Vehicle Air Cleaner Layout for Hydrocarbon Trap Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle air cleaners with horizontal-flow-type hydrocarbon traps face inefficiencies in collecting hydrocarbons due to the hydrocarbon trap's position being far from the air hose connector and susceptibility to clogging from foreign substances, leading to reduced collection capability.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle air cleaner design positions the hydrocarbon trap closer to the outlet port within the case, ensuring excellent sealing properties and positioning it in the second clean-side space where filtered air flows, reducing the distance to the air hose connector and preventing clogging by filtering out foreign substances before they reach the trap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hydrocarbon trap is positioned far from the air hose connector in a conventional horizontal-flow-type air cleaner, then the structure is simpler, but the capability to collect hydrocarbons is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the hydrocarbon trap from a distant location to a position adjacent to the air hose connector, utilizing spatial reconfiguration in the horizontal plane. This dimensional adjustment reduces the collection distance and improves hydrocarbon capture efficiency without complicating the overall structure.
2Productivity
If the hydrocarbon trap is positioned far from the air hose connector, then manufacturing is easier, but hydrocarbon collection efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrocarbon trap is pre-positioned adjacent to the air hose connector in the design stage, establishing optimal collection geometry before assembly. This preliminary spatial arrangement ensures high collection efficiency while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized component placement.
3Reliability
If the hydrocarbon trap is exposed to unfiltered air, then it can collect hydrocarbons directly, but it becomes clogged with foreign substances
Solution Approach 1:
The air cleaner internal space is segmented into a first space for unfiltered air intake and a second space for filtered air flow. The hydrocarbon trap is strategically positioned in the second space, separated from direct exposure to unfiltered air containing foreign substances, thereby preventing clogging while maintaining collection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Filtered air acts as an intermediary medium, allowing the hydrocarbon trap to collect hydrocarbons while being protected from direct contact with foreign substances. The filtering mechanism serves as a mediator that separates harmful particles from the air flow surrounding the trap.
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 design enhances the hydrocarbon trap's ability to collect hydrocarbons efficiently and effectively, reducing the risk of clogging and improving overall collection efficiency while allowing for a potentially smaller trap size, thus lowering manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a filter assembly provided in a first space of an internal space in the case so as to filter the external air introduced through the inlet port and to remove foreign substances from the external air
Implementation Method 2
a hydrocarbon trap provided in a second space of the internal space in the case, through which the air filtered through the filter assembly flows, so as to collect hydrocarbons in the second space
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle air cleaner is configured to improve the capability of a hydrocarbon trap mounted in a case to collect hydrocarbons. The vehicle air cleaner includes a case having an inlet port, through which external air is introduced, and an outlet port, through which filtered air is discharged, a filter assembly provided in a first space of an internal space in the case to filter the external air introduced through the inlet port and to remove foreign substances from the external air, and a hydrocarbon trap provided in a second space of the internal space in the case, through which the air filtered through the filter assembly flows, to collect hydrocarbons in the second space.