Axial Air Cleaner Element Reduces Intake System Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intake systems face reduced intake efficiency due to enlarged air cleaner case sizes caused by radial expansion of filter surfaces and mounting configurations, which narrow air passages and reduce air feed quantity.
Innovation Solution
The intake system features a tubular air cleaner element with a support portion of larger diameter than the frame member, allowing a secure large air passage and reducing the radial connection space between the connecting tube and air cleaner element, with the tip end portion disposed inside the opening end portion to prevent dirty air from entering the clean side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the width in the radial direction of the filter surface is enlarged, then the filter can accommodate larger air cleaner elements, but the air passage is narrowed and air feed quantity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a radial mounting arrangement to an axial mounting arrangement where the air cleaner element is positioned along the airflow direction rather than perpendicular to it. This dimensional change allows the filter surface to be enlarged without narrowing the air passage, as the element is mounted in the flow path rather than against the radial wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The air cleaner element is divided into a filter portion and a mounting portion, with the mounting portion being separately attachable to the air cleaner case. This segmentation allows the filter surface area to be increased while maintaining a compact overall structure that does not excessively enlarge the air passage.
2Ease of manufacture
If the front opening portion of the air cleaner case is made larger to accommodate mounting portions, then the air cleaner element can be securely mounted, but the case size is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting portion is designed with pre-formed mounting holes and engagement features that align with corresponding structures in the air cleaner case. This preliminary design of the mounting interface allows for secure attachment without requiring excessive opening space, as the mounting features are integrated into the element structure itself.
3Volume of stationary object
If the outer shape of the air cleaner element is reduced to fit within a fixed case size, then the case can maintain predetermined dimensions, but the opening portion becomes smaller and intake efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By mounting the air cleaner element in the axial direction along the airflow path rather than radially, the design achieves compact case dimensions while maintaining adequate opening portion size. The element extends along the flow direction, allowing the case to remain small without compromising the opening area needed for efficient air intake.
Data Source
AI summary
An intake system with an air cleaner case that is reduced in size with an enhancement in intake efficiency. A tubular tip end portion of a connecting tube provides a connection between the carburetor side and the air cleaner case with the tubular tip end portion being disposed in the air cleaner case. A tubular opening end portion is provided in an air cleaner element contained in the air cleaner case for connecting to the tubular tip end portion of the connecting tube. A large diameter portion is provided in a frame member serving as a core of the air cleaner element for supporting the tubular end portion and the tubular opening end portion in a condition wherein the tubular tip end portion and the tubular opening end portion are fitted to each other. The large diameter portion is larger in diameter than any other portion of the frame member.