Accessory Support Bracket with Integrated Airflow Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face space restrictions and component orientation challenges, leading to circuitous airflow conduit arrangements that obstruct or interfere with other engine components when trying to supply air to an air compressor.
Innovation Solution
An accessory support bracket with integrated fluid passages and conduits that provide a direct and efficient airflow route from the intake system to the air compressor, incorporating a housing with mounting platforms for accessory devices and using a method of semi-permanent mold casting to form the bracket with fluid passages that maintain consistent cross-sectional areas to prevent pressure drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If circuitous arrangements of conduits are used to supply air to the air compressor, then the air compressor can be positioned at a distance from the intake system inlet, but the conduits obstruct or interfere with other engine components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air conduit function with the accessory support bracket structure. The bracket itself forms the air passage, integrating two functions (structural support and air routing) into a single component, thereby eliminating interference with other engine components while maintaining positioning flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory support bracket is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support for accessories, routes air to the air compressor, and maintains compact engine bay layout. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the support structure itself the air conduit
2Volume of moving object
If circuitous arrangements of conduits are used to supply air to the air compressor, then the air compressor can be positioned at a distance from the intake system inlet, but the arrangement increases component complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air passage function into the accessory support bracket structure itself, eliminating the need for separate circuitous conduits. This integration reduces component complexity while maintaining the ability to position the air compressor at a distance from the intake system inlet
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory support bracket serves multiple purposes: structural support for accessories and air routing to the compressor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated air conduits, thereby reducing overall system complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional casting methods are used to form the bracket with fluid passages, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but pressure drops occur due to inconsistent cross-sectional areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs semi-permanent mold casting with specifically designed mold characteristics that enable consistent cross-sectional area throughout the air passage. This manufacturing parameter change (from traditional to semi-permanent mold casting) maintains ease of manufacture while eliminating pressure drops caused by varying cross-sections
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables a shorter, more efficient airflow route to the air compressor with fewer components, accommodating various engine configurations and orientations while maintaining airflow integrity, thus optimizing engine performance and reducing component interference.
Implementation Method 1
a housing defining a fluid passage configured to be in fluid receiving communication with an upstream aperture of the housing and in fluid providing communication with a downstream aperture of the housing
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Methods and systems relating to an internal combustion engine support bracket are disclosed. The engine bracket includes a housing defining a fluid passage configured to be in fluid receiving communication with an upstream aperture of the housing and in fluid providing communication with a downstream aperture of the housing. The engine bracket also includes at least one mounting platform with fasteners configured to removably engage an accessory device of an internal combustion engine.