Automotive Air Induction Flexible Fitting NVH Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air induction systems for internal combustion engines face challenges in reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), improving sealing functions, accommodating manufacturing variability, and minimizing airflow restrictions, which can degrade engine performance and power output.
Innovation Solution
The air induction system incorporates a flexible fitting with sealing fins and a bellmouth-shaped leading edge, formed from a different material than the conduit, to reduce NVH, enhance sealing, and improve airflow, while accommodating manufacturing variability and reducing flow restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid fitting is used to connect the conduit to the bolster, then structural strength and stability are improved, but noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) increase due to energy transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible fitting (made of rubber or elastomer material) instead of a rigid fitting to connect the conduit to the radiator bolster. The flexible material absorbs vibrations and isolates NVH while maintaining the structural connection, directly resolving the contradiction between structural strength and noise reduction.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple fitting design is used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but sealing function deteriorates allowing hot air recirculation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by incorporating a bellmouth-shaped leading edge on the fitting. The curved, aerodynamic shape improves airflow characteristics and sealing effectiveness at the inlet, preventing hot air recirculation while maintaining manufacturability through standard molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by incorporating sealing fins as distinct features on the fitting. These fins segment the sealing interface to ensure positive contact with the radiator bolster, improving sealing reliability without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a straight-edged inlet is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but airflow restrictions increase reducing engine performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by replacing a straight-edged inlet with a bellmouth-shaped leading edge. The curved geometry smoothly guides airflow into the conduit, reducing turbulence and flow restrictions, thereby improving engine performance while remaining manufacturable through standard molding processes.
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 solution effectively isolates the air induction system from the vehicle body, improves sealing, reduces hot air recirculation, and enhances airflow, leading to increased engine power output and better performance by minimizing noise, vibration, and harshness, and accommodating assembly variability.
Implementation Method 1
the fitting is formed from a more flexible material than the conduit to thereby reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) that may otherwise result from energy transmission between the bolster and the conduit
Implementation Method 2
the fitting includes a bellmouth shaped leading edge that improves airflow characteristics of the air induction system by reducing airflow restrictions at the interface between the bolster and the air induction system
Data Source
AI summary
An air induction system for an engine of a vehicle, comprising of a conduit configured to convey intake air to the engine; and a fitting arranged at an inlet end of the conduit, the fitting formed from a different material than the conduit, the fitting configured to interface with a structural support element of the vehicle.