Vehicle Air Intake System with Tuned Directing Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air intake systems for vehicles generate noise that can increase the noise level experienced by operators and passengers, particularly when air inlets are positioned proximate to the operator, leading to intolerable sound levels and increased vehicle sound emissions.
Innovation Solution
The air intake system incorporates fixed length air directing members and conduits that are tuned to reduce or eliminate specific sound emission frequencies, with air flowing through both the interior and exterior of these conduits to balance sound emissions from multiple air inlets, directing air away from the operator and reducing noise levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air inlets are positioned proximate to the operator for efficient air intake, then air intake performance is improved, but noise level experienced by the operator increases to intolerable levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces air directing members as intermediary elements between the air inlet and the engine air inlet controlling device. These members redirect airflow away from the operator while maintaining efficient air intake, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of air intake performance and operator noise exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful noise component by directing airflow away from the operator area. The air directing members are positioned to extract and redirect the noisy airflow path, separating the beneficial air intake function from the harmful noise exposure to the operator
2Ease of operation
If air inlets are positioned for vehicle operation, then air intake function is achieved, but sound emissions from the vehicle increase
Solution Approach 1:
Air directing members serve as intermediary components that modify the airflow path between the air inlet and the engine. By positioning these members to redirect airflow away from the operator area, the system reduces vehicle sound emissions while maintaining proper air intake function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow direction parameter of the air intake system by introducing air directing members. This parameter change redirects the airflow path to reduce sound emissions while preserving the air intake function necessary for vehicle operation
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 effectively reduces noise levels experienced by operators and passengers, balancing sound emissions and minimizing overall vehicle noise, as demonstrated by a significant reduction in sound levels during drive-by tests.
Implementation Method 1
These air directing members may be tuned to reduce or eliminate certain sound emission frequencies from exiting the air intake system via the air inlets of the air intake system
Implementation Method 2
The air flows along an exterior of the first conduit and through an interior of the first conduit as it travels from the air inlet of the of air intake system to the air outlet of the air intake system
Data Source
AI summary
An air intake system for a vehicle is disclosed. The air intake system may include a first plenum housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a fluid directing member which receives air from the fluid inlet of the plenum housing and directs the air away from the fluid outlet of the plenum housing.