Amphibious vehicle engine air inlet system sealing device, vehicle and working method

Abstract

The invention provides an amphibious vehicle engine air inlet system sealing device, a vehicle and a working method, relates to the field of vehicles, and aims to solve the problems that an existing amphibious vehicle air inlet system sealing scheme is low in response speed and poor in adaptability. One end of the elastic bag is connected with the supporting assembly at least through the springback piece, a flexible sealing structure with an auxiliary tensioning function is constructed, the elastic recovery characteristic of the springback piece can be utilized, traction force can be applied to the elastic bag in the exhaust and contraction process of the elastic bag, the relaxation hysteresis effect of a bag body material is overcome, and the bag body material is converted into a radial retraction compact state; the occupation of the section of the gas channel due to wrinkling or stacking of the skin layer after the elastic bag is reset is effectively reduced, so that the circulation gap of inlet air flow is obviously increased, the wading sealing performance of a vehicle is guaranteed, the air inlet resistance is effectively reduced, and the air inlet response speed during starting of an engine is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicles, and more specifically to a sealing device for the air intake system of an amphibious vehicle engine, the vehicle itself, and a method for its operation. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of amphibious vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles with deep wading capabilities, vehicles typically switch to pure electric mode when navigating or wading on water, at which point the engine is off. To prevent external water from flowing back into the engine's intake system, causing damage to the air filter or even cylinders, existing protection solutions mainly take two forms: one is to modify the vehicle body structure by adding a high-mounted air intake pipe with a snorkel, physically raising the air intake position; the other is to install a mechanical shut-off valve or a passively sealed float driven by buoyancy in the intake pipe. To ensure extreme wading safety, most solutions tend to sacrifice vehicle appearance and some aerodynamic performance, prioritizing external snorkel structures.

[0003] However, in practical applications, it cannot meet the comprehensive requirements of amphibious vehicles for both aesthetic design and responsive powertrain. An external snorkel disrupts the vehicle's streamlined appearance and increases wind noise and drag. If an internal sealing device is used instead of a snorkel, a dilemma arises: traditional rigid valves struggle to achieve airtight seals within complex, irregularly shaped intake pipes and are prone to failure due to foreign object obstruction; existing conventional airbag-type sealing solutions lack effective shape control mechanisms during depressurization and reset, resulting in slow airbag retraction and a loose shape. This can easily lead to flow channel blockage within the intake pipe due to airbag layer stacking, significantly increasing intake resistance, affecting combustion efficiency after engine restart, making reliable sealing difficult within the confined space of the intake pipe, and significantly hindering airflow. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a sealing device for the air intake system of an amphibious vehicle engine, a vehicle and a working method, which utilizes a spring-loaded component to assist in the inflation and deflation of the airbag, thereby improving the response speed and reducing the volume after deflation to meet the air intake flow requirements.

[0005] The first objective of this invention is to provide a sealing device for the air intake system of an amphibious vehicle engine, which adopts the following solution:

[0006] include: Support components are installed inside the engine's air intake passage; An elastic bladder is located in the intake channel and is provided with an exhaust port. Both ends of the elastic bladder are connected to the support assembly, and at least one end is connected to the support assembly through a rebound member. The elastic bladder has an inflated state and a contracted state. When inflated, the elastic bladder expands radially and abuts against the inner wall of the intake passage to cut off the intake passage. When in the contracted state, the elastic bladder retracts radially and releases the blockage of the intake passage, allowing the intake airflow to pass through the gap between the elastic bladder and the inner wall of the intake passage.

[0007] Furthermore, the elastic bladder has a cavity inside. When the elastic bladder expands radially, it shortens axially, pulling the rebound member to deform and store energy. When the rebound member releases the stored energy, it pulls the elastic bladder to extend axially while simultaneously retracting radially.

[0008] Furthermore, when the elastic bladder is in a contracted state, it has a streamlined structure with diameters at both ends smaller than the diameter in the middle, and its surface forms a guide surface for guiding airflow.

[0009] Furthermore, the elastic bladder is arranged coaxially with the air intake channel, and the gap between the elastic bladder and the air intake channel forms an annular channel.

[0010] Furthermore, the support assembly includes an outer fixing ring and guide spokes. The outer fixing ring is fixed to the inner wall of the air intake channel, and multiple guide spokes are connected between the outer fixing ring and the end of the elastic bladder. The air pipe connected to the exhaust port is integrated into the guide spokes or arranged along their surface.

[0011] Furthermore, the cross-section of the guide spokes is teardrop-shaped or airfoil-shaped, and the extension direction of the guide spokes is parallel to or at a set angle to the axial direction of the air intake channel, so as to rectify the airflow or generate swirl.

[0012] Furthermore, the spring-rebound component includes a spring and a spring seat. The spring seat is mounted on the support assembly and has a receiving hole for accommodating the spring. One end of the spring is connected to the receiving hole, and the other end passes through the opening of the receiving hole and is connected to the end of the elastic bladder.

[0013] A second object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle that utilizes the amphibious vehicle engine intake system sealing device as described in the first object.

[0014] A third objective of the present invention is to provide a method for operating a sealing device for an amphibious vehicle engine intake system, for assembling the sealing device for an amphibious vehicle engine intake system as described in the first objective, comprising: When sealing is required, a medium is injected into the elastic bladder through the venting port to control the elastic bladder to change from a contracted state to a full state, so that the elastic bladder expands radially and abuts against the inner wall of the air intake channel to cut off the air intake channel. When it is necessary to release the seal, the medium inside the elastic bladder is discharged through the exhaust port, the elastic bladder is controlled to change from an inflated state to a contracted state, and the restoring force of the rebound component is used to pull the elastic bladder radially back to release the cut-off of the intake channel, allowing the intake airflow to flow through the gap between the elastic bladder and the inner wall of the intake channel.

[0015] Furthermore, after the elastic bladder retracts radially, it has a streamlined structure with diameters at both ends smaller than the diameter in the middle, and its surface forms a guide surface for guiding airflow.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of this invention are: To address the issues of slow response and poor adaptability in existing amphibious vehicle air intake system sealing solutions, a flexible sealing structure with auxiliary tensioning function is constructed by incorporating an elastic bladder on the support component within the air intake channel. This elastic bladder is connected to the support component at least at one end via a rebound element. Utilizing the elastic recovery characteristics of the rebound element, a traction force is applied to the elastic bladder during exhaust contraction, forcing it to be stretched or tensioned while eliminating internal pressure. This overcomes the relaxation hysteresis effect of the bladder material, allowing it to quickly and orderly transition from a radially expanding, blocking state to a radially contracting, compact state. This not only utilizes the elastic bladder's flexible deformation capability to effectively fit and seal the inner wall of the air intake channel, demonstrating strong adaptability, but also effectively reduces the occupancy of the gas channel cross-section due to skin wrinkles or accumulation after the elastic bladder resets. This significantly increases the airflow clearance, ensuring the vehicle's wading sealing performance while effectively reducing intake resistance and improving the intake response speed during engine start-up.

[0017] By setting the deformation logic of the elastic bladder, it is made to expand radially and seal while simultaneously contracting axially, thereby actively stretching the rebound component to store elastic potential energy. When the intake channel needs to resume air intake, the axial tension released by the elastic component helps the elastic bladder overcome internal residual pressure and relaxation hysteresis effect. By utilizing the storage and release of elastic potential energy of the rebound component, the response speed of the elastic bladder from the blocked state to the contracted state is significantly improved. It can effectively stretch the elastic bladder to a slender state and reduce the flow channel occupancy caused by bladder relaxation.

[0018] By configuring the elastic bladder in the contracted state as a streamlined structure that is thin at both ends and thick in the middle, the airflow can be guided smoothly over the surface of the elastic bladder by utilizing the guide surface formed on the surface of the elastic bladder, thereby reducing the pressure loss when the airflow passes through and minimizing the impact on the engine intake efficiency.

[0019] A support system is established by connecting the external fixing ring and the guide spokes. The air pipes connected to the exhaust ports are concealed inside the guide spokes or attached to their surface. The rigid spokes protect the flexible pipes, enhancing the overall stability of the structure and reducing the disturbance of the intake airflow caused by the air pipe distribution. In addition, the cross-sectional shape and installation angle of the guide spokes are configured to reduce the wind resistance of the support components and can rectify or pre-swirl the passing airflow, helping to improve the quality of the air-fuel mixture in the engine and improve combustion efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the sealing device of the amphibious vehicle engine intake system in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the stretching of the elastic spring member caused by the inflated state of the elastic bladder in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the retraction of the elastic bladder by the rebound member in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an elastic capsule in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Among them, 1. Sealing device for the air intake system of amphibious vehicle engine; 2. Engine; 11. Support assembly; 12. Elastic bladder; 13. Rebound component; 14. Outer fixing ring; 15. Guide spokes; 16. Air pipe; 17. Axial part of elastic bladder; 18. Radial part of elastic bladder. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Example 1 In a typical embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, a sealing device for the air intake system of an amphibious vehicle engine is presented.

[0027] Traditional sealing solutions for the intake system of amphibious vehicle engines 2, such as external snorkels, built-in rigid valves, or ordinary airbag-type seals, generally suffer from slow response, poor adaptability, and negative impacts on vehicle appearance and aerodynamic performance. In particular, ordinary airbags exhibit poor shape control during depressurization and reset, leading to slow retraction and flow channel blockage, significantly increasing intake resistance and affecting the restart efficiency of engine 2. Therefore, this embodiment provides an amphibious vehicle engine intake system sealing device 1. By incorporating an elastic bladder 12 and a rebound element 13, it achieves rapid switching between sealing states, reduces wrinkles or buildup after reset, and increases the flow clearance. It offers advantages such as rapid response, high adaptability, reduced airflow obstruction, and improved intake response speed of engine 2.

[0028] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the sealing device 1 of the amphibious vehicle engine intake system includes a support assembly 11 and an elastic bladder 12.

[0029] The support assembly 11 is disposed in the intake passage of the engine 2 and can maintain a relative position with the intake passage; the elastic bladder 12 is located in the intake passage and is provided with an exhaust port. The two ends of the elastic bladder 12 are respectively connected to the support assembly 11, and at least one end is connected to the support assembly 11 through the spring member 13. The elastic bladder 12 is installed in the intake passage through the support assembly 11 and the elastic bladder 12 is constrained in the intake passage. The elastic bladder 12 has an inflated state and a contracted state.

[0030] When the elastic bladder 12 is inflated through the exhaust port, it expands radially and abuts against the inner wall of the intake channel to cut off the intake channel. When the elastic bladder 12 is in a contracted state, it retracts radially and releases the blockage of the intake channel, allowing the intake airflow to pass through the gap between the elastic bladder 12 and the inner wall of the intake channel.

[0031] The elastic bladder 12 is a deformable flexible bladder that can be filled with or discharged with a medium to change its volume and shape, thereby sealing and releasing the air intake passage. It controls the opening and closing of the air intake passage through radial expansion and contraction. The filled state refers to the state where the elastic bladder 12, after being filled with a medium, expands radially outward until its outer surface abuts against the inner wall of the air intake passage, thus completely cutting off the air intake passage and achieving the sealing function. The contracted state refers to the state where, after the medium inside the elastic bladder 12 is discharged, it retracts radially inward under the traction of its own elasticity and the rebound member 13, creating a gap between its outer surface and the inner wall of the air intake passage, allowing airflow to pass through.

[0032] The intake passage refers to the piping system of the engine 2 for drawing in external air. This device is installed inside the intake passage to control the intake airflow.

[0033] The support assembly 11 can be implemented in various forms. For example, it can be a ring structure, fixed to the inner wall of the intake channel by welding, bolting, or press fitting. Alternatively, the support assembly 11 can be designed as a frame structure with multiple supports to provide a mounting base for the elastic bladder 12, ensuring that the elastic bladder 12 can maintain its position and orientation during operation.

[0034] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the elastic bladder 12 is arranged inside the intake channel. Its material is a flexible material with elasticity and weather resistance, such as rubber, silicone, or polyurethane. Because the elastic bladder 12 is located inside the intake channel, the temperature of the intake airflow is lower than that of the exhaust channel. A material suitable for withstanding the highest temperature of the intake airflow is selected. The flush / exhaust port is a pipeline connection port used to connect to an external air source or vacuum pump via the air pipe 16 to allow for the filling or emptying of the medium inside the elastic bladder 12, controlling the inflation and contraction process of the elastic bladder 12.

[0035] Both ends of the elastic bladder 12 are connected to the support assembly 11, which ensures that the elastic bladder 12 maintains its axial position stability during inflation and deflation. The ends of the elastic bladder 12 can be attached to the support assembly 11 by means of bonding, clamping, mechanical fastener connection, or integral molding.

[0036] The rebound element 13 can be a variety of elastic elements, such as a coil spring, with one end fixed to the support assembly 11 and the other end connected to the end of the elastic bladder 12. Alternatively, the rebound element 13 can also be an elastic band or an elastic diaphragm, whose elastic deformation can apply a restoring force to the elastic bladder 12, providing auxiliary traction for the contraction process of the elastic bladder 12 to overcome the hysteresis effect of the elastic bladder 12 material and promote its reset.

[0037] In its inflated state, the elastic bladder 12 is filled with a medium, such as compressed air or inert gas. As the internal pressure increases, the elastic bladder 12 expands outward in its radial direction. When its outer surface abuts against and adheres to the inner wall of the intake passage, the intake passage is blocked, thereby preventing external media from entering the engine 2 intake system and achieving a sealing function. The medium pressure and flow rate during the inflation process can be adjusted by an external control system.

[0038] Conversely, when the seal needs to be released, the medium inside the elastic bladder 12 is discharged through the exhaust port. As the internal pressure decreases, the elastic bladder 12 retracts radially inward under the elastic restoring force of its own material and the auxiliary traction of the rebound member 13. After the elastic bladder 12 retracts, a gap is formed between its outer surface and the inner wall of the intake passage, allowing the intake airflow to pass through, thereby restoring the normal intake function of the engine 2. During this process, the rebound member 13 releases the accumulated elastic potential energy, pulling the elastic bladder 12 to promote retraction, avoiding obstruction of airflow due to material relaxation, reducing the occupancy of the retracted bladder on the intake air passage, thereby reducing intake resistance and improving the intake response speed of the engine 2.

[0039] Although the elastic bladder 12 is assisted by the rebound member 13 to retract from its inflated state and release the blockage of the intake passage, in practical applications, the material properties of the elastic bladder 12 during exhaust contraction may lead to incomplete contraction or insufficient response speed. Especially when the vehicle switching conditions require a rapid restoration of the intake passage, the complete reset of the elastic bladder 12 may be affected by internal residual pressure or the material's own relaxation hysteresis effect, thereby affecting the intake efficiency and response speed of the engine 2.

[0040] In this embodiment, the elastic bladder 12 has a cavity inside. When it expands along the radial direction 18 of the elastic bladder, it shortens along the axial direction, pulling the elastic member 13 to deform and store energy. When the elastic member 13 releases the stored energy, it pulls the elastic bladder 12 to extend along the axial direction and retracts along the radial direction.

[0041] Specifically, the cavity inside the elastic bladder 12 is a space for containing the medium. When the medium is filled into the cavity, the pressure inside the cavity increases, causing the elastic bladder 12 to expand; when the medium is discharged, the pressure inside the cavity decreases, and the elastic bladder 12 contracts. The cavity ensures that the elastic bladder 12 can deform uniformly during inflation and contraction, thereby achieving effective sealing and rapid reset.

[0042] It should be noted that the elastic bladder 12 is made of soft, highly elastic materials, such as silicone and fluororubber. It can utilize the high resilience of the material itself to assist in repositioning. Furthermore, when used in a low-temperature environment, it can still maintain good elasticity after being affected by low-temperature airflow. The device can also be integrated into a plastic intake manifold.

[0043] When the elastic bladder 12 expands radially 18 to abut against the inner wall of the intake passage, its overall length shortens axially. This shortening characteristic can be achieved through the selection of materials and structural design of the elastic bladder 12. For example, the wall thickness distribution, material anisotropy, or internal reinforcing ribs of the elastic bladder 12 can be designed so that it naturally contracts axially when expanded under radial pressure.

[0044] When the elastic bladder 12 expands radially 18 and simultaneously contracts axially, since at least one end of the elastic bladder 12 is connected to the support assembly 11 via the spring-loaded member 13, the axial contraction directly pulls the spring-loaded member 13 connected thereto. The spring-loaded member 13 deforms during this pulling process, thus storing elastic potential energy. The stored energy is released when the elastic bladder 12 needs to contract, assisting its rapid reset. When the seal needs to be released, the medium inside the elastic bladder 12 is discharged, and the internal pressure decreases. At this time, the spring-loaded member 13, which previously stored elastic potential energy, begins to release energy. The energy released by the spring-loaded member 13 generates an axial tensile force, pulling the elastic bladder 12 to elongate axially. The axial elongation of the spring-loaded member 13 and the radial contraction of the elastic bladder 12 occur synchronously, working together to rapidly restore the elastic bladder 12 from its inflated state to its contracted state, releasing the obstruction of the air intake channel. This synergistic effect overcomes the relaxation hysteresis effect of the elastic bladder 12 material, ensuring rapid and complete reset.

[0045] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the medium for filling the elastic bladder 12 can theoretically be a fluid, such as a liquid or a gas. When using a gas, the gas source can be a brake air reservoir, exhaust gas, or an independent air pump. When using a liquid, the liquid source can be coolant, hydraulic oil, etc. However, since this embodiment is for sealing the intake system of the engine 2, liquid leakage would be sucked into the engine 2 and cause serious consequences. Therefore, gas is preferred as the fluid medium for filling the elastic bladder 12.

[0046] Even after the elastic bladder 12 is released from its seal and retracts to its contracted state, if its shape is not properly configured, it may still obstruct the smooth flow of intake air, leading to increased intake resistance and affecting the intake efficiency of engine 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, as follows... Figure 3 As shown, when the elastic bladder 12 is in a contracted state, the elastic bladder 12 has a streamlined structure with the diameters at both ends smaller than the diameter in the middle, and its surface forms a guide surface for guiding airflow.

[0047] Specifically, along the axial direction 17 of the elastic bladder, the diameters of the two ends of the elastic bladder 12 are relatively small in the contracted state, while the diameter of the middle part is relatively large, giving it an overall spindle-shaped or olive-shaped profile. The resulting streamlined structure is aerodynamically optimized to minimize the resistance generated when the intake airflow passes over its surface. This streamlined structure can be achieved in several ways. For example, in the material selection of the elastic bladder 12, a composite material with a specific elastic modulus distribution can be used, allowing it to naturally form this shape during exhaust contraction; alternatively, a flexible skeleton or limiting structure can be set inside the elastic bladder 12 to guide it to form a preset streamlined shape during contraction; or, the wall thickness distribution of the elastic bladder 12 can be controlled so that different areas contract to different degrees during contraction, thereby forming the desired streamlined shape.

[0048] When the elastic bladder 12 has a streamlined structure, its smooth, continuous and gradually changing surface naturally forms a guide surface. When the intake airflow passes through the intake channel, it can flow smoothly along the guide surface of the elastic bladder 12, avoiding the formation of abrupt separation, vortex or backflow areas around the elastic bladder 12. Through the guiding effect, it helps to maintain the laminar flow state of the airflow, reduce energy loss, and promote the efficient and uniform entry of the airflow into the engine 2.

[0049] Through the streamlined structure of the elastic bladder 12 in its contracted state, the engine 2 can obtain sufficient and smooth air intake during normal operation, thereby maintaining or improving its working efficiency, and avoiding the problem of increased fuel consumption or decreased power output caused by excessive intake resistance.

[0050] In this embodiment, the elastic bladder 12 is arranged coaxially with the air intake channel, and the gap between the elastic bladder 12 and the air intake channel forms an annular channel.

[0051] Specifically, the central axis of the elastic bladder 12 coincides with the central axis of the intake channel, and the elastic bladder 12 is centrally distributed within the intake channel. This prevents the elastic bladder 12 from becoming eccentric or tilted during inflation or deflation, thus ensuring uniform force distribution and controllable deformation. The coaxial arrangement provides a symmetrical flow path for the airflow, helping to reduce eddies and pressure losses during airflow. The annular channel is formed by the annular gap between the outer surface of the elastic bladder 12 in its contracted state and the inner wall of the intake channel. This annular gap is the main flow path for the intake airflow of the engine 2, allowing the airflow to pass evenly around the elastic bladder 12, avoiding excessively high or low local velocities, thereby reducing intake resistance and improving intake efficiency.

[0052] In practical applications, the support component 11 can also easily cause unnecessary disturbance or obstruction to the intake airflow. In this embodiment, the support component 11 includes an outer fixing ring 14 and guide spokes 15. The outer fixing ring 14 is fixed to the inner wall of the intake channel, and multiple guide spokes 15 are connected between the outer fixing ring 14 and the end of the elastic bladder 12. The air pipe 16 connected to the exhaust port is integrated into the guide spokes 15 or arranged along its surface.

[0053] The outer fixing ring 14 has a ring-shaped structure, fixing the entire support assembly 11 to the inner wall of the intake channel. Specifically, it can be connected to the inner wall of the intake channel by various methods such as welding, bolting, snap-fit, or interference fit to provide a stable support base. The guide spokes 15 connect the outer fixing ring 14 to the end of the elastic bladder 12, providing radial and axial support for the elastic bladder 12.

[0054] The guide spokes 15 can be made of materials such as metal, composite materials or high-strength plastics. There are usually multiple of them, which are evenly distributed between the outer fixing ring 14 and the elastic bladder 12 to ensure uniform force distribution.

[0055] The air intake / exhaust port is a channel for filling or venting the elastic bladder 12 with or without a medium. The air tube 16 connected to this port needs to be introduced from the outside and pass through the air intake channel. The air tube 16 is integrated into the interior of the guide spoke 15 for protection. Alternatively, the air tube 16 can be arranged close to the surface of the guide spoke 15, tightly attached to the outer surface of the spoke, reducing its prominent impact on airflow, minimizing obstruction and disturbance of the intake airflow, and protecting the air tube 16 from external damage.

[0056] In its implementation, although the air duct 16 is protected and its direct disturbance to the airflow is reduced, the guide spokes 15, as a structural support component, inevitably occupy the cross-section of the intake passage and may generate additional resistance or unnecessary turbulence when the airflow passes through, thereby affecting the intake efficiency and response speed of the engine 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the cross-section of the guide spoke 15 is teardrop-shaped or airfoil-shaped, and the extension direction of the guide spoke 15 is parallel to or at a set angle to the axis of the air intake channel, so as to rectify the airflow or generate swirl.

[0057] Specifically, the cross-section of the guide spoke 15 adopts a teardrop or airfoil shape, which can optimize its aerodynamic performance in the airflow. The teardrop cross-section has a rounded leading edge and a gradually narrowing trailing edge, which can effectively reduce fluid separation, reduce pressure drag, and allow the airflow to smoothly bypass the spoke surface, thereby reducing the obstruction to the intake airflow.

[0058] Airfoil cross-sections typically feature asymmetrical curved surfaces, designed to generate lift or reduce drag in the fluid. In intake systems, airfoil cross-sections can optimize airflow paths, reduce the drag coefficient, and guide airflow, improving flow uniformity. Both of these cross-sectional shapes are chosen to optimize the performance of the guide spokes 15 in the airflow, helping to minimize their negative impact on intake efficiency.

[0059] Meanwhile, the extension direction of the guide spokes 15 can be parallel to the axial direction of the air intake channel or at a set angle. When the extension direction of the guide spokes 15 is parallel to the axial direction of the air intake channel, it provides structural support while allowing the airflow to pass through as straight as possible with the smallest frontal area, reducing unnecessary changes in direction and energy loss, thereby achieving effective airflow rectification.

[0060] When the extension direction of the guide spokes 15 forms a predetermined angle with the axis of the intake passage, it can actively guide the passing airflow, causing it to generate the desired swirling flow. This swirling flow can improve the air-fuel mixture formation process within the combustion chamber of the engine 2, for example, by promoting thorough mixing of fuel and air, thereby improving combustion efficiency and reducing emissions. The specific angle and direction can be adjusted according to the specific requirements of the engine 2 and the design of the intake system, for example, configured as 10°-20°.

[0061] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the spring rebound member 13 includes a spring and a spring seat. The spring seat is mounted on the support assembly 11 and has a storage hole for accommodating the spring. One end of the spring is connected to the storage hole, and the other end passes through the opening of the storage hole and is connected to the end of the elastic bladder 12.

[0062] Specifically, the spring provides elastic restoring force, and its type can be selected according to specific needs, such as a tension spring or a compression spring. When the elastic bladder 12 expands, the spring is stretched or compressed, storing elastic potential energy; when the elastic bladder 12 deflates, the spring releases potential energy, generating traction force to assist the elastic bladder 12 in retraction. The spring material is selected from metal alloys with good elastic fatigue properties and corrosion resistance, such as stainless steel or high carbon steel.

[0063] A spring seat is a structural component used to fix and support a spring, providing a stable mounting base and ensuring that the spring can extend and retract in a predetermined direction during operation, preventing the spring from skewing or becoming entangled. The spring seat is typically made of a metal or high-strength engineering plastic that matches the support assembly 11. The spring seat is securely fixed to the support assembly 11 via mechanical connections, such as bolts, riveting, or welding, ensuring stability when subjected to spring forces and effectively transmitting the spring's return force to the support assembly 11.

[0064] A receiving hole is a space formed inside or on the surface of the spring seat to accommodate part or all of the spring. Using a receiving hole reduces the impact of the external environment on the spring, extending its service life, and also guides the spring's extension and contraction, preventing bending or instability during operation. One end of the spring is connected to the inside of the receiving hole via a fixing structure (such as a snap, pin, or threaded connection) to ensure that its fixed end will not detach. The other end of the spring passes through the opening of the receiving hole and connects to the end of the elastic bladder 12. The connection between the spring and the end of the elastic bladder 12 can be achieved by connecting it to a connection point on the elastic bladder 12 via a ring hook, or by using an intermediate connector, such as a fastener or connecting ring, so that the spring's recoil force can effectively act on the elastic bladder 12, pulling it radially back.

[0065] Example 2 In another typical embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, a vehicle is provided that utilizes the amphibious vehicle engine intake system sealing device as in Example 1.

[0066] This embodiment provides a vehicle capable of moving in both land and water environments. Specifically, the vehicle may be an amphibious passenger vehicle, amphibious commercial vehicle, amphibious armored vehicle, amphibious reconnaissance vehicle, amphibious transport vehicle, or amphibious engineering vehicle, etc. The vehicle's ability to switch between land and water environments places high demands on the sealing performance, response speed, and reliability of the engine 2 air intake system. By integrating the amphibious vehicle engine air intake system sealing device 1 from Embodiment 1 into the vehicle of this embodiment, the vehicle gains the ability to quickly and reliably seal the engine 2 air intake passage during wading operations and ensure smooth air intake of the engine 2 when driving on land, thereby guaranteeing the vehicle's all-weather, all-terrain operational capability in complex land and water environments.

[0067] Integrating the amphibious vehicle engine intake system sealing device 1 into the vehicle allows the vehicle to fully utilize the sealing device's rapid response and efficient sealing characteristics.

[0068] When the vehicle needs to wade through water, the sealing device can expand rapidly and effectively cut off the air intake passage to prevent water from entering the engine 2, thereby ensuring the safe operation of the engine 2 underwater or in wading conditions.

[0069] When the vehicle completes its wading and switches to land mode, the sealing device can quickly contract using the restoring force of the rebound member 13, releasing the blockage of the air intake passage and forming a streamlined guide surface. This significantly reduces intake resistance, ensuring that the engine 2 receives sufficient and smooth air intake when driving on land, thereby improving the engine 2's start-up response speed and overall performance. This not only enhances the vehicle's adaptability and reliability during water-land transitions but also indirectly improves fuel economy and power output by optimizing intake efficiency, greatly expanding the vehicle's combat or operational range and capabilities.

[0070] Example 3 In another typical embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, a method for operating a sealing device for an amphibious vehicle engine intake system is provided, for assembling an amphibious vehicle engine intake system sealing device as in Example 1, comprising: When sealing is required, a medium is injected into the elastic bladder 12 through the venting port to control the elastic bladder 12 to change from a contracted state to a full state, so that the elastic bladder 12 expands radially and abuts against the inner wall of the air intake channel to cut off the air intake channel. When it is necessary to release the seal, the medium inside the elastic bladder 12 is discharged through the exhaust port, and the elastic bladder 12 is controlled to change from an inflated state to a contracted state. The restoring force of the rebound member 13 is used to pull the elastic bladder 12 to retract radially, so as to release the cut-off of the air intake channel and allow the air intake airflow to flow through the gap between the elastic bladder 12 and the inner wall of the air intake channel.

[0071] This embodiment achieves rapid shape transformation through the synergistic mechanism of the restoring force of the rebound member 13 and the contraction action of the elastic bladder 12. Specifically, when it is necessary to release the seal, the medium inside the elastic bladder 12 is discharged through the venting port, reducing the internal pressure. At this time, the elastic potential energy stored in the rebound member 13 is released, and its restoring force acts directly on the end of the elastic bladder 12, applying a traction force along the axial direction. This traction force not only overcomes the relaxation hysteresis effect of the elastic bladder 12 material but also forces the elastic bladder 12 to simultaneously elongate axially during radial retraction, thereby avoiding disordered stacking of the bladder skin. Because the elastic bladder 12 is actively stretched into a slender shape, the gap between it and the inner wall of the air intake channel is maximized, significantly reducing the occupied cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel.

[0072] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, after the elastic bladder 12 retracts radially, the elastic bladder 12 has a streamlined structure with the diameters at both ends smaller than the diameter in the middle, and its surface forms a guide surface for guiding airflow.

[0073] The guide surface can guide the airflow smoothly through the annular channel, reducing airflow disturbance and pressure loss. Compared with the traditional airbag-type sealing solution, which suffers from increased intake resistance due to its loose shape after depressurization, this embodiment can enable the intake airflow to quickly pass through the gap between the elastic bladder 12 and the inner wall of the intake channel when the engine restarts, reducing intake resistance and thus significantly improving combustion efficiency and power system responsiveness.

[0074] The following example will provide a more detailed explanation of the above technical solution: After an amphibious vehicle has traveled on land, it needs to enter deep water to travel on water. At this point, the vehicle's engine 2 needs to be shut down to prevent water from flowing back in.

[0075] When the vehicle is traveling on land, engine 2 operates normally, and the intake system is in the open state. At this time, the sealing device installed in the intake passage of engine 2 is in the contracted state. The support assembly 11 is fixed to the inner wall of the intake passage, and the elastic bladder 12 is located in the intake passage and is arranged coaxially with the intake passage.

[0076] When the vehicle is preparing to wade through water, the intake passage needs to be sealed to prevent external water from entering the engine's intake system. At this time, the control system injects compressed air into the cavity inside the elastic bladder 12 through the exhaust port. As compressed air is injected, the elastic bladder 12 changes from a contracted state to a fully inflated state. The elastic bladder 12 expands radially and presses tightly against the inner wall of the intake passage, thus completely cutting off the intake passage. The elastic bladder 12 can effectively adapt to the shape of the intake passage, achieving an airtight seal and avoiding the sealing difficulties of traditional rigid valves in complex, irregularly shaped pipes. During the radial expansion of the elastic bladder 12, it simultaneously shortens axially, pulling the rebound member 13 to deform and store energy. This energy storage in the rebound member 13 provides reserve energy for subsequent rapid reset.

[0077] When the vehicle has completed its wading journey and engine 2 needs to be restarted, the sealing device needs to be released. The control system discharges compressed air from the elastic bladder 12 through the exhaust port. As the compressed air is discharged, the internal pressure of the elastic bladder 12 decreases, and it begins to retract radially. At this time, the rebound member 13 releases its stored energy, generating traction force to assist the elastic bladder 12 in axial extension and simultaneous radial retraction. The restoring force of the rebound member 13 effectively overcomes the relaxation hysteresis effect of the elastic bladder 12 material, forcing the elastic bladder 12 to quickly and orderly transition from a radially expanded, sealed state to a radially retracted, compact state. After retraction, the elastic bladder 12 again exhibits a streamlined structure with diameters at both ends smaller than the middle diameter. The guide surface formed on its surface guides the intake airflow smoothly, reducing obstruction to the intake airflow, thereby reducing intake resistance and improving the intake response speed when engine 2 starts.

[0078] Compared to an external snorkel, the sealing device 1 for the amphibious vehicle's engine intake system does not affect the vehicle's appearance or aerodynamic performance. Compared to existing conventional airbag-type sealing solutions, the sealing device 1 for the amphibious vehicle's engine intake system, through the auxiliary tensioning function of the rebound member 13, ensures that the elastic bladder 12 is compact in the contracted state, increasing the airflow clearance and effectively solving the problem of high intake resistance.

[0079] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sealing device for the air intake system of an amphibious vehicle engine, characterized in that, include: Support components are installed inside the engine's air intake passage; An elastic bladder is located in the intake channel and is provided with an exhaust port. Both ends of the elastic bladder are connected to the support assembly, and at least one end is connected to the support assembly through a rebound member. The elastic bladder has an inflated state and a contracted state. When inflated, the elastic bladder expands radially and abuts against the inner wall of the intake passage to cut off the intake passage. When in the contracted state, the elastic bladder retracts radially and releases the blockage of the intake passage, allowing the intake airflow to pass through the gap between the elastic bladder and the inner wall of the intake passage.

2. The sealing device for the amphibious vehicle engine intake system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic bladder has a cavity inside. When the elastic bladder expands radially, it shortens axially, pulling the rebound member to deform and store energy. When the rebound member releases the stored energy, it pulls the elastic bladder to extend axially and retract radially.

3. The sealing device for the amphibious vehicle engine intake system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, When the elastic bladder is in a contracted state, it has a streamlined structure with the diameters at both ends smaller than the diameter in the middle, and its surface forms a guide surface for guiding airflow.

4. The sealing device for the amphibious vehicle engine intake system as described in claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, The elastic bladder is arranged coaxially with the air intake channel, and the gap between the elastic bladder and the air intake channel forms an annular channel.

5. The sealing device for the amphibious vehicle engine intake system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The support assembly includes an outer fixing ring and guide spokes. The outer fixing ring is fixed to the inner wall of the air intake channel, and multiple guide spokes are connected between the outer fixing ring and the end of the elastic bladder. The air pipe connected to the air intake and exhaust port is integrated into the guide spokes or arranged along their surface.

6. The sealing device for the amphibious vehicle engine intake system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The cross-section of the guide spokes is teardrop-shaped or airfoil-shaped, and the extension direction of the guide spokes is parallel to or at a set angle to the axis of the air intake channel, so as to rectify the airflow or generate swirl.

7. The sealing device for the amphibious vehicle engine intake system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The spring-rebound component includes a spring and a spring seat. The spring seat is mounted on the support assembly and has a storage hole for accommodating the spring. One end of the spring is connected to the storage hole, and the other end passes through the opening of the storage hole and is connected to the end of the elastic bladder.

8. A vehicle, characterized in that, The amphibious vehicle engine intake system sealing device is used as described in any one of claims 1-7.

9. A method for operating a sealing device for an amphibious vehicle engine intake system, used for assembling the sealing device for an amphibious vehicle engine intake system as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, include: When sealing is required, a medium is injected into the elastic bladder through the venting port to control the elastic bladder to change from a contracted state to a full state, so that the elastic bladder expands radially and abuts against the inner wall of the air intake channel to cut off the air intake channel. When it is necessary to release the seal, the medium inside the elastic bladder is discharged through the exhaust port, the elastic bladder is controlled to change from an inflated state to a contracted state, and the restoring force of the rebound component is used to pull the elastic bladder radially back to release the cut-off of the intake channel, allowing the intake airflow to flow through the gap between the elastic bladder and the inner wall of the intake channel.

10. The method of operating the sealing device for the amphibious vehicle engine intake system as described in claim 9, characterized in that, After the elastic bladder retracts radially, it takes on a streamlined structure with diameters at both ends smaller than those in the middle, and its surface forms a guide surface for guiding airflow.

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