Integrated Airflow Sensor and Hydrocarbon Trap for Low-Turbulence Intake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air intake systems for internal combustion engines fail to effectively prevent evaporative hydrocarbon emissions after engine shutdown without causing additional flow restrictions or material loss, which affects engine efficiency and air quality.
Innovation Solution
A combined mass airflow sensor and hydrocarbon trap system that includes a duct with ports for hydrocarbon emission absorption, a housing for a hydrocarbon absorbing sheet, and guide vanes to reduce turbulence, allowing for efficient airflow and emission capture without compromising engine performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If hydrocarbon adsorbing materials are combined with conventional air filters, then evaporative emissions are absorbed, but the materials flake out and enter the air intake system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydrocarbon trap housing with the air filter housing into a single integrated unit. The hydrocarbon absorbing sheet is contained within the air filter housing, allowing both filtration and hydrocarbon absorption functions to be merged without material flaking issues, as the materials are kept in separate stable structures within the same housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the hydrocarbon absorbing sheet from the air filter media by providing separate support structures. The hydrocarbon absorbing sheet is supported on the air filter support, while the air filter media is supported on the air filter support frame, preventing material mixing and flaking while maintaining both functions.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If secondary hydrocarbon adsorbing filters are placed across the airflow path, then evaporative emissions are prevented from exiting, but additional flow restriction is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrocarbon absorbing sheet is positioned locally at specific locations within the air filter housing where hydrocarbon emissions are most prevalent, rather than placing a complete secondary filter across the entire airflow path. This localized approach absorbs emissions without creating significant flow restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The air filter housing acts as an intermediary chamber that allows hydrocarbon absorption to occur without requiring a secondary filter in the main airflow path. The housing provides a separate space for the hydrocarbon absorbing sheet to intercept emissions before they enter the atmosphere, maintaining airflow efficiency.
3Productivity
If the air intake system is increased in size to compensate for flow restriction, then engine efficiency is maintained, but the system becomes more complex and larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hydrocarbon trap function with the existing air filter housing, eliminating the need for separate hydrocarbon trapping components that would increase system size. The integrated design maintains engine efficiency without requiring larger intake system dimensions.
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 absorbs evaporative hydrocarbon emissions while maintaining low airflow resistance, ensuring engine efficiency and compliance with environmental regulations by integrating a hydrocarbon trap with a mass airflow sensor within the air intake system.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrocarbon absorbing sheet to arrest the evaporative hydrocarbon emissions
Implementation Method 2
A port in the housing is configured to support a mass airflow sensor within the duct
Implementation Method 3
at least one guide vane extends across an interior of the duct adjacent to the mass airflow sensor and is configured to reduce air turbulence within the airstream passing through the duct
Data Source
AI summary
A combined mass airflow sensor and hydrocarbon trap is provided for absorbing evaporative hydrocarbon emissions from an air intake duct of an internal combustion engine. The combined mass airflow sensor and hydrocarbon trap comprises a duct that supports a hydrocarbon absorbing sheet in an unfolded configuration within a housing. The duct communicates an airstream from an air filter to the air intake duct during operation of the internal combustion engine. An opening in the housing receives a mass airflow sensor into the duct, such that the mass airflow sensor is disposed within the airstream. Guide vanes extending across the duct reduce air turbulence within the airstream passing by the mass airflow sensor. Ports disposed along the duct allow the evaporative hydrocarbon emissions to be drawn into the interior and arrested by the hydrocarbon absorbing sheet when the internal combustion engine is not operating.