an internal combustion engine system, an engine coolant system routes coolant from a reservoir to an engine of the internal combustion engine system to transfer heat from the engine into the coolant. The engine coolant system selectively routs the coolant output by the engine between a radiator and a radiator bypass, thereby changing an amount of the heat that is removed from the coolant such that a temperature of the coolant is controlled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments provide for a thermostat housing assembly. The thermostat housing assembly includes a thermostat housing and a valve assembly. The thermostat housing includes an inlet portion having a first port, a radiator outlet portion having a second port, a radiator bypass outlet portion having a third port, and a housing divider portion. The housing divider portion defines a first aperture in selective fluid providing communication from the first port to the third port and a second aperture in fluid providing communication from the first port to the third port. The valve assembly is adjustable between a first configuration that selectively prevents fluid providing communication from the first port to the second port and a second configuration that selectively prevents fluid providing communication from the first port to the third port through the first aperture. The third port is in fluid providing communication with the first port through the second aperture when the valve assembly is in the second configuration.

Various other embodiments provide for an engine system. The engine system includes an engine, a downstream component in fluid providing communication with the engine, a radiator assembly positioned between the engine and the downstream component, a radiator bypass positioned between the engine and the downstream component, and a thermostat housing assembly. The radiator assembly is assembly in fluid providing communication with the downstream component. The radiator bypass is in fluid providing communication with the downstream component in parallel to the radiator assembly. The thermostat housing assembly include a thermostat housing and a valve assembly. The thermostat housing defines a cavity in fluid receiving communication from the engine and in selective fluid providing communication to the radiator assembly and the radiator bypass, a first aperture in selective fluid providing communication from the cavity to the radiator bypass, and a second aperture in fluid providing communication from the cavity to the radiator bypass. The valve assembly is adjustable between a first configuration that selectively prevents fluid providing communication from the cavity to the radiator assembly and a second configuration that selectively prevents fluid providing communication from the cavity to the radiator bypass through the first aperture. The cavity is in fluid providing communication with the radiator bypass through the second aperture when the valve assembly is in the second configuration.

Various other embodiments provide for a method for operating a thermostat housing assembly. The method includes operating a valve assembly in a first configuration, adjusting the valve assembly from the first configuration to a second configuration, and operating the valve assembly in the second configuration. The first configuration selectively prevents fluid providing communication from a cavity of the thermostat housing assembly to a radiator assembly. The second configuration selectively prevents fluid providing communication from the cavity to a radiator bypass through a first aperture of the thermostat housing assembly and permits fluid providing communication from the cavity to the radiator bypass through a second aperture of the thermostat housing assembly.

These and other features, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the several drawings described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an engine coolant system, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a thermostat housing of the engine coolant system of FIG. 1, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the thermostat housing of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the thermostat housing of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is another side view of the thermostat housing of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the thermostat housing of FIG. 2, shown in a by-pass flow configuration.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the thermostat housing of FIG. 2, shown in a radiator flow configuration.

FIG. 8 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating a thermostat housing assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein generally relate to a coolant system and/or components thereof. More specifically, the embodiments described herein relate to a coolant system including a thermostat housing assembly.

The thermostat housing assembly, according to various embodiments, enables the coolant system to prevent a flow rate and/or a pressure of a coolant stream provided by the thermostat housing assembly to a radiator assembly from exceeding a maximum flow rate threshold and/or a maximum pressure threshold of the radiator assembly.

In some embodiments, the coolant system is structured to route coolant to an engine to remove heat from the engine. In some embodiments, the engine is an internal combustion engine that consumes fuel to produce mechanical power. In some embodiments, the engine is one of a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a hydrogen engine, or a natural gas engine.

In an example embodiment, the thermostat housing assembly is configured to route a coolant stream received from an engine between a radiator assembly and a radiator bypass. The thermostat housing assembly includes a thermostat housing and a valve assembly. The thermostat housing defines a cavity in fluid receiving communication from the engine, a first aperture in selective fluid providing communication from the cavity to the radiator bypass, and a second aperture in fluid providing communication from the cavity to the radiator bypass. The valve assembly is adjustable between a first configuration that selectively prevents fluid providing communication from the cavity to the radiator assembly and a second configuration that selectively prevents fluid providing communication from the cavity to the radiator bypass through the first aperture. The cavity is in fluid providing communication with the radiator bypass through the second aperture when the valve assembly is in the second configuration such that the thermostat housing assembly provides a portion of the coolant stream to the radiator bypass regardless of a configuration of the valve assembly.

Before turning to the figures, various embodiments of the coolant system, the thermostat housing assembly, and components thereof are described herein. It should be understood that, while individual components are described in detail, the details should be considered as examples only. Further, the details may include variations described herein. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although individual components may be described relative to an embodiment, any of the components may be used in any other embodiment described herein, unless otherwise noted.

Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an engine system 100 is shown, according to an example embodiment. The engine system 100 includes an engine 102. The engine 102 includes a coolant inlet portion 106 and a coolant outlet portion 108. The engine system 100 also includes a coolant system 110 fluidly coupled to the engine 102. The coolant system 110 is configured to route at least a portion of a coolant in the engine system 100 from the coolant outlet portion 108 to the coolant inlet portion 106.

In the configuration of FIG. 1, the engine system 100 is included in a vehicle. The vehicle can be any type of on-road or off-road vehicle including, but not limited to, wheel-loaders, fork-lift trucks, line-haul trucks, mid-range trucks (e.g., pick-up truck, etc.), sedans, coupes, and any other type of vehicle. In other embodiments, the engine system 100 can be embodied in a stationary piece of equipment, such as a power generator or genset. All such variations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the engine 102 is an internal combustion engine (ICE). The ICE combusts fuel, such as diesel, gasoline, hydrogen, natural gas, etc., to generate power. In some embodiments, the engine 102 can be part of a hybrid engine system having a combination of an internal combustion engine and at least one electric machine coupled to at least one battery. In some embodiments, the engine system 100 can be configured as a mild-hybrid powertrain, a parallel hybrid powertrain, a series hybrid powertrain, or a series-parallel powertrain.

The engine 102 includes one or more cylinders 104 (e.g., combustion cylinders). The cylinders 104 are positioned within a combustion chamber of the engine 102. As shown in FIG. 1, the engine 102 includes six cylinders 104. However, it should be understood that the engine 102 can include more or fewer cylinders 104 (e.g., at least one) than as shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the cylinders 104 can be provided in any suitable arrangement (e.g., in-line, horizontal, V, or other suitable cylinder arrangement). The coolant received by the engine 102 from the coolant system 110 may remove a portion of heat generated by the cylinders 104 when the cylinders 104 combust the fuel to generate the power such that a temperature of the engine 102 remains below a temperature threshold.

The coolant system 110 includes a thermostat housing assembly 200. The thermostat housing assembly 200 is configured to route an outlet coolant stream from the engine 102 to one or more downstream components. The coolant outlet portion 108 of the engine 102 is in fluid providing communication with the thermostat housing assembly 200. For example, the thermostat housing assembly 200 may be configured to route a coolant stream from the engine 102 to at least the downstream component 140. The thermostat housing assembly 200 is described in greater detail herein with respect to FIGS. 2-8.

The coolant system 110 includes a radiator assembly 130. The radiator assembly 130 is configured to radiate heat from coolant flowing through the radiator assembly 130 to decrease a temperature of the coolant. For example, the coolant flowing through the coolant system 110 may be directed to the radiator assembly 130 when a temperature of the coolant is above a coolant temperature threshold to decrease the temperature of the coolant below the coolant temperature threshold. As another example, the radiator assembly 130 can include a heat exchanger configured to reduce the temperature of the coolant stream flowing through the radiator assembly 130. The thermostat housing assembly 200 is in selective fluid providing communication with the radiator assembly 130. For example, the thermostat housing assembly 200 may be placed in a first configuration that selectively prevents fluid providing communication from the thermostat housing assembly 200 to the radiator assembly 130 or a second configuration that selectively allows fluid providing communication from the thermostat housing assembly 200 to the radiator assembly 130.

The coolant system 110 includes a radiator bypass 132. The radiator bypass 132 is arranged in parallel with the radiator assembly 130. For example, the coolant flowing through the coolant system 110 may be directed to the radiator bypass 132 when a temperature of the coolant is below a coolant temperature threshold such that the coolant does not flow through the radiator assembly 130 and the temperature of the coolant is not decreased.

In various embodiments, portions of the thermostat housing assembly 200 are in selective fluid providing communication with the radiator bypass 132. For example, in some embodiments the thermostat housing assembly 200 may be placed in the first configuration that selectively allows fluid proving communication to the radiator bypass 132 via a first aperture 242 or the second configuration that selectively prevents fluid providing to the radiator bypass 132 via the first aperture 242.

The coolant system 110 includes a downstream component 140 (e.g., a downstream device, etc.). The radiator assembly 130 and the radiator bypass 132 are in fluid providing communication with the downstream component 140. The downstream component 140 may be any suitable component positioned downstream of the radiator assembly 130 and the radiator bypass 132. For example, the downstream component may be a pump that drives coolant through the coolant system 110, an oil cooler module that may remove a portion of heat from oil flowing through the engine system 100, or a coolant module that provides the coolant flowing through the coolant system 110 to the coolant inlet portion 106 of the engine 102. The downstream component 140 is in fluid providing communication with the engine 102. For example, the downstream component 140 may be in fluid providing communication with the coolant inlet portion 106 of the engine 102.

In an example arrangement, the engine 102 receives an intake coolant stream. As described above, the engine 102 combusts fuel to generate power. The coolant in the intake coolant stream may remove a portion of the heat generated by the engine 102 from the engine 102. The thermostat housing assembly 200 receives a coolant stream from the engine 102 that includes the portion of the heat generated by the engine 102 that was removed from the engine 102 by the coolant. The thermostat housing assembly 200 directs the coolant stream through the radiator assembly 130 and/or through the radiator bypass 132 to the downstream component 140. The downstream component 140 provides the coolant back to the engine 102 as the intake coolant stream.

The thermostat housing assembly 200 is shown with other components of the engine system 100 (e.g., the engine 102 and components thereof, etc.) and with other components of the coolant system 110 (e.g., the radiator assembly 130, the radiator bypass 132, the downstream component 140, etc.). It should be understood that the components of the engine system 100 shown in dashed lines are shown as an example only. Thus, some embodiments described herein relate to the thermostat housing assembly 200 alone. Other embodiments described herein include the thermostat housing assembly 200 and one or more other components of the engine system 100, such as the engine 102, the downstream component 140, the radiator assembly 130, and/or the radiator bypass 132. In these embodiments, for example, the thermostat housing assembly 200 is in fluid receiving communication with the engine 102, in fluid providing communication with the radiator bypass 132, and in selective fluid providing communication with the radiator assembly 130.

The thermostat housing assembly 200 includes a thermostat housing 210 and a valve assembly 260. The thermostat housing 210 includes an inlet portion 214, a radiator outlet portion 216, a radiator bypass outlet portion 218, and a housing divider portion 240. The inlet portion 214 has a first port 220. The radiator outlet portion 216 has a second port 222. The radiator bypass outlet portion 218 has a third port 224. The housing divider portion 240 defines the first aperture 242 in selective fluid providing communication from the first port 220 to the third port 224 and a second aperture 244 in fluid providing communication from the first port 220 to the third port 224. The valve assembly 260 is adjustable between a first configuration that selectively prevents fluid providing communication from the first port 220 to the second port 222 and a second configuration that selectively prevents fluid providing communication from the first port 220 to the third port 224 through the first aperture 242. The third port 224 is in fluid providing communication with the first port 220 through the second aperture 244 when the valve assembly 260 is in the second configuration.

The engine system 100 includes the engine 102, the downstream component 140 in fluid providing communication with the engine, the radiator assembly 130 positioned between the engine 102 and the downstream component 140, the radiator bypass 132 positioned between the engine 102 and the downstream component 140, and the thermostat housing assembly 200. The radiator assembly 130 is in fluid providing communication with the downstream component 140. The radiator bypass 132 is in fluid providing communication with the downstream component 140 in parallel to the radiator assembly 130. The thermostat housing assembly 200 includes the thermostat housing 210 and the valve assembly 260. The thermostat housing 210 defines a cavity 212 in fluid receiving communication from the engine 102 and in selective fluid providing communication to the radiator assembly 130 and the radiator bypass 132, the first aperture 242 in selective fluid providing communication from the cavity 212 to the radiator bypass 132, and the second aperture 244 in fluid providing communication from the cavity 212 to the radiator bypass 132. The valve assembly 260 is adjustable between the first configuration that selectively prevents fluid providing communication from the cavity 212 to the radiator assembly 130 and the second configuration that selectively prevents fluid providing communication from the cavity 212 to the radiator bypass 132 through the first aperture 242. The cavity 212 is in fluid providing communication with the radiator bypass 132 through the second aperture 244 when the valve assembly 260 is in the second configuration.

A method 300 for operating the thermostat housing assembly 200 includes operating the valve assembly 260 in the first configuration, adjusting the valve assembly 260 from the first configuration to the second configuration, and operating the valve assembly 260 in the second configuration. The first configuration of the valve assembly 260 selectively prevents fluid providing communication from the cavity 212 of the thermostat housing assembly 200 to the radiator assembly 130. The second configuration of the valve assembly 260 selectively prevents fluid providing communication from the cavity 212 to the radiator bypass 132 through the first aperture 242 of the thermostat housing assembly 200 and permits fluid providing communication from the cavity 212 to the radiator bypass 132 through the second aperture 244 of the thermostat housing assembly 200.

In some embodiments, the coolant system 110 includes the downstream component 140, the radiator assembly 130, the radiator bypass 132, and the thermostat housing assembly 200. The downstream component 140 may be any suitable component positioned downstream of the radiator assembly 130 and the radiator bypass 132. For example, the downstream component 140 may be any of the components of the coolant system 110 positioned between (a) the radiator assembly 130 and the radiator bypass 132 and (b) the engine 102. In some embodiments, the downstream component 140 is a pump, an oil cooler module, or a coolant module.

As described above, in some embodiments, one or more of the engine 102, the radiator assembly 130, the radiator bypass 132, and the downstream component 140 may not be included in the provided system, i.e., a system or subsystem may be providing comprising less than all of the components of the engine system 100.

The flow path of a coolant stream (e.g., a coolant fluid stream, or a portion thereof) flowing through the engine system 100 is shown in FIG. 1. Further, the relative positioning of the components of the engine system 100 is shown in FIG. 1. However, it should be understood that the relative position of the components of the engine system 100 is shown as an example only, and in other embodiments, the components of the engine system 100 may be positioned in a different order and/or the engine system 100 may include more, or fewer components than as shown in FIG. 1. The positioning of the components of the engine system 100 are described herein with respect to FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the engine system 100 includes the coolant system 110. The coolant system 110 includes the thermostat housing assembly 200, the radiator assembly 130, the radiator bypass 132, and the downstream component 140. The structure and function of each component of the thermostat housing assembly 200 is described herein with respect to FIGS. 2-7.

The thermostat housing assembly 200 is coupled on the coolant outlet portion 108 of the engine 102. The thermostat housing assembly 200 is positioned downstream of the engine 102. The thermostat housing assembly 200 is in fluid receiving communication with the coolant outlet portion 108 of the engine 102. The thermostat housing assembly 200 is coupled on the radiator assembly 130. The radiator assembly 130 is positioned downstream of the thermostat housing assembly 200. The thermostat housing assembly 200 is in selective fluid providing communication with the radiator assembly 130. The thermostat housing assembly 200 is coupled on the radiator bypass 132. The radiator bypass 132 is positioned downstream of the thermostat housing assembly 200. The thermostat housing assembly 200 is in fluid providing communication with the radiator bypass 132.

Now referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the thermostat housing assembly 200 is shown. The thermostat housing assembly 200 includes the thermostat housing 210 and the valve assembly 260. The thermostat housing 210 defines the cavity 212. The thermostat housing 210 includes the inlet portion 214, the radiator outlet portion 216, the radiator bypass outlet portion 218, and the housing divider portion 240. The inlet portion 214 has the first port 220 in fluid providing communicate on with the cavity 212. The radiator outlet portion 216 has the second port 222 in fluid receiving communication with the cavity 212. In some embodiments, the radiator outlet portion 216 has more than one of the second port 222 in fluid receiving communication with the cavity 212. The radiator bypass outlet portion 218 has the third port 224 in fluid receiving communication with the cavity 212. The housing divider portion 240 defines the first aperture 242 in selective fluid providing communication from the cavity 212 to the second port 222 and the second aperture 244 in fluid providing communication from the cavity 212 to the second port 222.

In some embodiments, the inlet portion 214, the radiator outlet portion 216, the radiator bypass outlet portion 218, and the housing divider portion 240 of the thermostat housing 210 are formed from a single piece of continuous material. By forming the thermostat housing 210 from the single piece of continuous material, the thermostat housing 210 may be formed without potential leak paths between the inlet portion 214 and the radiator outlet portion 216, between the radiator outlet portion 216 and the radiator bypass outlet portion 218, between the inlet portion 214 and the radiator bypass outlet portion 218, and between the housing divider portion 240 and the radiator outlet portion 216. Advantageously, the reduction or mitigation in leak paths in the thermostat housing 210 reduces a chance that coolant leaks out of the thermostat housing 210 and into the surrounding environment. For example, when the thermostat housing 210 is formed from the single piece of continuous material, coolant may not leak from the thermostat housing 210 at locations in between inlet portion 214 and the radiator outlet portion 216 or from in between the radiator outlet portion 216 and the radiator bypass outlet portion 218.

The valve assembly 260 is adjustable between the first configuration that selectively prevents fluid providing communication from the cavity 212 to the second port 222 and the second configuration that selectively prevents fluid providing communication from the cavity 212 to the third port 224 through the first aperture 242. For example, when the valve assembly 260 is in the first configuration, the first port 220 is in fluid providing communication with the third port 224 through the first aperture 242 and through the second aperture 244. When the valve assembly 260 is in the second configuration, the first port 220 is in fluid providing communication with the second port 222 and the first port 220 is in fluid providing communication with the third port 224 through the second aperture 244. In some embodiments, a portion of the valve assembly 260 is received within the cavity 212.

The valve assembly 260 may be adjusted between the first configuration and the second configuration based on a temperature of the coolant in the coolant system 110. For example, when the temperature of the coolant is below a coolant temperature threshold, the valve assembly 260 may be adjusted to the first configuration such that the coolant stream received by the thermostat housing assembly 200 is directed to the radiator bypass 132 and does not pass through the radiator assembly 130. When the temperature of the coolant is above the coolant temperature threshold, the valve assembly 260 may be adjusted to the second configuration such that a first portion of the coolant stream received by the thermostat housing assembly 200 is directed to the radiator assembly 130 and a second portion of the coolant stream is directed to the radiator bypass 132 through the second aperture 244.

In some embodiments, the thermostat housing assembly 200 includes an auxiliary valve assembly 270. For example, when the radiator outlet portion 216 of the thermostat housing 210 defines more than one of the second ports 222, the thermostat housing assembly 200 may include the valve assembly 260 that is adjustable between the first configuration that selectively prevents fluid providing communication from the cavity 212 to a first of the second ports 222 and the second configuration that selectively allows fluid providing communication from the cavity 212 to the first of the second ports 222 and the auxiliary valve assembly 270 that is adjustable between a third configuration that selectively prevents fluid providing communication from the cavity 212 to a second of the second ports 222 and a fourth configuration that selectively allows fluid providing communication from the cavity 212 to the second of the second ports 222. In some embodiments, a portion of the auxiliary valve assembly 270 is received within the cavity 212.

The auxiliary valve assembly 270 may be adjusted between the third configuration and the fourth configuration based on the temperature of the coolant in the coolant system 110. For example, when the temperature of the coolant is below a first temperature threshold, the valve assembly 260 may be adjusted to the first configuration and the auxiliary valve assembly 270 may be adjusted to the third configuration such that the coolant stream received by the thermostat housing assembly 200 is directed to the radiator bypass 132 and does not pass through the radiator assembly 130. When the temperature of the coolant is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold and less than or equal to a second temperature threshold higher than the first temperature threshold, the valve assembly 260 may be adjusted to the first configuration and the auxiliary valve assembly 270 may be adjusted to the fourth configuration such that a first portion of the coolant stream received by the thermostat housing assembly 200 is directed to the radiator bypass 132 (e.g., through the first aperture 242 and the second aperture 244, etc.) and a second portion of the coolant stream is directed to the radiator assembly 130 (e.g., through the second of the second ports 222, etc.).

When the temperature of the coolant is greater than the second temperature threshold, the valve assembly 260 may be adjusted to the second configuration and the auxiliary valve assembly 270 may be adjusted to the fourth configuration such that a first portion of the coolant stream received by the thermostat housing assembly 200 is directed to the radiator bypass 132 (e.g., through the second aperture 244, etc.) and a second portion of the coolant stream is directed to the radiator assembly 130 (e.g., through the first and the second of the second ports 222, etc.). An amount of the coolant stream directed to the radiator assembly 130 may be higher when the valve assembly 260 is in the second configuration and the auxiliary valve assembly 270 is in the fourth configuration than when the valve assembly 260 is in the first configuration and the auxiliary valve assembly 270 is in the fourth configuration.

The thermostat housing assembly 200 includes the thermostat housing 210. Section views of the thermostat housing 210 are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The cavity 212 of the thermostat housing 210 is a conduit that is configured to receive a coolant stream. The cavity 212 receives the coolant stream from an upstream component, such as the engine 102. The thermostat housing 210 is configured to selectively provide portions of the coolant stream (e.g., a first potion of the coolant stream, a second portion of the coolant stream, etc.) to downstream components (e.g., the radiator assembly 130, the radiator bypass 132, etc.). For example, the thermostat housing 210 may be configured to selectively provide a first portion of the coolant stream to the radiator assembly 130 and a second portion of the coolant stream to the radiator bypass 132.

The thermostat housing 210 may provide a portion of the coolant stream to the radiator bypass 132 regardless of a configuration of the valve assembly 260. In an example embodiment, a geometry of the thermostat housing 210 enables or permits the thermostat housing 210 to provide a portion of the coolant stream received by the thermostat housing 210 to the radiator bypass 132 (and then to the downstream component 140) when the valve assembly 260 is in the first configuration and when the valve assembly 260 is in the second configuration. As a result, when a flow rate and/or a pressure of the coolant stream received by the cavity 212 is higher than a maximum allowable flow rate and/or a maximum allowable pressure of the radiator assembly 130, a first portion of the coolant stream is directed to the radiator bypass 132 regardless of the configuration of the valve assembly 260 such that a second portion of the coolant stream provided by the thermostat housing 210 to the radiator assembly 130 does not exceed the maximum allowable flow rate and/or the maximum allowable pressure of the radiator assembly 130. Additionally, as a result of the second portion of the coolant stream provided by the thermostat housing 210 to the radiator assembly 130 not exceeding the maximum allowable flow rate and/or the maximum allowable pressure of the radiator assembly 130, the coolant system 110 may not include additional components configured to lower the flow rate and/or the pressure of the second portion of the coolant stream provided by the thermostat housing 210 to the radiator assembly 130.

The thermostat housing assembly 200 includes the thermostat housing 210 (e.g., a housing body, etc.). The thermostat housing 210 includes the inlet portion 214 (e.g., a first housing portion, etc.) the radiator outlet portion 216 (e.g., a second housing portion, etc.), the radiator bypass outlet portion 218 (e.g., a third housing portion, etc.), and the housing divider portion 240 (e.g., a fourth housing portion, etc.). The inlet portion 214 is located at a first end of the thermostat housing 210. The radiator outlet portion 216 is located at a second end of the thermostat housing 210, opposite the first end (e.g., an opposing second end, etc.). The radiator bypass outlet portion 218 and the housing divider portion 240 are positioned between the inlet portion 214 and the radiator outlet portion 216 (e.g., between the first end and the second end of the thermostat housing 210.

The inlet portion 214 is configured to receive a coolant stream. The inlet portion 214 is configured to receive the coolant stream from an upstream component, such as the engine 102.

The inlet portion 214 includes the first port 220 (e.g., a first inlet port, etc.). The first port 220 is defined by an inlet axis A_I. An outer end of the first port 220 has a first cross-sectional area (e.g., a first flow-by area, etc.). The first port 220 is configured to receive a coolant stream. In some embodiments, the first port 220 is fluidly coupled to the coolant outlet portion 108 of the engine 102 such that the first port 220 receives the coolant stream from the engine 102 via the coolant outlet portion 108 of the engine 102. The thermostat housing assembly 200 is configured to receive a coolant stream at the first port 220 via the coolant outlet portion 108 of the engine 102.

The inlet portion 214 includes a first mounting flange 226 at the first end of the thermostat housing 210. The first mounting flange 226 defines one or more first openings 228. The one or more first openings 228 are each sized to receive a fastener. When each of the one or more first openings 228 receive a fastener, the fasteners couple the thermostat housing 210 to the engine 102. In this way, the first mounting flange 226 enables coupling the thermostat housing assembly 200 to the engine 102. In other embodiments, the first mounting flange 226 enables coupling the thermostat housing assembly 200 to another component of the engine system 100.

The radiator outlet portion 216 is configured to selectively direct a first portion of the coolant stream. The radiator outlet portion 216 is configured to selectively direct the first portion of coolant stream to a first downstream component, such as the radiator assembly 130.

The radiator outlet portion 216 includes the second port 222 (e.g., a first outlet port, etc.). The second port 222 is configured to selectively provide the first potion of the coolant stream to the first downstream component, such as the radiator assembly 130. The second port 222 is defined by a first outlet axis A_O1. In some embodiments, the first outlet axis A_O1 is oriented substantially parallel to the inlet axis A_I. In other embodiments, the first outlet axis A_O1 is oriented non-parallel (e.g., orthogonal, substantially perpendicular, or at any non-zero degree angle that allows for the first outlet axis A_O1 to be non-parallel to the inlet axis A_I) to the inlet axis A_I. In some embodiments, the first outlet axis A_O1 is positioned a distance above the inlet axis A_I. In other embodiments, the first outlet axis A_O1 and the inlet axis A_I are coplanar. In still other embodiments, the first outlet axis A_O1 is positioned a distance below the inlet axis A_I. In some embodiments, when the radiator outlet portion 216 includes the two of the second ports 222, a first of the first outlet axes A_O1 of a first of the second ports 222 is positioned above the inlet axis A_I and a second of the first outlet axes A_O1 of a second of the second ports 222 is positioned below the inlet axis A_I.

An outer end of the second port 222 has a second cross-sectional area (e.g., a second flow-by area, etc.). In some embodiments, the second cross-sectional area of the second port 222 is smaller than the first cross-sectional area of the first port 220. In some embodiments, when the radiator outlet portion 216 includes two of the second ports 222, a sum of a first of the second cross-sectional areas of a first of the second ports 222 and a second of the second cross-sectional areas of a second of the second port 222 is smaller than the first cross-sectional area of the first port 220.

The radiator outlet portion 216 includes a second mounting flange 230 at the second end of the thermostat housing 210. The second mounting flange 230 defines one or more second openings 232. The one or more second openings 232 are each sized to receive a fastener. When each of the one or more second openings 232 receive a fastener, the fasteners couple the thermostat housing 210 to the radiator assembly 130. In this way, the second mounting flange 230 may enable coupling the thermostat housing assembly 200 to the radiator assembly 130. In other embodiments, the second mounting flange 230 enables coupling the thermostat housing assembly 200 to another component of the engine system 100.

The radiator bypass outlet portion 218 is configured to direct a second portion of the coolant stream. The radiator bypass outlet portion 218 is configured to direct the second portion of coolant stream to a second downstream component, such as the radiator bypass 132. The radiator bypass outlet portion 218 is configured to direct the second portion of the coolant stream to the second downstream component regardless of the configuration of the valve assembly 260.

The radiator bypass outlet portion 218 includes the third port 224 (e.g., a second outlet port, etc.). The third port 224 is configured to provide the second potion of the coolant stream to the second downstream component, such as the radiator bypass 132. The third port 224 is defined by a second outlet axis A_O2.

In some embodiments, the second outlet axis A_O2 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the inlet axis A_I and/or the first outlet axis A_O1. In other embodiments, the second outlet axis A_O2 is oriented non-perpendicular (e.g., substantially parallel or at any non-ninety degree angle that allows for the second outlet axis A_O2 to be non-perpendicular to the inlet axis A_I and/or the first outlet axis A_O1) to the inlet axis A_I and/or the first outlet axis A_O1. In some embodiments, the second outlet axis A_O2 and the inlet axis A_I are coplanar. In other embodiments, the second outlet axis A_O2 is positioned a distance above or below the inlet axis A_I. In some embodiments, the second outlet axis A_O2 is positioned a distance below the first outlet axis A_O1. In other embodiments, the second outlet axis A_O2 and the first outlet axis A_O1 are coplanar. In still other embodiments, the second outlet axis A_O2 is positioned a distance above the first outlet axis A_O1. In some embodiments, when the radiator outlet portion 216 includes the two of the second ports 222, a first of the first outlet axes A_O1 of a first of the second ports 222 is positioned above the second outlet axis A_O2 and a second of the first outlet axes A_O1 of a second of the second ports 222 is positioned below the second outlet axis A_O2.

An outer end of the third port 224 has a third cross-sectional area (e.g., a third flow-by area, etc.). In some embodiments, the third cross-sectional area of the third port 224 is smaller than the first cross-sectional area of the first port 220. In some embodiments, the third cross-sectional area of the third port 224 is a same size as the second cross-sectional area of the second port 222.

The radiator bypass outlet portion 218 includes a third mounting flange 234 at an intermediate side of the thermostat housing 210 (e.g., between the first end and the second end of the thermostat housing 210, etc.). The third mounting flange 234 defines one or more third openings 236. The one or more third openings 236 are each sized to receive a fastener. When each of the one or more third openings 236 receive a fastener, the fasteners couple the thermostat housing 210 to the radiator bypass 132. In this way, the third mounting flange 234 enables coupling the thermostat housing assembly 200 to the radiator bypass 132. In other embodiments, the third mounting flange 234 enables coupling the thermostat housing assembly 200 to another component of the engine system 100.

The housing divider portion 240 separates the cavity 212 proximate the second port 222 from a bypass cavity 238 defined by the thermostat housing 210 proximate the third port 224. The housing divider portion 240 defines the first aperture 242 (e.g., a first bypass aperture, etc.) in selective fluid providing communication from the cavity 212 to the bypass cavity 238 and the second aperture 244 (e.g., a second bypass aperture, etc.) in fluid providing communication from the cavity 212 to the bypass cavity 238. For example, when the valve assembly 260 is in the first configuration, the valve assembly 260 may allow fluid providing communication from the cavity 212 to the bypass cavity 238 through the first aperture 242 and through the second aperture 244. When the valve assembly 260 is in the second configuration, the valve assembly 260 may prevent fluid providing communication from the cavity 212 to the bypass cavity 238 through the first aperture 242 while allowing fluid providing communication from the cavity 212 to the bypass cavity 238 through the second aperture 244.

The first aperture 242 is defined by a first aperture axis A_A1. In some embodiments, the first aperture axis A_A1 is oriented parallel to the inlet axis A_I and/or the first outlet axis A_O1. In other embodiments, the first aperture axis A_A1 is oriented non-parallel (e.g., orthogonal, substantially perpendicular, or at any non-zero degree angle that allows for the first aperture axis A_A1 to be non-parallel to the inlet axis A_I and/or the first outlet axis A_O1) to the inlet axis A_I and/or the first outlet axis A_O1. In some embodiments, the first aperture axis A_A1 and the inlet axis A_I and/or the second outlet axis A_O2 are coplanar. In other embodiments, the first aperture axis A_A1 is positioned a distance above or below the inlet axis A_I and/or the second outlet axis A_O2. In some embodiments, the first aperture axis A_A1 and the second outlet axis A_O2 are coplanar. In other embodiments, the first aperture axis A_A1 is positioned a distance above or below the second outlet axis A_O2.

The first aperture 242 has a fourth cross-sectional area (e.g., a fourth flow-by area, etc.). In some embodiments, the fourth cross-sectional area of the first aperture 242 is smaller than the first cross-sectional area of the first port 220, the second cross-sectional area of the second port 222, and/or the third cross-sectional area of the third port 224. In an example embodiment, a first ratio between the fourth cross-sectional area of the first aperture 242 and the second cross-sectional area of the second port 222 is between about 0.15 and 0.25, for example about 0.20.

The second aperture 244 is defined by a second aperture axis A_A2. In some embodiments, the second aperture axis A_A2 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first aperture axis A_A1, the inlet axis A_I and/or the first outlet axis A_O1. In other embodiments, the second aperture axis A_A2 is oriented non-perpendicular (e.g., substantially parallel or at any non-ninety degree angle that allows for the second aperture axis A_A2 to be non-parallel to the first aperture axis A_A1, the inlet axis A_I and/or the first outlet axis A_O1) to the first aperture axis A_A1, the inlet axis A_I and/or the first outlet axis A_O1. In some embodiments, the second aperture axis A_A2 intersects the third cross-sectional area of the third port 224. In some embodiments, the second aperture axis A_A2 and the first aperture axis A_A1 are coplanar. In other embodiments, the second aperture axis A_A2 is positioned a distance above and/or below the first aperture axis A_A1.

In some embodiments, the second aperture axis A_A2 is offset from the second outlet axis A_O2 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second aperture axis A_A2. According to an example embodiment, the second aperture axis A_A2 is offset from the second outlet axis A_O2 toward the first port 220. When the second aperture axis A_A2 is offset from the second outlet axis A_O2 toward the first port 220 in the direction substantially perpendicular to the second aperture axis A_A2 a velocity of a portion of the coolant stream through the second aperture 244 may be slower. As a result of the slower velocity of the portion of the coolant stream through the second aperture 244, damage to the thermostat housing 210 by the portion of the coolant stream through the second aperture 244 may be prevented.

The second aperture 244 has a fifth cross-sectional area (e.g., a fifth flow-by area, etc.). In some embodiments, the fifth cross-sectional area of the second aperture 244 is smaller than the fourth cross-sectional area of the first aperture 242. In an example embodiment, a second ratio between the fifth cross-sectional area of the second aperture 244 and the fourth cross-sectional area of the first aperture 242 is between about 0.15 and 0.25, for example about 0.211. In some embodiments, the fifth cross-sectional area of the second aperture 244 is smaller than the second cross-sectional area of the second port 222. In an example embodiment, a third ratio between the fifth cross-sectional area of the second aperture 244 and the second cross-sectional area of the second port 222 is between about 0.02 and 0.06, for example about 0.042.

In some embodiments, a size of the second aperture 244 may depend on operational parameters of the engine 102. For example, the second aperture 244 may have a first diameter when the engine system 100 includes a first engine 102 that utilizes a first flow rate of the coolant stream that is a first amount above the flow rate threshold of the radiator assembly 130 and a second diameter larger than the first diameter when the engine system 100 includes a second engine 102 that utilizes a second flow rate of the coolant stream that is a second amount above the flow rate threshold of the radiator assembly 130, the second amount larger than the first amount. As a result, the thermostat housing assembly 200 may be utilized in engine systems 100 including various engines 102 with various operational parameters by modifying the size of the second aperture 244.

The housing divider portion 240 includes a first divider portion 246 (e.g., a first portion of the housing divider portion 240, etc.), a second divider portion 248 (e.g., a second portion of the housing divider portion 240, etc.), and a third divider portion 250 (e.g., a third portion of the housing divider portion 240, etc.). The first divider portion 246 faces the second port 222. The first aperture 242 extends through the first divider portion 246. The second divider portion 248 extends from the first divider portion 246. The second aperture 244 extends through the second divider portion 248. In some embodiments, the second divider portion 248 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first divider portion 246. In other embodiments, the second divider portion 248 is oriented non-perpendicular (e.g., substantially parallel or at any non-ninety degree angle that allows for the second divider portion 248 to be non-perpendicular to the first divider portion 246) to the first divider portion 246. The third divider portion 250 extends from the second divider portion 248 and faces the first port 220. In some embodiments, the third divider portion 250 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the second divider portion 248 (e.g., parallel to the first divider portion 246, etc.). In other embodiments, the third divider portion 250 is oriented non-perpendicular to the second divider portion 248 (e.g., substantially parallel or at any non-ninety degree angle that allows for the third divider portion 250 to be non-perpendicular to the second divider portion 248).

In some embodiments, the housing divider portion 240 is positioned between the first port 220 and the second port 222. For example, the housing divider portion 240 may extend into the cavity 212 between the first port 220 and the second port 222 such that coolant flowing through the cavity 212 cannot take a straight path (e.g., a direct path, etc.) from the first port 220 to the second port 222.

FIG. 8 is a schematic flow diagram of the method 300 for operating a thermostat housing assembly. While described with respect to the thermostat housing assembly 200, the method 300 can be used with any other aftertreatment system that includes a thermostat housing assembly.

At process 310, the method 300 includes operating a valve assembly in a first configuration. In some embodiments, the first configuration of the valve assembly selectively prevents fluid providing communication from a cavity of the thermostat housing assembly to a radiator assembly. For example, process 310 may include operating the valve assembly 260 in the first configuration that selectively prevents fluid providing communication from the cavity 212 of the thermostat housing assembly 200 to the radiator assembly 130. In some embodiments, the cavity 212 is in selective fluid providing communication with the radiator bypass 132 through the first aperture 242 and the second aperture 244 when the valve assembly 260 is in the first configuration. In other embodiments, the first configuration of the valve assembly selectively prevents fluid providing communication from the cavity to a radiator bypass through a first aperture of the thermostat housing assembly and permits fluid providing communication from the cavity to the radiator bypass through a second aperture of the thermostat housing assembly.

At process 320, the method 300 includes adjusting the valve assembly from the first configuration to a second configuration. For example, process 320 may include adjusting the valve assembly 260 from the first configuration to the second configuration.

At process 330, the method 300 includes operating the valve assembly in the second configuration. In some embodiments, the second configuration of the selectively prevents fluid providing communication from the cavity to a radiator bypass through a first aperture of the thermostat housing assembly and permits fluid providing communication from the cavity to the radiator bypass through a second aperture of the thermostat housing assembly. For example, process 320 may include adjusting the valve assembly 260 from the first configuration to the second configuration that selectively prevents fluid providing communication from the cavity 212 to the radiator bypass 132 through the first aperture 242 of the thermostat housing assembly 200 and permits fluid providing communication from the cavity 212 to the radiator bypass 132 through the second aperture 244 of the thermostat housing assembly 200. In some embodiments, the cavity 212 is in selective fluid providing communication with the radiator assembly 130 when the valve assembly 260 is in the second configuration.

It should be noted that the term “example” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The term “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean the joining of two members 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 members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other example embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various example embodiments are illustrative only. 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, various 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 parts 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 process or method steps 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 example embodiments without departing from the scope of the concepts presented herein.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular inventions. 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 sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above 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 sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.