Dual Inlet Air Induction System with Panel Filter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Engine air induction systems face challenges in delivering low-temperature air with minimal pressure drop and contaminant prevention, particularly due to elevated engine compartment temperatures and the ingestion of contaminants.
Innovation Solution
The air induction system employs dual inlets, one from the condenser, radiator, and fan module, and another through a hood port, with a panel filter and plenum assembly to draw equal amounts of air, reducing peak inlet velocity and contaminant ingestion, and features a design that allows for efficient drainage of water and snow without breaching the filtration system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If air is drawn from within the engine compartment, then the induction system is simple to implement, but the inlet air temperature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air induction system is divided into two separate inlet paths: one drawing air from the engine compartment (simpler path) and another drawing ambient air from outside (cooler source). This segmentation allows the system to combine the simplicity of internal air intake with the cooling benefit of external ambient air, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and inlet air temperature.
2Device complexity
If a single inlet system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but contaminant ingestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single inlet is segmented into two separate inlets with different characteristics. The first inlet draws air from the engine compartment while the second inlet draws ambient air from outside the vehicle. This segmentation creates redundant pathways that reduce contaminant ingestion by providing alternative air sources, while maintaining relatively simple overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of inlet velocity by distributing airflow through two separate inlets rather than one concentrated inlet. This reduces peak inlet velocity, which in turn reduces the suction effect that pulls contaminants into the system, thereby reducing contaminant ingestion without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Productivity
If the inlet velocity is increased, then the airflow efficiency improves, but contaminant ingestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The total airflow requirement is segmented into two separate inlet streams. Each inlet handles a portion of the total airflow demand, which reduces the velocity in each individual inlet while maintaining overall airflow efficiency. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both good productivity and reduced contaminant ingestion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the velocity parameter by distributing the same total airflow through two inlets instead of one. This halves the peak velocity in each inlet compared to a single inlet system, reducing the suction effect that causes contaminant ingestion while maintaining the same overall airflow efficiency and productivity.
4Reliability
If the air box is sealed completely, then filtration effectiveness improves, but water and snow drainage becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
A drainage mechanism is introduced as an intermediary element between the sealed air box and the external environment. This drainage system allows water and snow to be removed from the air box without breaching the filtered side of the induction system, thereby maintaining filtration effectiveness while enabling water and snow drainage operation.
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 design significantly reduces engine inlet air temperature, improves engine power, and enhances contaminant robustness by providing a robust dual inlet system that balances airflow and temperature performance across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a panel filter disposed inside the air box, wherein the panel filter divides the inner box cavity so that the first induction inlet and the second induction inlet are upstream of the panel filter
Implementation Method 2
The air induction plenum assembly may have an elevated curb to limit water entering the second induction inlet
Implementation Method 3
an outlet duct in fluid communication with the filtered side of the inner box cavity, wherein the outlet duct is downstream of the panel filter to allow the air to flow from the filtered side of the inner box cavity to the outlet duct
Data Source
AI summary
An air induction system includes a hood inlet duct having a first induction inlet and an air induction plenum assembly having a second induction inlet. The air induction system also includes an air box in fluid communication with the air induction plenum and the hood inlet duct. The air box defines an inner box cavity. The air induction system also includes a panel filter disposed inside the air box, wherein the panel filter divides the inner box cavity so that the first induction inlet and the second induction inlet are upstream of the panel filter.