Air Intake Distributor Convex Curved Plenum Flow Homogeneity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The geometry of air intake distributors with a parallelepiped shape and lateral inlet inlet leads to non-homogeneous distribution of intake flow between engine cylinders due to increasing outlet distances and shape discontinuities, affecting engine performance and power control.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a convex curved portion on the upper side wall of the plenum with an arcuate cross section, where the radius is less than half the minimum width of the plenum, to create a progressive shape transition between the inlet and outlet orifices, reducing flow disturbances and enhancing homogeneity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a parallelepiped shape with lateral inlet is used, then the interior volume is large enough to promote acoustic wave reflection and limit bulk, but the homogeneity of intake flow distribution between cylinders deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a convex curved portion on the upper side wall of the plenum, forming an arcuate cross-section that creates a progressive shape transition between the inlet and outlet orifices. This curved geometry smooths flow disturbances caused by the lateral inlet configuration, thereby improving the homogeneity of intake flow distribution to each cylinder while preserving the parallelepiped overall shape and its acoustic reflection benefits
2Device complexity
If outlet orifices are arranged in the lower side wall, then the structure is simplified and compact, but the distance from inlet to successive outlets increases causing non-homogeneous flow distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The convex curved portion compensates for the increasing distance effect by creating a progressive expansion of the plenum cross-section from inlet to outlet. This curved geometry redistributes the flow path lengths and resistance, ensuring that all outlet orifices receive comparable flow rates despite their different distances from the lateral inlet
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 improves the homogeneity of intake flow distribution between cylinders, reducing dispersion from 11.5% to 1.1%, while maintaining equivalent average permeability, thus enhancing engine performance and reducing emissions and fuel consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the plenum comprising an upper side wall opposite said lower side wall comprising a convex curved portion formed as a projection along at least one axial section of the plenum, close to the upstream transverse wall, the convex curved portion having a circular arc cross-section whose radius is less than half the minimum width of the axial section of the plenum
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an air intake distributor (R3) for a combustion engine, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped plenum, the length of which extends along an A axis between an open upstream transverse wall (21) and a closed downstream transverse wall (22) and which has a rectangular transverse cross-section along the A axis; a flow inlet orifice (10) formed in the upstream transverse wall (21) which is rounded and suitable for being connected to an inlet pipe for an intake flow in the plenum (1); at least three outlet orifices (11, 12, 13) for an intake flow, each of which is suitable for being connected to an engine cylinder, and each of which is arranged within a same lower lateral wall (23) of the plenum (1), the plenum (1) comprising an upper lateral wall (24) opposite the lower lateral wall (23) comprising a convex curved portion (3) shaped to project along at least one axial section (4) of the plenum, near the upstream transverse wall (21). Figure for the abstract: 3