Bumper Support Shielding Air Intake Duct Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle air intake ducts are prone to direct water ingress during heavy rain or fording, leading to engine flooding, as conventional separation devices are ineffective in such conditions.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle body design featuring a front crossmember with bumper supports that include a protective portion covering the air intake duct's open end, with a protective portion positioned within 150 mm of the open end, creating a gap between the protective portion and the duct to allow air entry while preventing water ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the air intake duct open end is placed at the front of the vehicle above the front crossmember, then air intake efficiency is improved, but water ingress risk increases during heavy rain or fording
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper support structure serves as an intermediary protective element between the air intake duct open end and the incoming water. The support extends forward of the crossmember and positions the duct opening in a location that is shielded from direct water impact during heavy rain or fording, while still allowing adequate air intake for engine operation
Solution Approach 2:
The solution changes the spatial positioning of the air intake duct open end by utilizing the vertical dimension above the front crossmember and positioning it in close proximity to the bumper support. This three-dimensional positioning strategy allows the duct to be located in a zone that balances air intake efficiency with protection from water ingress
2Object-affected harmful factors
If air and water separation devices are installed in the air intake duct, then water separation capability is improved, but the devices become ineffective during heavy rain or fording
Solution Approach 1:
The protective positioning of the air intake duct open end near the bumper support performs water prevention in advance, before water can reach the duct opening. This preliminary protective measure eliminates the need for separation devices to handle massive water ingress during heavy rain or fording, as the water is blocked from reaching the intake in the first place
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the open end of the air intake duct is positioned close to the bumper support, then protection from water ingress is improved, but air intake may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The solution optimizes the parameters of the protective arrangement by positioning the open end at a specific distance from the bumper support (within 150 mm) and orienting it toward the upper face of the crossmember. These parameter adjustments ensure adequate protection from water ingress while maintaining sufficient air intake flow for engine operation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an automobile body for receiving a bumper-forming member (4) and comprising: a front crossbar; a pair of bearings (3) for said bumper-forming member (4); and an air intake duct (5) into the engine, said duct (5) including an open end (51) through which the outside air enters the duct (5). According to the invention, one of said bearings (3) includes a protection portion (35) of said open end (51), wherein said protection portion (35) is provided in close proximity to said open end (51), covers said open end (51), and extends along a portion of said duct (5), while a gap is provided between said protection portion (35) and said duct (5) so that the air can flow into said duct (5) through said open end (51).