SYSTEM FOR PREVENTING SNOW ENTERING A VEHICLE'S AIR INTAKE

Abstract

A system (100) for preventing snow from entering the air intake of an engine in a vehicle comprises a set of flaps (102 / 104) alternately pivoted on two opposite sides of the air intake duct in an overlapping manner to create a serpentine path (116-2) for incoming air containing snow. This path allows the majority of the airflow to come into contact with the lower heated flaps (104), causing any snow particles present to liquefy and be removed from the air flowing to the engine. The drainage system assists in removing the liquefied fluid through the system. The set of flaps includes upper flaps (102) that are pivoted onto a lower surface of the engine hood (106), and lower flaps (104) that are pivoted onto the reinforcement (108).The lower flaps (104) contain a heating coil (402) to melt the snow particles. The melted snow is drained away via a water drainage arrangement (500).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of motor vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a system for preventing the ingress of snow into the air intake by separating, liquefying and draining snow that enters the air intake of internal combustion engines of vehicles. BACKGROUND

[0002] The background information contains details that may be useful for understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that the information contained herein is prior art or relevant to the present disclosure, or that any publication expressly or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Snowfall in cold weather is a widespread phenomenon. However, it becomes problematic when snowflakes, along with the intake air, enter the air intake of a moving vehicle and accumulate there, reducing engine performance. Due to the lack of air in the intake, the engine can stall, as the snow that has accumulated there can prevent sufficient air from reaching the engine. This risk is further increased if the air filters become clogged, potentially preventing the necessary amount of air from reaching the engine.

[0004] Therefore, the accumulation of snow in the air intake must be avoided to ensure smooth driving conditions in cold weather.

[0005] Patent document KR20230144866A discloses a ventilation grille with a plurality of composite laminate louvers arranged in a frame in an oblique, overlapping configuration. The composite laminates contain bulletproof layers and a flame-retardant layer to prevent fires caused by bullets. Furthermore, a heating layer is provided at a boundary between the frame and the laminates to prevent the air duct from freezing in a cryogenic environment, thus ensuring smooth engine operation and eliminating the inconvenience of ice removal.

[0006] While the cited reference reveals a louvered blind combined with a heating layer featuring an anti-icing effect to prevent freezing in the blind's air passage in a cryogenic environment, a fixed louvered blind configuration with overlapping slats reduces air intake efficiency. Therefore, a more efficient solution to the aforementioned problem is possible.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an efficient and cost-effective solution to prevent snow from entering the air intake and to dispose of the accumulated snow by melting and draining it away, so that the engine's performance is maintained in snowy weather. OBJECTS OF DISCUSSION

[0008] A general objective of the present disclosure is to provide a system that prevents snow from entering the air intake, liquefying and flowing away in order to avoid clogging of the air filters and to increase the performance of the engine.

[0009] One objective of the present disclosure is to find a simple, safe and cost-effective solution to prevent the air intake from becoming clogged with snow.

[0010] One purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a system that ensures trouble-free driving by removing snow that enters the air intake in cold weather.

[0011] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a system that prevents the accumulation of snow in the air intake while ensuring that the airflow is not impaired during normal driving conditions.

[0012] Another purpose of the present disclosure is to prevent snow from entering the air filters by using a combination of flaps in the air intake to extend the service life of the filters. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0013] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the area of ​​air intakes or engines of motor vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a system for preventing the ingress of snow into the air intake of an engine, in which the snow particles are separated from the intake air, liquefied, and discharged, which also prevents wetting of the air filters, thereby avoiding a deterioration of the engine's performance. In particular, the system uses a set of flaps arranged on the top and bottom of the air duct to separate the snow before the air enters the engine through the air filters.

[0014] According to one aspect, the proposed system for preventing snow from entering a vehicle's air intake comprises a set of flaps that are alternately pivoted on two opposite sides of the air intake duct in an overlapping manner to create a serpentine path for the incoming air. This ensures that the majority of the airflow comes into contact with the heated lower flaps, liquefying any existing snow particles and removing them from the air flowing to the engine. The drainage system assists in removing the accumulated, liquefied fluid.

[0015] In one aspect, the air intake is formed from a hood and a reinforcement of the vehicle.

[0016] In one aspect, the set of flaps comprises a set of upper flaps that are pivotally coupled to a lower surface of the hood, and a set of lower flaps that are pivotally coupled to the reinforcement.

[0017] One aspect is that each of the lower flaps includes a heating coil to warm the flap and allow the snow particles to melt.

[0018] In one aspect, each of the pivotally coupled upper flaps and the pivotally coupled lower flaps is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, in which the flaps are aligned perpendicular to the direction of flow to create the serpentine path in sub-freezing conditions where snow removal is required, and a retracted position in which the flaps are aligned parallel to the direction of flow in normal conditions to reduce resistance to the flow of intake air.

[0019] In one aspect, each of the pivotally coupled upper flaps and the pivotally coupled lower flaps is attached to a pivot point, with a compression clip coupled between the pivot point and the corresponding flap to pre-tension the flap into the retracted position.

[0020] In one aspect, the system includes a flap movement mechanism to move the set of flaps from the retracted position to the extended position when needed. The flap movement mechanism for moving the set of flaps comprises a pair of linkages: an upper linkage, which couples the upper flap in series, and a lower linkage, which couples the lower flap in series, so that the corresponding set of flaps is moved from the retracted position to the extended position when the upper and lower linkages are pulled.

[0021] In one aspect, the valve movement mechanism for moving the set of valves comprises at least one electromagnet coupled to the connecting links such that the excitation of the at least one electromagnet causes the connecting links to be pulled to move the set of valves into the unfolded position, and the deactivation of the at least one electromagnet causes the connecting links to be released so that the compression clips can move the set of valves into the retracted position.

[0022] In one aspect, the system includes a water drainage arrangement to remove water from the melting snow particles. The drainage arrangement comprises a set of drainage grooves provided on a base plate of the reinforcement to collect water, and a set of drain valves coupled to the drainage grooves to release the water from them.

[0023] In one aspect, each of the drain valves includes a valve seat and a ball for closing the valve seat, the ball being made of a material that is lighter than water and heavier than air, so that when water accumulates in the drain valve, the ball lifts off the valve seat to allow the accumulated water to drain out.

[0024] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the subject matter according to the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawing figures, in which the same numbers represent the same components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings serve to further understand the present disclosure and are an integral part of this description. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 1A shows an exemplary diagram of the proposed system with retracted upper and lower flaps in the air inlet area, which allow the air to flow along a straight path under normal ambient conditions, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 1B shows an exemplary diagram of the proposed system with upper and lower flaps in the deployed position, which provide a serpentine path for the air to separate snow in sub-freezing conditions, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows exemplary side and front views of the pivot point for attaching the upper / lower flaps and the corresponding mechanism for moving the flaps between the retracted and unfolded positions in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the lower flap, which shows the arrangement of a heating coil in the lower flap according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5A and Fig. Figure 5B shows a perspective view or a side view of the reinforcement with a water drainage arrangement for draining the water accumulated by snowmelt according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figures 6A to 6C show different views of the drain valve used in the water drain devices according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] A detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure illustrated in the accompanying drawings follows. The embodiments are described in sufficient detail to clearly convey the disclosure. However, the intention is not to limit foreseeable variations of the embodiments with the necessary level of detail; rather, the aim is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims.

[0027] The embodiments described here relate to a system that prevents snow from entering the air intake of an engine by separating, liquefying and draining it, thereby also preventing the air filters from becoming clogged and thus preventing a deterioration in engine performance.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the disclosed system comprises a set of flaps pivotally mounted alternately on two opposite sides of the air intake duct in an overlapping manner to create a serpentine path for incoming air carrying snow into the air intake. Due to the serpentine path, the majority of the airflow comes into contact with the lower heated flaps, and the snow particles present in the air are liquefied and discharged through the drainage system. This prevents snow particles from entering and accumulating in the air intake. The set of flaps includes a set of upper flaps pivotally coupled to the underside of the hood and a set of lower flaps pivotally connected to a reinforcement of the vehicle.Each of the lower flaps includes a heating coil to heat the flap in order to allow the snow particles to melt, and a drainage arrangement on the reinforcement to drain water from the melted snow.

[0029] In one embodiment, each of the pivotally coupled upper flaps and the pivotally coupled lower flaps is movable between a retracted position and an extended position in which the flaps are aligned perpendicular to the direction of airflow to create the serpentine path for the incoming air in sub-freezing conditions, and a retracted position in which the flaps are generally aligned parallel to the direction of airflow to reduce resistance to the flow in normal conditions when there is no snow in the air and no snow separation is required.

[0030] In one embodiment, each of the pivotally coupled upper flaps and the pivotally coupled lower flaps is attached to a pivot point, with a compression clip positioned between the pivot point and the corresponding flap to bias the flap into the retracted position. The movement of the upper and lower flaps is controlled by a flap deployment mechanism.

[0031] In one embodiment, the flap movement mechanism moves the set of flaps via a pair of connecting links comprising an upper connecting link that couples the upper flap in series and a lower connecting link that couples the lower flap in series, such that when the upper and lower connecting links are pulled, the corresponding set of flaps is moved from the retracted position to the unfolded position.

[0032] In one embodiment, the mechanism for moving the flaps comprises at least one electromagnet coupled to the connecting elements such that the excitation of the at least one electromagnet causes the connecting elements to be pulled to move the set of flaps into the unfolded position, and the de-excitation of the at least one electromagnet causes the connecting elements to be released so that the compression clips can move the set of flaps into the retracted position.

[0033] In one embodiment, the system comprises a water drainage arrangement for draining water from the melting of the snow particles. The water drainage arrangement includes a set of grooves on a lower plate of the reinforcement for collecting water, and drain valves with a valve seat and a ball for closing the valve seat. The density of the ball is lower than that of water and higher than that of air, so that it floats on the water when water accumulates in the drainage system, allowing the accumulated water to drain away.

[0034] With reference to the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, in which the proposed system 100 is shown with a retracted set of upper flaps, such as the upper flaps 102-1, 102-2, ...., 102-N (here referred to individually and collectively as upper flaps / flaps 102), and a retracted set of lower flaps, such as the lower flaps 104-1, 104-2, ...., 104-N (here referred to individually and collectively as lower flaps / flaps 104), within an air intake in a vehicle.

[0035] In one embodiment, the arrangement of the upper flaps 102 and the lower flaps 104 in the air intake of a vehicle serves to prevent snow from entering the air intake during snowy weather. Snow accumulates in the air intake and reduces engine performance due to the reduction in the effective flow area, resulting in a smaller amount of air entering the air intake. This reduced air supply can cause the engine to stall. Furthermore, the air filter also becomes damp, which further contributes to the engine's reduced performance.

[0036] In one embodiment, the proposed system 100 prevents snow from entering the vehicle's air intake by alternately pivoting the set of upper flaps 102 and the set of lower flaps 104 on two opposite sides of the air intake duct in an overlapping manner. This creates a serpentine path 116-2 for incoming air containing snow flowing into the air intake, causing snow particles to strike the upper flaps 102 and guide the flow to the lower heated flaps 104. The snow liquefies upon contact with the heated flaps, and the accumulated water is then drained from the system by means of the drainage system 250 (see Fig. 1A). This prevents snow from entering the air intake and accumulating there.

[0037] In one embodiment, the air intake is formed by the vehicle's engine hood 106 and a reinforcement 108 of the vehicle. The set of upper flaps 102 is pivotally coupled to a lower surface of the engine hood 106, and the set of lower flaps 104 is pivotally coupled to the reinforcement 108.

[0038] In one embodiment, each of the pivotally coupled upper flaps 102 and the pivotally coupled lower flaps 104 is movable about flap hinges between a retracted position and a retracted position, in which the upper flaps 102 and the lower flaps 104 are generally oriented perpendicular to the flow direction in order to create the serpentine path 116-2 for the intake air in sub-freezing conditions, as in Fig. 1B, and a retracted position in which the upper flaps 102 and the lower flaps 104 are generally aligned parallel to the direction of flow, so that the incoming air follows the straight path 116-1 to reduce drag in normal conditions, as in Fig. 1A shown.

[0039] As from the Fig. 2 to Fig. As can be seen from Figure 3, in one embodiment the set of flaps 102 is connected in series by an upper connecting element 110. Similarly, the set of lower flaps 104 is connected in series by a lower connecting element 112 (here collectively referred to as a pair of connecting elements 110 / 112) to allow their movement from the retracted position to the extended position, if necessary. When the pair of connecting elements 110 / 112 is pulled, the corresponding set of flaps is moved from the retracted position ( Fig. 1A) into the unfolded position ( Fig. 1B) moves.

[0040] As in the exemplary views of the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3, which shows a flap movement mechanism 300 for moving the flaps 102 and 104, depicts each of the pivotally coupled upper flaps 102 and the pivotally coupled lower flaps 104 being attached to a pivot point 306 by a compression clip 308. The compression clip 308 pre-tensions the respective flaps 102 and 104 into the retracted position, so that the flaps 102 and 104 move back into the retracted position when the connecting links 110 and 112 are pressed by the pulsating energy of the electromagnet. The pivot points 306 can be mounted on columns 310, as shown.

[0041] In another embodiment, the flap movement mechanism 300 for moving the set of upper flaps 102 and lower flaps 104 can comprise at least one electromechanical electromagnet 114 coupled to the connecting elements 110 and 112, such that energizing the at least one electromagnet 114 causes the connecting elements 110 and 112 to be pulled to move the set of upper flaps 102 and lower flaps 104 into the unfolded position, and deactivating the at least one electromagnet 114 causes the connecting elements 110 and 112 to move the set of upper flaps 102 and lower flaps 104 into the retracted position.

[0042] In one embodiment, each of the lower flaps 104 contains a heating coil 402 (see view 400 of Fig. 4) to warm the lower flap 104 and allow the snow particles to melt. The heating coil 402 is located between an upper layer 104-A and a lower layer 104-B of the lower flap 104, as shown in Fig. 4 shown.

[0043] In one embodiment, the energy for the heating coil 402 is supplied via the vehicle's battery. Pulsating energy is required to switch the electromagnet 114 on and off, which is also supplied via the vehicle battery.

[0044] In one embodiment, the electromagnet 114 can be switched off when there is no snow in the air, and simultaneously the power supply to the heating coils 402 is interrupted. Additionally, a microswitch can be installed that automatically switches off the heating of the lower flaps in the retracted position to ensure safety. Switching off the electromagnet 114 causes the connecting links 110 and 112 to move, allowing the clips 308 to move the set of upper flaps 102 and the set of lower flaps 104 into the retracted position, so that the flaps are positioned parallel to the surface of the air inlet and the full volume of air can reach the engine.

[0045] Fig. Figures 5 to 6C illustrate the water drainage arrangement 500 for draining water that has accumulated due to snowmelt in the unfolded state of the lower flaps 104.

[0046] In one embodiment, the system 100 comprises a water drainage arrangement 500 that allows the water accumulated by the melting of the snow particles to drain away. The water drainage arrangement 500 must drain the meltwater quickly to prevent it from solidifying due to the cold. The water drainage arrangement 500 comprises a series of grooves 502 provided on the lower plate 506 of the reinforcement 108 to collect water, as shown in Fig. 5A and Fig. Figures 5B and 5A show a set of water drain valves, such as drain valves 508-1, 508-2, ..., 508-N (here collectively referred to as drain valves 508). The water drain valves 508 are designed to couple with the grooves 502 to drain the accumulated water.

[0047] In one embodiment, the configuration of a water drain valve 508 is in Fig. Figure 6A shows the drain valve 508 comprising a nut 602. The nut 602 is fused or welded to the reinforcement 108. A valve body 604 is fitted together with a triangular washer 606 ( Fig. 6B), which holds a ball 608 in the inner cavity of the valve housing 604, is attached to the nut 602. The washer restricts the movement of the ball 608 and prevents the ball 608 from leaving the valve area.

[0048] In one embodiment, each of the drain valves 508 contains a valve seat 610, and the ball 608 seals the valve seat 610 when it rests upon it. The ball 608 is made of a material that is lighter than water but heavier than air. The density of the ball material can be between 0.7 and 0.8 g / cm³. 3 When water accumulates in the drain valve 508, the ball 608 lifts off the valve seat 610 ( Fig. 6C), so that the accumulated water can drain away through the drain hole 504.

[0049] Thus, the present disclosure overcomes the problems associated with the ingress of snow into the air intake by providing a simple, safe, and cost-effective system 100 with the set of upper flaps 102 and the lower flaps 104 with the flap movement mechanism 300 for retracting and unfolding the flaps and a heating system for melting the accumulated snow, which is drained through drainage holes 504 (see Fig. 6) the respective drain valves 508 of the water drainage arrangement 500 are drained. This reduces the risk of engine shutdown due to lack of air caused by blocked intake ports during snowfall and ensures optimal engine efficiency.

[0050] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention can be developed without deviating from the fundamental scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, variants, or examples that enable a person with normal technical knowledge to manufacture and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to that person. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0051] The present invention provides a system that prevents snow from entering the air intake, liquefies and flows away in order to avoid clogging of the air filters and to increase the performance of the engine.

[0052] The present invention offers a simple, safe and cost-effective solution to prevent the air intake from becoming clogged with snow.

[0053] The present invention provides a system that ensures trouble-free driving by removing snow that enters the air intake in cold weather.

[0054] The present invention provides a system that prevents the accumulation of snow in the air intake while ensuring that the airflow is not impaired during normal driving conditions.

[0055] The present invention prevents snow from getting close to the air filters by using a combination of flaps in the air intake to extend the service life of the filters. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] KR 20230144866A

[0005]

Claims

[1] System (100) for preventing snow from entering an air intake in a vehicle, the system (100) comprising: a set of flaps (102 / 104) which are alternately pivotably mounted on two opposite sides of the air intake duct in an overlapping manner to create a serpentine path (116-2) for an airflow flowing into the air intake area, so that the majority of the airflow comes into contact with the lower heated flaps (104) and liquefies any snow particles present therein and removes them from the air flowing to the engine, with the drainage system (500) helping to remove the liquefied accumulated water. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the air intake duct is formed from the engine hood (106) of the vehicle and the reinforcement (108) of the vehicle. [3] System according to claim 2, wherein the set of flaps comprises a set of upper flaps (102) pivotably coupled to a lower surface of the hood (106) and a set of lower flaps (104) pivotably coupled to the reinforcement (108). [4] System according to claim 3, wherein each of the lower flaps (104) comprises a heating coil (402) to heat the lower flaps (104) to enable the melting of the snow particles. [5] System according to claim 4, wherein each of the pivotally coupled upper flaps (102) and the pivotally coupled lower flaps (104) is movable between a retracted position in which the flaps are generally oriented perpendicular to the direction of the airflow in order to create the serpentine path for the incoming air in sub-freezing conditions, and a retracted position in which the flaps are generally oriented parallel to the direction of the airflow in order to reduce resistance to the flow in normal conditions when there is no snow in the air and there is no need for snow separation;and wherein, in the deployed position, each of the upper flaps (102) acts as a guide flap to navigate the flow to the next lower heated flap and to guide the flow into a serpentine path to ensure effective snow removal by allowing a large proportion of the flow to come into contact with the lower heated flaps.; [6] System according to claim 5, wherein each of the pivotably coupled upper flaps (102) and the pivotably coupled lower flaps (104) is attached to a fastening pin (306), wherein a compression clip (308) is coupled between the fastening pin (306) and the corresponding flap (102 / 104) to pre-tension the flap (102 / 104) into the retracted position. [7] System according to claim 6, wherein the system (100) comprises a flap movement mechanism (300) for moving the set of flaps (102 / 104) from the retracted position to the unfolded position when required, the flap movement mechanism (300) for moving the set of flaps (102 / 104) comprising a pair of connecting elements comprising an upper connecting element (110) that couples the upper flap (102) in series and a lower connecting element (112) that couples the lower flap (104) in series, such that when the upper connecting elements (110) and the lower connecting elements (112) are pulled, the corresponding set of flaps (102 / 104) is moved from the retracted position to the unfolded position. [8] System according to claim 7, wherein the flap movement mechanism (300) for moving the set of flaps (102 / 104) comprises at least one electromagnet (114) coupled to the connecting members (110 / 112) such that the excitation of the at least one electromagnet (114) causes the connecting members (110 / 112) to be pulled to move the set of flaps (102 / 104) into the unfolded position, and the deactivation of the at least one electromagnet (114) causes the connecting members (110 / 112) to be released to allow the compression clips (308) to move the set of flaps (102 / 104) into the retracted position. [9] System according to claim 3, wherein the system (100) comprises a water drainage arrangement (500) for draining water from the melting of the snow particles, the water drainage arrangement (500) comprising a set of drainage grooves (502) provided on a base plate (506) of the reinforcement (108) for collecting water, and a set of drainage valves (508) coupled to the drainage grooves (502) for draining water from the drainage grooves (502). [10] System according to claim 9, wherein each of the drain valves (508) comprises a valve seat (610) and a ball (608) to close the valve seat (610) in normal conditions, the ball (608) being made of a material that is lighter than water and heavier than air, so that when water accumulates in the drain valve (508) the ball (608) lifts off the valve seat (610) to allow the accumulated water to drain out.

Images