Adjustable Intake Flap for Engine Combustion Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The effective management of swirl and tumble effects in internal combustion engines is crucial for fuel economy and performance, but existing technologies struggle to adapt these effects appropriately across varying engine speed and load conditions.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a dual intake port design with adjustable flaps and an actuator controlled by a controller to create specific combustion conditions, such as swirl and tumble, by altering the flow paths and positions of the flaps within the intake ports based on engine parameters like speed and pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single intake port design is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different engine operating conditions (speed and load) is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to engine operating conditionsVSAvoidintake port design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The intake system is divided into multiple independent intake ports (first intake port and second intake port), each capable of being independently controlled. This segmentation allows different flow paths to be selected based on operating conditions, improving adaptability without requiring complete redesign of the entire intake system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs movable flaps that can dynamically adjust the flow area of different intake ports based on engine operating conditions. The flaps transition between positions to optimize airflow characteristics for swirl combustion at low speeds and tumble combustion at high speeds, enabling the system to adapt to varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If fixed intake flow paths are used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to optimize combustion conditions for fuel economy and performance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel economy and engine performanceVSAvoidintake port structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the flow parameters (flow area, flow direction) by moving flaps between different positions. This allows optimization of combustion parameters such as swirl ratio and tumble ratio depending on the operating point, thereby improving fuel economy and performance across the operating range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple combustion modes are supported, then the adaptability to different operating conditions is improved, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombustion mode selection capabilityVSAvoidactuator and control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into discrete control elements (flaps for each intake port) that can be independently actuated. This allows different combustion modes to be selected by activating specific flap combinations, simplifying the control logic compared to a fully integrated variable geometry system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flaps serve multiple functions: they control flow area, direct flow direction, and enable different combustion modes (swirl, tumble, or intermediate). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 allows for optimized combustion conditions, improving engine performance and reducing nitrogen oxides by adjusting the intake flow to match different operational modes, enhancing fuel efficiency and torque production.

Implementation Method 1

a swirl effect or rotation of a fluid mixture around an axis of the cylinder may be used to promote engine performance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSwirl effect: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

a tumble effect for a fluid generally represents the fluid mixture spinning around the cylinder along an axis parallel to the crankshaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTumble effect: Vortex Ring

Data Source

PatentUS9915221B2System and method for engine combustion

Publication Date: 2018.03.13 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A combustion system for use with one or more cylinder bores of an internal combustion engine includes at least one cylinder head defining first and second intake ports in fluid communication with the one or more cylinder bores. A flap is adjustably connected to the at least one cylinder head. The flap includes a first flap portion cooperating with the first intake port extending from an arm and a second flap portion cooperating with the second intake port extending from the arm and disposed adjacent the first flap portion. A controller in electrical communication with an actuator monitors the condition of the engine and actuates the flap to position the first and second flap portions between first and second positions to create a first combustion condition and a second combustion condition.