Engine Intake System Compact Layout via Bypass Passage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing intake systems for engines face challenges in achieving a compact configuration due to the need for close arrangement of throttle valves and second valves, which affects the engine's downsizing and responsiveness, particularly with the placement of superchargers and EGR valves.

Innovation Solution

The intake system is configured with a second passage section that extends from the throttle valve, turns back, and overlaps with the first passage section, allowing the second valve to be placed closer to the throttle valve, reducing interference with superchargers and optimizing the flow path for improved responsiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the second passage section is arranged in a straight line from the throttle valve, then the layout is simple, but the distance between the second valve and throttle valve increases, preventing compact engine design

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine sizeVSAvoidpassage configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second passage section is configured to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first passage section, utilizing a different spatial dimension. This perpendicular arrangement allows the second valve to be positioned closer to the throttle valve in the overall engine layout, achieving compact engine design without requiring complex twisted or folded passage configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Speed

If the second valve is positioned far from the throttle valve, then there is sufficient space for other components, but the responsiveness of gas flow deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas responsivenessVSAvoidavailable space for components
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By arranging the second passage section perpendicular to the first passage section, the design achieves short gas flow path length (improved responsiveness) while creating three-dimensional spatial separation that provides sufficient area for positioning other engine components without compromising performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If the first and second passage sections are arranged parallel to each other, then reliable layout is achieved, but the engine size increases due to extended passage length

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine sizeVSAvoidlayout stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The second passage section extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first passage section, creating a stable three-dimensional layout that reduces the overall engine volume compared to parallel arrangements, while maintaining reliable structural configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3657004B1Engine comprising an intake system
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 MAZDA MOTOR CORP
  • EP3657004B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3657004B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3657004B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An intake passage (30) includes: a main intake passage (30A) provided with a throttle valve and extending from one side toward the other side along a cylinder bank; and a bypass passage (40) provided with an EGR valve (54) and connected to a part of the main intake passage located toward the other side with respect to the throttle valve. The bypass passage extends from a branch (33d) of the main intake passage toward the one side and then turns back and extends toward the other side. The EGR valve is located in a part of the bypass passage extending toward the other side and overlapping with a part extending from the branch to the one side.