Air Induction System with Brake Duct Valve for Engine Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face inefficiencies and engine degradation due to high air charge temperature (ACT) entering the intake manifold, which can be exacerbated by locating the air inlet close to the ground, leading to potential debris and noise issues.
Innovation Solution
An air induction system incorporating an air snorkel, a brake duct, an auxiliary duct, and a valve that can direct ambient air to either cool the brake assembly or enter the air intake system, controlled by a motor and controller based on user input, temperature, or engine load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the air inlet is located close to the ground to lower air charge temperature, then the air charge temperature is reduced, but the risk of water, snow, or debris entering the inlet increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (inlet cover or shield) positioned between the ground-level air inlet and the environment. This intermediary structure allows cool air to enter the intake manifold while blocking debris, water, and snow from contaminating the air supply. The shield acts as a mediator that permits beneficial airflow while excluding harmful particles.
2Temperature
If the air inlet is located close to the ground to lower air charge temperature, then the air charge temperature is reduced, but noise, vibration, and harshness conditions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet cover or shield serves as an intermediary structure that not only blocks debris but also dampens noise and vibration generated by airflow at ground level. This intermediary element reduces the transmission of harmful acoustic and vibrational energy into the engine bay while maintaining the temperature-reducing benefit of ground-level air intake.
3Temperature
If a valve system is added to direct air to either brakes or engine, then air charge temperature is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic valve system that can change its configuration based on real-time operating conditions. The valve is controlled by a controller that monitors parameters such as brake temperature, engine load, and ambient conditions, automatically directing airflow to where it is most needed. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize air charge temperature while providing brake cooling when required, despite the added complexity of the valve and control mechanisms.
4Temperature
If ambient air is used to cool brake assembly, then brake cooling is improved, but air available for engine intake is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic valve system monitors brake temperature and engine air demand, dynamically switching airflow allocation between the brake assembly and the engine intake manifold. When brakes require cooling, the valve directs ambient air to the brakes; when engine performance is prioritized, the valve redirects airflow to the intake. This dynamic control resolves the conflict between brake cooling needs and engine air supply requirements.
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 system effectively lowers air charge temperature, enhancing engine performance, longevity, and fuel economy while preventing debris and noise issues by utilizing ambient air to cool the engine when needed.
Implementation Method 1
a brake duct configured for receipt of ambient air located exterior to the vehicle and to direct the ambient air to a brake assembly to cool the brake assembly
Implementation Method 2
the valve is configured to permit the ambient air to enter the auxiliary duct and travel to the air intake system
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle including an air intake system including an air snorkel that is configured to provide air to the engine, a brake duct configured for receipt of ambient air located exterior to the vehicle and to direct the ambient air to a brake assembly to cool the brake assembly, an auxiliary duct having a first end coupled to the brake duct and a second end coupled to the air snorkel, and a valve located between the auxiliary duct and the brake duct. The valve is configured to permit the ambient air to cool the brake assembly when the valve is in an open position, and the valve is configured to permit the ambient air to enter the auxiliary duct and travel to the air intake system when the valve is in the closed position.