Propulsion Assembly With Driven Intake Compressor for Low-Speed Boost

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Solution Overview

Problem

Turbochargers in motor vehicles with internal combustion engines are inefficient at low engine speeds due to insufficient enthalpy of exhaust gases, leading to suboptimal supercharging.

Innovation Solution

A propulsion assembly with a reverse engine configuration allowing auxiliary devices to be positioned above the engine, featuring multiple turbochargers and an additional compressor with a bypass system and control valve to enhance air compression, and a transmission group with a clutch and gear train to optimize torque and speed transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a turbocharger is used for supercharging the internal combustion engine, then power delivery is improved, but supercharging efficiency deteriorates at low engine speeds due to insufficient exhaust gas enthalpy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower deliveryVSAvoidsupercharging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The propulsion assembly segments the supercharging function into multiple independent turbochargers (first turbocharger and second turbocharger), each capable of operating independently or in combination. This segmentation allows the system to optimize performance across different engine speed ranges by selectively activating appropriate turbochargers, thereby maintaining supercharging efficiency both at low and high engine speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different turbocharger configurations based on engine operating conditions. A switching mechanism selectively connects or disconnects the first and second turbochargers from the engine's intake and exhaust systems, enabling optimal supercharging efficiency across the entire engine speed range by adapting the configuration to match current operational demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If multiple turbochargers are added to improve low-speed supercharging, then device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupercharging efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each turbocharger in the system is designed with multi-functionality, capable of serving different supercharging needs across various engine operating conditions. The first and second turbochargers can individually or collectively provide supercharging, allowing the system to maintain simplicity in individual component design while achieving complex system-level performance through versatile component functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Maintains high supercharging efficiency at low engine speeds and reduces unnecessary compression at high speeds, improving overall engine performance and power delivery.

Implementation Method 1

a turbine (11) adapted to expand exhaust gases of the engine (6), thus generating work

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExpansion of gases:

Implementation Method 2

a compressor (12) adapted to compress air by means of the work generated by the turbine (11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP4403759A1Propulsion assembly for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 FERRARI SPA
  • EP4403759A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4403759A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4403759A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A propulsion assembly for a motor vehicle includes an internal combustion engine (6) comprising at least one movable member (21) as a function of an operating speed of said engine (6), a turbocharger (10) comprising a turbine (11) adapted to expand exhaust gases of said engine (6) to generate work and a first compressor (12) adapted to compress air by means of the work generated by the turbine (11), an intake line (19) connecting an outlet of the first compressor (12) to an intake manifold (15) of said engine (6) to supply compressed air from the first compressor (12) to said engine (6), characterized in that the intake line (19) comprises a second compressor (22), which in turn comprises a compressor shaft (23) rotatable about a first axis (Y) and is configured to further compress the compressed air from the first compressor (12) via a rotation of the compressor shaft (23). The propulsion assembly further comprises mechanical transmission means (25) configured to couple the movable member (21) to the compressor shaft (23), thereby determining a transmission of motion from the movable member (21) to the compressor shaft (23).