Multi-Port Air Intake Funnel for Snow Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air intake systems for internal combustion engines face challenges in protecting air inlets from external debris and temperature-related issues, such as elevated intake air temperatures leading to decreased combustion efficiency and potential pre-ignition, and the complexity and cost of active flow control systems.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port air intake system with a first duct positioned in a warmer location and a second duct in a cooler location, featuring a funnel that extends from the second duct to the air filter, allowing only a portion of the filter to freeze during cold weather, thereby blocking snow and ice while maintaining airflow through the first duct.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the air inlet is positioned in a shielded location to protect from road debris, then the air inlet is protected from damage and clogging, but the intake air temperature increases leading to decreased combustion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The air filter is divided into multiple portions (first portion and second portion) that are fluidly coupled to different ducts. The funnel directs airflow from the second duct to only the second portion of the air filter, while the first portion remains accessible to air from the first duct. This segmentation allows different portions of the filter to experience different temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the air filter are exposed to different thermal environments. The first portion receives air from the first duct that is positioned in a warmer location, while the second portion receives air from the second duct that is positioned in a cooler location. This creates local quality differences in temperature across the filter assembly.
2Temperature
If the air inlet is positioned in a cooler location to maintain combustion efficiency, then the intake air temperature decreases improving combustion, but the air inlet becomes susceptible to snow and ice ingestion
Solution Approach 1:
The air filter is divided into multiple portions (first portion and second portion) that are fluidly coupled to different ducts. The funnel directs airflow from the second duct to only the second portion of the air filter, while the first portion remains accessible to air from the first duct. This segmentation allows different portions of the filter to experience different temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel acts as an intermediary component that selectively directs airflow from the second duct to a specific portion of the air filter. It mediates between the cold air source (second duct) and the filter, ensuring that cold air only reaches the second portion while the first portion remains protected from snow and ice ingestion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an active flow valve system is used to control airflow through different inlets, then airflow can be actively controlled to avoid debris, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses passive, temperature-dependent foam material that automatically adjusts its flow characteristics based on ambient temperature conditions. No active control system, valves, or sensors are required. The foam inherently provides different flow resistance at different temperatures, enabling the system to adapt to varying conditions without external control.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam material's flow characteristics change with temperature. At higher temperatures, the foam allows greater airflow; at lower temperatures, the foam's flow resistance increases. This parameter change with temperature enables automatic adaptation of airflow without requiring active control systems.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a foam insert is used to block road debris in the lower duct, then external debris is blocked from flowing to the engine, but the foam restricts airflow during all operating conditions and may freeze when snow accumulates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing foam throughout the entire lower duct, the foam is positioned only within the funnel that directs air to the second portion of the filter. This localized placement allows the foam to block debris in the cold air path while minimizing its impact on overall airflow. The first portion of the filter remains accessible to warm air without foam restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam material's flow characteristics change with temperature. At higher temperatures, the foam allows greater airflow; at lower temperatures, the foam's flow resistance increases. This parameter change with temperature enables automatic adaptation of airflow without requiring active control systems.
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 configuration enhances vehicle performance by ensuring maximum airflow during non-snow conditions while preventing ingestion of snow and ice, reducing the risk of engine degradation and maintaining combustion efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a funnel extends from the second duct and is in face-sharing contact with the air filter. The funnel concentrates airflow through the second duct to only the second portion of the air filter
Implementation Method 2
The first duct may be arranged in a location where intake air temperatures are higher, thereby decreasing the likelihood of snow or ice flowing therethrough
Implementation Method 3
The second duct may be arranged in a location where airflow is higher than at the first duct, but a temperature of the airflow is lower and may comprise snow or ice
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for an air intake system. In one example, an air intake system is provided. The air intake system includes a first air inlet duct providing intake air to an engine intake conduit, the first air inlet duct including an opening positioned external to an engine compartment. The air intake system also includes a second air inlet duct positioned upstream of the engine intake conduit and external to the engine compartment, the second air inlet duct including a funnel shaped to flow air to only a portion of an air filter.