SAME

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional

Application No. 62/296,889 filed February 18, 2016.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The field to which the disclosure generally relates to includes flow devices for components including, but not limited to, turbochargers.

BACKGROUND

In a number of variations, some turbochargers may include waste gates to selectively divert exhaust gases away from a turbine wheel.

SUMMARY OF ILLUSTRATIVE VARIATIONS

A number of variations may include a product which may include: a wastegate mechanism comprising: a wastegate opening, and a wastegate opening valve mechanism comprising an actuator, and at least one of a cover, a ball valve, or a bushing; wherein the wastegate opening valve mechanism is constructed and arranged to at least partially close the wastegate opening and to at least partially open the wastegate opening to orient fluid flow through the wastegate opening in a predetermined direction and rate.

A number of variations may include a method which may include: providing a wastegate mechanism comprising a wastegate opening, and a wastegate opening valve mechanism comprising an actuator, and at least one a cover, a ball valve, or a bushing wherein the wastegate opening valve mechanism is constructed and arranged to close the wastegate opening and to open the wastegate opening to orient flow through the wastegate opening in a predetermined direction and rate; and flowing a fluid through the wastegate mechanism at a predetermined direction and rate.

Other illustrative variations within the scope of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while disclosing variations within the scope of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Select examples of variations within the scope of the invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a product according to a number of variations.

Figure 2A is a schematic illustration of a product according to a number of variations.

Figure 2B is a schematic illustration of a product according to a number of variations.

Figure 3A is a schematic illustration of a product according to a number of variations.

Figure 3B is a schematic illustration of a product according to a number of variations.

Figure 3C is a schematic illustration of a product according to a number of variations.

Figure 3D is a schematic illustration of a product according to a number of variations.

Figure 4A is a schematic illustration of a product according to a number of variations.

Figure 4B is a schematic illustration of a product according to a number of variations.

Figure 4C is a schematic illustration of a product according to a number of variations.

Figure 5A is a schematic illustration of a product according to a number of variations.

Figure 5B is a schematic illustration of a product according to a number of variations.

Figure 5C is a schematic illustration of a product according to a number of variations. Figure 5D is a schematic illustration of a product according to a number of variations.

Figure 5E is a schematic illustration of a product according to a number of variations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE VARIATIONS

The following description of the variations is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention, its application, or uses.

Figures 1 -5 illustrates a product 10 according to a number of variations. In a number of variations, the product 10 may include a wastegate mechanism 12. In a number of variations, the wastegate mechanism 12 may include a wastegate opening 14. In a number of variations, the wastegate mechanism 12 may include a wastegate opening valve mechanism 16. In a number of variations, the wastegate opening valve mechanism may include an actuator 18. In a number of variations, the wastegate opening valve mechanism 16 may include a cover 20. In a number of variations, the wastegate opening valve mechanism 16 may include a portion of a torus 300, ball, or a ball valve 22. In a number of variations, the wastegate opening valve mechanism 16 may include a bushing 24. In a number of variations, the wastegate mechanism 12 may allow for fluid 26 flow through the wastegate opening 14. In a number of variations, the fluid 26 may be at least one of air, exhaust gas, mixtures thereof, or may be another type. In a number of variations the wastegate opening valve mechanism 16 may be constructed and arranged to close the wastegate opening 14 and to open the wastegate opening 14 to orient fluid 26 flow through the wastegate opening 14 in a predetermined direction and rate. In a number of variations, as shown in Fig. 2, the wastegate opening mechanism valve mechanism 16 may include an actuator 18 that may be operatively connected to a cover 20 and may cause at least one of cover rotation, cover axial translation, or cover vertical translation with respect to the wastegate opening 14. In a number of variations, the predetermined direction may be an orientation of fluid 26 flow anywhere between -ΘΟ^Χ-ΪΘΟ ⁰ and from the normal direction of a cross- section 15 of the wastegate opening 14. In a number of variations, as shown in Fig. 3, the wastegate opening valve mechanism 16 may include a ball valve 22 and a bushing 24 wherein the ball valve 22 may be held in the wastegate opening 14 by the bushing 24 and the ball valve 22 has a through hole 28 that may be constructed and arranged so that the actuator 18 can rotate the ball valve 22 to close the wastegate opening 14 and to orient fluid 26 flow through the wastegate opening 14 in a predetermined direction and rate. In a number of variations, the hole 28 may be located anywhere on the ball valve 22 or part of a torus 300 based on the application of the wastegate opening valve mechanism 16. In a number of variations, the predetermined direction may be an orientation of flow anywhere between -90°≥X≥90 ^B and -90°≥Y≥90 ^B in an x-y plane parallel to the cross-section 15 of the wastegate opening 14. In a number of variations, the bushing 24 may be spherical. In a number of variations, the actuator 18 and the cover 20 or ball valve 22 may be a unitary component. In a number of variations, the wastegate mechanism 12 may further include a controller 190 which operates the actuator 18 of the waste opening valve mechanism 16 to predetermine the direction and flowrate of flow through the wastegate opening 14. In a number of variations, the actuator 18 may be capable of moving a cover 20 or ball valve 22 in a directly normal direction of a cross-section of the wastegate opening 14.

In a number of variations, as shown in Figure 1 , the wastegate mechanism 12 may be a component of a turbocharger 120. In a number of variations, the turbocharger 11 may be a component of a vehicle 10 and may increase output of an engine system 100 within the vehicle 10. In a number of variations, the vehicle 10 may include a motor vehicle, watercraft, spacecraft, aircraft, or may be another type. In a number of variations, the engine system 100 may include an internal combustion engine 110 and a turbocharger 120. In a number of variations, the engine system 100 may include an exhaust conduit 103 that directs exhaust gas to an exhaust outlet 109. In a number of variations, a treatment unit 107 may be provided to treat exhaust. In a number of variations, as shown in Figure 1 , the internal combustion engine 110 may include an engine block 1 18 housing one or more combustion chambers that may operatively drive a shaft 1 12 (e.g., via pistons) as well as an intake port 1 14 that may provide a flow path for air to the engine block 1 18 and an exhaust port 1 16 that may provide a flow path for exhaust from the engine block 1 18.

In a number of variations, the turbocharger 120 can act to extract energy from the exhaust and to provide energy to intake air, which may be combined with fuel to form combustion gas. As shown in FIG. 1 , the turbocharger 120 may include at least one of an air inlet 134, a shaft 122, a compressor housing assembly 124 for a compressor wheel 125, a turbine housing assembly 126 for a turbine wheel 127, another housing assembly 128 or an exhaust outlet 136. In a number of variations, the housing 128 may be referred to as a center housing assembly as it may be disposed between the compressor housing assembly 124 and the turbine housing assembly 126. In a number of variations, the shaft 122 may be a shaft assembly that includes a variety of components. In a number of variations, the shaft 122 may be rotatably supported by a bearing system (e.g., journal bearing(s), rolling element bearing(s), etc.) disposed in the housing assembly 128 (e.g., in a bore defined by one or more bore walls) such that rotation of the turbine wheel 127 may cause rotation of the compressor wheel 125 (e.g., as rotatably coupled by the shaft 122). In a number of variations, as an example, a center housing rotating assembly (CHRA) may include the compressor wheel 125, the turbine wheel 127, the shaft 122, the housing assembly 128 and various other components (e.g., a compressor side plate disposed at an axial location between the compressor wheel 125 and the housing assembly 128).

In a non-limiting example of FIG. 1 , a variable geometry assembly 129 is shown as being, in part, disposed between the housing assembly 128 and the housing assembly 126. Such a variable geometry assembly may include vanes or other components to vary geometry of passages that lead to a turbine wheel space in the turbine housing assembly 126. As an example, a variable geometry compressor assembly may be provided. In a non-limiting example of FIG. 1 , a wastegate valve (or simply wastegate) 135 or wastegate mechanism 12 may be positioned proximate to an exhaust inlet of the turbine housing assembly 126. The wastegate valve 135 or wastegate mechanism 12 may be controlled to at least partially open to allow at least some exhaust from the exhaust port 116 to bypass the turbine wheel 127. Various wastegates, wastegate components, etc., may be applied to a conventional fixed nozzle turbine, a fixed-vaned nozzle turbine, a variable nozzle turbine, a twin scroll turbocharger, etc. In a number of variations, the exhaust port 116 may be at least a part of the wastegate opening 14. In a non-limiting example of FIG. 1 , an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) conduit 115 may also be provided, optionally with one or more valves 1 17, for example, to allow exhaust to flow to a position upstream the compressor wheel 125.

In a number of variations, FIG. 1 also shows a non-limiting example arrangement 150 for flow of exhaust to an exhaust turbine housing assembly 152 and another non-limiting example arrangement 170 for flow of exhaust to an exhaust turbine housing assembly 172. In the arrangement 150, a cylinder head 154 may include passages 156 within that may direct exhaust from cylinders to the turbine housing assembly 152 while in the arrangement 170, a manifold 176 may provide for mounting of the turbine housing assembly 172, for example, without any separate, intermediate length of exhaust piping. In the non-limiting example arrangements 150 and 170, the turbine housing assemblies 152 and 172 may be configured for use with a wastegate, variable geometry assembly, etc.

In a number of variations, in FIG. 1 , a non-limiting example of a controller 190 is shown as including one or more processors 192, memory 194 and one or more interfaces 196. In a number of variations, such a controller may include circuitry such as circuitry of an engine control unit (ECU). As described herein, various methods or techniques may optionally be implemented in conjunction with a controller, for example, through control logic. Control logic may depend on one or more engine operating conditions (e.g., turbo rpm, engine rpm, temperature, load, lubricant, cooling, etc.). For example, sensors may transmit information to the controller 190 via the one or more interfaces 196. Control logic may rely on such information and, in turn, the controller 190 may output control signals to control engine operation. The controller 190 may be configured to control lubricant flow, temperature, a variable geometry assembly (e.g., variable geometry compressor or turbine), a wastegate opening valve mechanism 16 (e.g., via an actuator 18), an electric motor, or one or more other components associated with an engine, a turbocharger (or turbochargers), etc. As an example, the turbocharger 120 may include one or more actuators 18 and/or one or more sensors 198 that may be, for example, coupled to an interface or interfaces 196 of the controller 190. As an example, the wastegate 135 or wastegate mechanism 12 may be controlled by a controller that includes an actuator responsive to an electrical signal, a pressure signal, etc. As a non-limiting example, an actuator 18 for a wastegate 135 or wastegate mechanism 12 may be a mechanical actuator, for example, that may operate without a need for electrical power (e.g., consider a mechanical actuator configured to respond to a pressure signal supplied via a conduit).

In a number of variations, FIGs. 2A and 2B show non-limiting examples of an assembly 200 that includes a turbine housing 210 that may include at least one of a flange 211 , a bore 212, an inlet conduit 213, a turbine wheel opening 214, a spiral wall 215, an exhaust outlet opening 216, a shroud wall 220, a nozzle 221 , a volute 222 formed in part by the spiral wall 215, a wastegate wall 223 that extends to a wastegate seat 226, or an exhaust chamber 230. In a number of variations, the wastegate seat 226 may cover the wastegate opening 14. In the non-limiting example of FIG. 2A and 2B, the turbine housing 210 may be a single piece or multi-piece housing. As a non- limiting example, the turbine housing 210 may be a cast component (e.g., formed via sand casting or other casting process). In a number of variations, the turbine housing 210 may include various walls, which may define features such as the bore 212, the turbine wheel opening 214, the exhaust outlet opening 216, the chamber 230, etc. In a number of variations, the wastegate wall 223 may define a wastegate passage or wastegate opening 14 in fluid communication with the inlet conduit 213 where a wastegate mechanism 12 may be configured for opening and closing the wastegate passage (e.g., for wastegating exhaust).

In the non-limiting example of FIG. 2B, the wastegate mechanism 12 or actuator 18 may include a wastegate control linkage 240. In a number of variations, the wastegate mechanism 12 may include a shaft bushing 242 configured for receipt by the bore 212 of the turbine housing 210. Optionally the wastegate control linkage 240 or the wastegate mechanism 12 may include a control arm 244 and a peg 246. In a number of variations, the wastegate control linkage 240 or the wastegate mechanism 12 may include an actuator 18 which may include a wastegate arm that may include a shaft 252, a shaft end 253 and an arm 254. In a number of variations, the wastegate control linkage 240 or the wastegate mechanism 12 may include a cover 20 or a ball valve 22. In a number of variations, the shaft bushing 242 may be disposed between the bore 212 and the shaft 252, for example, to support rotation of the shaft 252, to seal the chamber 230 from an exterior space, etc. In a number of variations, the bore 212, the shaft bushing 242 and the shaft 252 may each be defined by a diameter or diameters as well as one or more lengths. In a number of variations, as a non-limiting example shown in FIG. 2B and 3C, the shaft 252 includes a diameter D _s , the bore 212 includes a diameter DB while the bushing may include an inner diameter Da and an outer diameter Dbo. In the non-limiting example of FIG. 2B, when the various components may be assembled, DB>Dbo>Dbi>D _s . As to lengths, a length of the shaft 252 exceeds a length of the shaft bushing 242, which exceeds a length of the bore 212. Such lengths may be defined with respect to a shaft axis ¾, a bushing axis Zb and a bore axis ZB as shown in FIGs. 2B and 3C. In a number of variations, as shown, the shaft bushing 242 may be disposed axially between a shoulder of the shaft 252 and the control arm 244 of the control linkage 240 of the wastegate mechanism 12. In a number of variations, the actuator 18 or wastegate control linkage 240 may be oriented anywhere within the assembly or turbine housing 210 to control the wastegate cover 20 or ball valve 22. In a number of variations, the actuator 18 or wastegate control linkage 240 may be attached to or be contained in a bore 212 the turbine housing 210. In a number of variations, the actuator 18 or wastegate control linkage 240 may rotate the wastegate cover 20 or ball valve 22 as shown in FIGs. 4A-5E. In a number of variations, the actuator 18 or wastegate control linkage 240 may translate the wastegate cover 20 or ball valve 22 by withdrawal away from the wastegate opening 14 as shown in FIGs. 4A-5E. In a number of variations, the actuator 18 or wastegate control linkage 240 may translate the wastegate cover 20 or ball valve 22 by withdrawal away from the wastegate opening 14 in the normal direction to the cross-section of the wastegate opening as shown in FIG 4B.

As a non-limiting example as shown in FIGs. 2A and 2B, the assembly 200 may be fitted to an exhaust conduit or other component of an internal combustion engine (see, e.g., examples of FIG. 1) via the flange 211 such that exhaust may be received via the inlet conduit 213, directed to the volute 222. In a number of variations, from the volute 222, exhaust may be directed via the nozzle 221 to a turbine wheel disposed in the turbine housing 210 via the opening 214 to flow and expand in a turbine wheel space defined in part by the shroud wall 220. In a number of variations, exhaust can then exit the turbine wheel space by flowing to the chamber 230 and then out of the turbine housing 210 via the exhaust outlet opening 216. As to wastegating, upon actuation of the control linkage 240 (e.g., by an actuator 18), the wastegate cover 20 or ball valve 22 may be rotated or translated such that at least a portion of the received exhaust can flow in the wastegate passage defined by the wastegate wall 223, past the wastegate seat 226 and the wastegate opening 14, and into the chamber 230, rather than through the nozzle 221 to the turbine wheel space. In a number of variations, the wastegated portion of the exhaust may then exit the turbine housing 210 via the exhaust outlet opening 216 (e.g., and pass to an exhaust system of a vehicle, be recirculated in part, etc.).

In the non-limiting example of FIG. 2B, the axes of the bore 212, the shaft bushing 242 and the shaft 252 are shown as being aligned (e.g., defining a common axis), however, during assembly, operation, etc., some misalignment may occur. For example, over time, clearances between the various components (e.g., cover, ball valve, arm, shaft, bore, bushing, etc.) can change. Forces that can cause such change include aerodynamic excitation, high temperatures, temperature cycling (e.g., temperatures <-20 degrees C. to >1000 degrees C), chemical attack, friction, deterioration of materials, etc. For at least the foregoing reasons, it can be difficult to maintain effective sealing of a wastegate opening over the lifetime of an exhaust turbine assembly. As to temperature, problems at high temperatures generally include wear and loss of function and consequently leakage, lack of controllability or a combination of leakage and uncontrollability. In a number of variations, a sideways opening cover may cause a non-uniform temperature distribution across the wastegate opening 14, which may, along with non-uniform flow and heat flux, cause a non-uniform temperature gradient that may result in cracking of the turbocharger 12, assembly, or any of its components. This may create a reduction in performance of the turbocharger 12 over time.

In a number of variations, FIGs. 3A-3D show a plan view and a side view of the actuator 18 and cover 20, and the actuator 18 and ball valve 22 of the assembly of FIGs. 2A and 2B. In a number of variations, FIGS 3A and 3B illustrate a top view of a actuator 18 and cover 20, and the actuator 18 and ball valve 22 respectively. In a number of variations, FIGS 3C and 3D illustrate a perspective view of a actuator 18 and cover 20, and the actuator 18 and ball valve 22 respectively. As shown in FIGs. 2B, the shaft 252 may have a diameter D _s over a length A¾. In a number of variations, the arm 254 may extend axially outwardly away from the shaft 252 from a shoulder 255 and radially downwardly to the cover 20. In a number of variations, as shown in FIG. 3C, an axial dimension A¾ as being a distance from the shoulder 255 to a centeriine of the cover 20. In a number of variations, as shown in FIG. 3C the cover 20 is shown as having an outer diameter Dpo. In a number of variations, as shown in Fig. 3A, a dimension ASP is shown in the plan view as an offset between the axis Zs of the shaft 252 and the centeriine of the cover 20. As a non-limiting example, the centeriine of the cover 20 may define or coincide with an x-axis that may, for example, be used as a reference to describe features of the arm 254, the cover 20, angles of rotation of the arm 254 and the cover 20, etc. In a number of variations, the dimension ASP may be a leg of a triangle that, for example, defines a hypotenuse as a dimension between a rotational axis of the arm 254 and the centeriine of the cover 20. In a number of variations, the cover 20 or ball 22 may rotate Aj about the wastegate opening 14. In a number of variations, Aj may be up to 360 ⁹ . This may be done via the actuator 18 or shaft 252. In a number of variations, as shown in FIGs. 3A-3C, a dimension AT is shown in the plan view as a translatJonal distance of the shaft 252 and the centeriine of the cover 20 in a axial or vertical direction from a wastegate opening 14. In a number of variations, the dimension AT may be a distance where the shaft 252 and cover 20 may be translated away from the wastegate opening 14. In a number of variations, this translation may be done by a pulley system, a hydraulic system, or may be done another way. FIGs. 3A-3D also may show various other features, for example, shaft features such as shoulders, contours, etc. In a number of variations, as shown in FIGs. 3A-3B, the actuator 18 may align with a ball 21 or a shape with a profile defined in part by a portion of a torus 300 such as a ball valve 22. In a number of variations, a hole 302 may be located within the ball or shape with a profile defined in part by a portion of a torus 300 and operate within the wastegate opening 14 as a ball valve 22. During operation, rotation of the actuator 18 or arm 254 may cause the hole 302 to be closed and close the wastegate opening 14. In a number of variations, further rotation of the actuator 18 or arm 254 any size or diameter depending on the application. In a number of variations, this orients the wastegate opening valve mechanism 16 as a ball valve where the ball or shape with a profile defined in part by a portion of a torus 300 may be rotated by the arm 254 or actuator 18 to orient flow through the hole 302 anywhere between -90°≥X≥90 ^B and from the normal direction of a cross-section of the wastegate opening 14. In a number of variations, as illustrated in the non- limiting example shown in FIG. 3D, the actuator 18 or arm 254 may be offset from the cross-section of the ball 22 and opening 14 at an angle Θ. As shown in FIGs. 4A-5C, this may allow for removal of the cover 20 or ball valve 22 away from the wastegate opening 14 in a direction normal to the cross-section of the wastegate opening 14. In a number of variations, the arm 254 may be a straight line extension of the shaft 252. In a number of variations, the actuator may allow for the wastegate arm 254 and/or wastegate shaft 252 to be capable of rotational or translatJonal movement of the cover 20 or ball valve 22. In a number of variations, the bushing 24 that sits within the wastegate opening 14 may be spherical, cylindrical, or a shape with a profile defined in part by a portion of a torus. In a number of variations, as shown in Figs. 3A-3D, the actuator 18 and the cover 20 or ball valve 22 may be a unitary component. In a number of variations, the cover 20 and/or wastegate opening 14 may be any shape or cross-sectional 15 shape including any polygonal shape, circle, oval, or ellipse.

FIGs. 4A-5E show a series of views of the cover 20 or ball valve 22 in operation within the wastegate opening 14. In a number of variations, as shown in Fig. 4A-5E, the translation and rotation of the actuator 18 may allow the cover 20 to rotate. In a number of variations, Fig. 4A shows rotation of the cover 20 away from the wastegate opening 14 via the actuator 18. In a number of variations, as shown in FIG. 4B, the translation and rotation of the actuator 18 may allow the cover 20 to translate axially as the actuator 18 may be pulled away from the wastegate opening 14 in the direction normal or perpendicular to the plane of the wastegate opening 18. In a number of variations, as shown in Fig. 4C, the translation and rotation of the actuator 18 may allow the cover 20 to translate vertically as the actuator may be pulled away from the outlet opening wastegate opening 14 in the direction parallel to or aligned with the plane of the wastegate opening 18. In a number of variations, as shown in Fig 5A-5C, the ball valve 22 or cover 20 may be pulled away from the opening 14 in the normal direction to the cross-section of the opening 14 via the actuator 18, allowing for the exhaust gas to flow around the opening 14 and around the ball valve 22 (Fig. 5A), portion of a torus 300 (Fig. 5B), or cover 20 (Fig. 5C). In a number of variations, as shown in Figs. 5D-5E, a ball valve 22 could be rotated within the bushing 24 or wastegate opening 14 where the hole 302 may orient the flow as discussed above. In a number of variations, as shown in Fig. 4A-5C, the placement of the actuator 18 may allow for rotation, axial translation, or vertical translation with respect to the wastegate opening 14. In a number of variations, the actuator, wastegate arm 254, waste gate shaft 252 or cover 22 or ball valve 22 may be may be made of material (e.g., metal, alloy, etc.) suitable for temperatures experienced during operation of an exhaust turbine (e.g., of a turbocharger). In a number of variations, the assembly 200 or any of its components may be may be made of material (e.g., metal, alloy, etc.) suitable for temperatures experienced during operation of an exhaust turbine (e.g., of a turbocharger).

In a number of variations, the wastegate mechanism 12 may allow for a projected flow in a predetermined direction at a predetermined flowrate depending on a variable condition from the vehicle or product 10. In a number of variations, the controller 190 may take a set of variables and control the actuator 18 to allow for flow through the wastegate opening 14 by operating the arm 254 and cover 20 or ball valve 22 to orient the flow in a predetermined direction at a predetermined flowrate. In a number of variations, this may provide a more uniform temperature distribution and temperature gradient of the exhaust gas or fluid and reduce cracking of the assembly 200 in general including any of its components and improve performance of the turbocharger 120.

In a number of variations, a method is shown. In a number of variations, the method may include providing a wastegate mechanism 12 comprising a wastegate opening 14, and a wastegate opening valve mechanism 16 comprising an actuator 18, and at least one a cover 20, a ball valve 22, or a bushing 24 wherein the wastegate opening valve mechanism 16 is constructed and arranged to close the wastegate opening 14 and to open the wastegate opening 14 to orient flow through the wastegate opening 14 in a predetermined direction and rate. In a number of variations, the method may further include flowing a fluid through the wastegate mechanism 12 at a predetermined direction and rate.

The following description of variants is only illustrative of components, elements, acts, product and methods considered to be within the scope of the invention and are not in any way intended to limit such scope by what is specifically disclosed or not expressly set forth. The components, elements, acts, product and methods as described herein may be combined and rearranged other than as expressly described herein and still are considered to be within the scope of the invention.

Variation 1 may involve a product that may include a wastegate mechanism comprising: a wastegate opening, and a wastegate opening valve mechanism comprising an actuator, and at least one of a cover, a ball valve, or a bushing; wherein the wastegate opening valve mechanism is constructed and arranged to at least partially close the wastegate opening and to at least partially open the wastegate opening to orient fluid flow through the wastegate opening in a predetermined direction and rate.

Variation 2 may include the product according to variation 1 wherein the wastegate opening valve mechanism comprising the cover and wherein the actuator is connected to the cover to cause at least one of cover rotation, cover axial translation, or cover vertical translation with respect to the wastegate opening.

Variation 3 may include the product according to any of variations 1-2 wherein the wastegate opening valve mechanism comprising the ball valve and bushing, wherein the ball valve is held in the opening by the bushing and the ball valve that a through hole constructed and arranged so that the actuator can rotate the ball valve to close the wastegate opening and to orient fluid flow through the wastegate opening in a predetermined direction and rate.

Variation 4 may include the product according to any of variations 1-3 wherein the actuator comprises a wastegate arm capable of rotational or translational movement of the cover or ball valve.

Variation 5 may include the product according to any of variations 1-4 wherein the wastegate is a component of a turbocharger.

Variation 6 may include the product according to any of variations 1-5 wherein the predetermined direction is an orientation of flow anywhere between -90°≥X≥90° and from the normal direction of a cross-section of the wastegate opening.

Variation 7 may include the product according to any of variations 1-6 wherein the wastegate mechanism further includes a controller which operates the actuator of the waste opening valve mechanism to predetermine the direction and flowrate of flow through the wastegate opening.

Variation 8 may include the product according to variation 5 wherein the flow comprises exhaust gas at a flowrate of less than 25% of a total exhaust flowrate of the turbocharger.

Variation 9 may include the product according to any of variations 1-8 wherein the actuator and the cover or ball valve comprise a unitary component.

Variation 10 may include the product according to any of variations 1-9 wherein the actuator is capable of moving a cover or ball valve in a directly normal direction of a cross-section of the wastegate opening.

Variation 11 may include the method that may include providing a wastegate mechanism comprising a wastegate opening, and a wastegate opening valve mechanism comprising an actuator, and at least one a cover, a ball valve, or a bushing wherein the wastegate opening valve mechanism is constructed and arranged to close the wastegate opening and to open the wastegate opening to orient flow through the wastegate opening in a predetermined direction and rate; and flowing a fluid through the wastegate mechanism at a predetermined direction and rate. Variation 12 may include the method according to variation 11 wherein the wastegate opening valve mechanism comprising the cover and wherein the actuator is connected to the cover to cause at least one of cover rotation, cover axial translation, or cover vertical translation with respect to the wastegate opening.

Variation 13 may include the method according to any of variation 11-

12 wherein the wastegate opening valve mechanism comprising the ball valve and bushing, wherein the ball valve is held in the opening by the bushing and the ball valve that a through hole constructed and arranged so that the actuator can rotate the ball valve to close the wastegate opening and to orient flow through the wastegate opening in a predetermined direction and rate.

Variation 14 may include the method according to any of variation 11-

13 wherein the actuator comprises a wastegate arm capable of rotational or translational movement of the cover or ball valve.

Variation 15 may include the method according to any of variations 11 -

14 wherein the wastegate is a component of a turbocharger.

Variation 16 may include the method according to any of variations 11 -

15 wherein the predetermined direction is an orientation of flow anywhere between -90°≥X≥90° and from the normal direction of a cross-section of the wastegate opening.

Variation 17 may include the method according to any of variations 11 -

16 wherein the wastegate mechanism further includes a controller which operates the actuator of the waste opening valve mechanism to predetermine the direction and flowrate of flow through the wastegate opening.

Variation 18 may include the method according to any of variations 11 -

17 wherein the flow comprises exhaust gas at a flowrate of less than 25% of a total exhaust flowrate of the turbocharger.

Variation 19 may include the method according to any of variations 11 -

18 wherein the actuator and the cover or ball valve comprise a unitary component.

Variation 20 may include the method according to any of variations 11 -

19 wherein the actuator is capable of moving a cover or ball valve in a directly normal direction of a cross-section of the wastegate opening. The above description of select variations within the scope of the invention is merely illustrative in nature and, thus, variations or variants thereof are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.