Compact Exhaust Chamber Layout for Uneven-Terrain Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand for a more compact arrangement of the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine in vehicles designed for uneven terrain to maximize space for occupants and cargo.
Innovation Solution
The exhaust system is configured with a first chamber and a second chamber positioned behind the engine body, overlapping it in the vehicle's width and height directions, with exhaust pipes extending on the same side to minimize length and space, and joint portions to absorb vibrations, preventing noise and enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the exhaust system is arranged in a conventional layout, then the exhaust components can be easily installed, but the vehicle's space for occupants and cargo is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust system components (catalyst device and silencer) are arranged to overlap with the engine body in the vehicle width direction and height direction, utilizing three-dimensional space rather than conventional linear arrangement. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the exhaust system to occupy vertical and lateral space above and around the engine, thereby reducing the vehicle's length and maximizing cargo and occupant space.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust system components are positioned to overlap and nest within the spatial envelope of the engine body. The catalyst device and silencer are arranged in a nested configuration where their projections overlap with the engine body projection in plan view, allowing the exhaust system to be contained within the engine's spatial footprint rather than extending beyond it.
2Device complexity
If the exhaust pipes are made longer to connect engine to exhaust chambers, then the exhaust system can be simpler in layout, but the vehicle becomes less compact and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust pipes are routed to extend primarily in the vehicle width direction rather than lengthwise along the vehicle. By transitioning the pipe arrangement from a longitudinal to a lateral configuration, the system achieves compact length while maintaining connection functionality between the engine and exhaust chambers positioned above the engine.
3Volume of moving object
If the exhaust system is positioned closer to the engine body, then the overall system becomes more compact, but heat exposure to occupants increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust system components (catalyst device and silencer) serve as thermal intermediaries positioned between the engine and the occupant space. By arranging these heat-absorbing and heat-dissipating components in the overlap region, the system manages thermal exposure while maintaining compact 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
This configuration allows for a compact and efficient exhaust system layout that reduces noise and heat exposure to occupants while improving durability and space utilization in vehicles designed for uneven terrain.
Implementation Method 1
joint portions to absorb vibrations, preventing noise and enhancing durability
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine; an engine body at least partially located at a center in a vehicle width direction; a first chamber provided in an exhaust passage extending from the engine body; and a second chamber provided downstream of the first chamber in the exhaust passage, in which the first chamber and the second chamber are each located behind the engine body, and at least a part of the first chamber and at least a part of the second chamber overlap the engine body in a vehicle width direction and a height direction, respectively. This vehicle structure can contribute to downsizing of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine in a vehicle including a vehicle frequently used to travel on an uneven ground.