Vehicle Air Intake Moisture Management via Deflector and Restricting Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air intake systems for vehicles with internal combustion engines and continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) face challenges in providing efficient and compact moisture management, especially in limited spaces, as excessive moisture can affect engine combustion and CVT performance.
Innovation Solution
An air intake system featuring a conduit with a deflector and a restricting structure having surface-increasing features on its lateral wall, which deflects and filters air to separate moisture, including a collector to channel and drain excess moisture, ensuring efficient air flow while protecting components from excessive moisture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a tortuous path is implemented to cause air to release moisture, then moisture management is improved, but the space required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The air passage is segmented into multiple sections with different functions: a first air passage for general air flow, a second air passage with a tortuous path specifically for moisture removal, and a third air passage for filtered air delivery. This segmentation allows moisture management functionality to be concentrated in a specific segment rather than requiring the entire air intake system to be large and tortuous.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking of multiple air passages (first, second, and third air passages) to create a three-dimensional arrangement. This allows the tortuous moisture-removal path to be positioned vertically above or below the main air intake path, effectively using the vertical dimension to pack moisture management functionality into limited space without increasing the horizontal footprint.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an airbox is used to collect moisture, then moisture management is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture collection function is merged with the air passage structure itself. The second air passage serves dual purposes: it provides a tortuous path for moisture removal while also acting as the collection channel. The outlet of the second air passage directly connects to the interior of the air filter assembly, integrating moisture discharge with the filtration system without requiring a separate airbox component.
Solution Approach 2:
The air filter assembly serves multiple functions: it filters debris from air, collects moisture from the tortuous air passage, and directs both filtered air and collected moisture to appropriate destinations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall system complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter is used to catch water droplets, then moisture management is improved, but the filter performance deteriorates as filters are not designed for water removal
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture removal function is extracted from the primary filtration path. Instead of relying on the main air filter to remove water droplets, the patent creates a separate second air passage with a tortuous path that specifically targets moisture removal before the air reaches the filter. This prevents water accumulation on the filter elements, maintaining filter performance while still achieving moisture management.
Solution Approach 2:
The second air passage with its tortuous path acts as an intermediary between the air intake and the filter assembly. This intermediary structure performs preliminary moisture removal through condensation and gravity-driven drainage, protecting the filter from direct exposure to excessive moisture while still allowing the filter to perform its primary debris-catching function effectively.
4Productivity
If separate air intake systems are provided for engine and CVT, then air flow requirements are met, but the space available is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air intake paths for the engine and CVT into a shared first air passage that draws air from a common source. Downstream, the system branches into separate paths: one leading to the engine and another (the second air passage) for moisture removal and CVT cooling. This merging approach allows both systems to share the initial air intake space while still receiving dedicated air flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking to accommodate multiple air passages (first, second, and third air passages) within the limited horizontal space available in the vehicle. By arranging air passages in the vertical dimension, the system can provide separate air intake paths for the engine and CVT without increasing the horizontal footprint, effectively using three-dimensional space to resolve the space constraint.
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
The system effectively manages moisture, enhancing the performance of both the engine and CVT by ensuring dry air intake, reducing the risk of slippage and improving combustion efficiency, while maintaining a compact and efficient design suitable for vehicles with limited space.
Implementation Method 1
a deflector connected to the conduit and disposed within the air passage
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of surface-increasing features provided on the front surface. Each of the surface-increasing features has a length of at least 1 mm measured from the front surface in a direction normal to the front surface
Implementation Method 3
a restricting structure disposed within the air passage between the deflector and the conduit outlet, the restricting structure defining at least in part an opening substantially laterally aligned with the deflector
Data Source
AI summary
An air intake system for a vehicle has a conduit having an internal wall forming an air passage. A deflector is disposed within the air passage. A restricting structure is disposed within the air passage between the deflector and a conduit outlet. The restricting structure defines at least in part an opening substantially laterally aligned with the deflector. The restricting structure has a lateral wall disposed downstream of the deflector and extending within the air passage. The lateral wall has a front surface generally facing a conduit inlet, and a plurality of surface-increasing features provided on the front surface. Each of the surface-increasing features has a length of at least 1 mm measured from the front surface in a direction normal thereto. An air intake system having a collector connected to the deflector and positioned to collect at least some moisture from air flowing past the deflector is also described.