Vehicle Accumulator Airflow Control via Segmented Compressor Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles face inefficiencies in supplying air to tools due to pressure booster systems optimized for driving operations, which result in flows higher than needed for air-power tools and pressures lower than required, necessitating a method to control engine intake air flow effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that control the flow of engine intake air to a pressure booster downstream of an intake air compressor based on the gas pressure of an accumulator, ensuring a higher pressure supply to off-board devices while maintaining efficient vehicle propulsion by adjusting the airflow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the pressure booster is optimized for vehicle driving operation, then vehicle propulsion efficiency is improved, but the pressure generated is lower than needed for air-power tools and the flow rate is higher than needed
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply system is segmented into two separate paths: one path maintains the pressure booster optimized for vehicle propulsion, while a second path introduces a compressor specifically dedicated to generating high-pressure air for pneumatic tools. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
A storage tank serves as an intermediary component that receives high-pressure air from the dedicated compressor and makes it available for tool operation. This mediator decouples the compressor from direct tool connection, allowing the compressor to operate independently while providing the required high pressure to tools when needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the pressure booster is optimized for vehicle driving operation, then vehicle propulsion efficiency is improved, but the flow rate is higher than needed for air-power tools
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply system is segmented into two separate paths: one path maintains the pressure booster optimized for vehicle propulsion, while a second path introduces a compressor specifically dedicated to generating high-pressure air for pneumatic tools. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the air supply system have different quality characteristics: the pressure booster provides moderate pressure with high flow rate for propulsion, while the dedicated compressor provides high pressure with controlled flow rate for tools. Each component's output characteristics are locally optimized for its specific application.
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
This approach provides a more effective air supply to air power tools while retaining compressor and turbine design characteristics for efficient vehicle propulsion, ensuring seamless integration during vehicle operation and reducing degraded engine performance.
Implementation Method 1
an intake air compressor of the engine
Implementation Method 2
a pressure booster arranged downstream of an intake air compressor
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for controlling airflow of an accumulator of a motorized vehicle. In one example, a method includes storing pressurized gases within the accumulator by flowing intake air from a compressor of an engine of the vehicle to a pressure booster arranged upstream of the accumulator. Pressurized gases stored within the accumulator may be used to drive one or more pneumatic devices.