Cooling Fan Vane System for Cold Start Air Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Catalytic converters in vehicles are less efficient during cold starts due to lack of heat, leading to inefficient emission reduction, and existing secondary air systems with compact air pumps are expensive and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A cooling fan with a vane system that compresses air using a varying cross-sectional housing and a single motor to direct compressed air to the secondary air system, enhancing catalytic converter temperature quickly during cold starts without additional costly components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compact air pump is used to compress air for the secondary air system, then the system can raise the catalytic converter temperature during cold start, but the system becomes expensive and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the existing cooling fan to serve dual purposes: normal engine cooling operation and compressed air generation for the secondary air system during cold starts. The fan acts as both a cooling device and a compressed air source, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated air pump and improving system reliability while reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by using the engine's own cooling fan, which is already powered and mechanically available, to generate the compressed air needed for cold start emissions control. This self-utilization of existing components avoids adding separate expensive and unreliable dedicated air pumping hardware
2Reliability
If a compact air pump is used to compress air for the secondary air system, then the system can raise the catalytic converter temperature during cold start, but the system becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the existing cooling fan to serve dual purposes: normal engine cooling operation and compressed air generation for the secondary air system during cold starts. The fan acts as both a cooling device and a compressed air source, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated air pump and improving system reliability while reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by using the engine's own cooling fan, which is already powered and mechanically available, to generate the compressed air needed for cold start emissions control. This self-utilization of existing components avoids adding separate expensive and unreliable dedicated air pumping hardware
3Temperature
If the cooling fan operates in normal cooling mode, then the engine is cooled effectively, but no compressed air is available for the secondary air system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the fan blade arrangement adjustable or reconfigurable to change its function between normal cooling operation and compressed air generation mode. The vanes can be positioned or arranged differently to direct air flow for compression when needed, while maintaining normal cooling function when compressed air is not required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the fan blade assembly into multiple vanes that can be independently positioned or arranged in specific patterns. This segmentation allows the fan to create localized compression zones while maintaining overall cooling function, enabling compressed air generation without sacrificing engine cooling effectiveness
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 solution provides efficient emission reduction during cold starts with reduced energy consumption and lower costs, utilizing existing cooling system components, and improved reliability compared to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The vanes revolve around the outer perimeter of the fan to direct air into the housing
Implementation Method 2
The housing may include a varying cross sectional area for compressing the air
Implementation Method 3
As emissions from the engine enter the exhaust manifold, they encounter the compressed air and oxidize
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for producing air flow in a vehicle that uses a cooling fan for an engine of the vehicle. The cooling fan has plurality of blades, which define an outer perimeter of the fan. The apparatus also includes a housing surrounding at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the fan and a plurality of vanes between the housing and the fan. The vanes are revolved around the outer perimeter of the fan to direct air into the housing.