Fibrous Vortex Dispersive Media for Mass Air Flow Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass air flow sensors in engine air intake tracts face measurement errors due to turbulence and vortices in the air flow, which are not effectively addressed by existing solutions like straightening vanes or honeycomb structures, as they are costly and not universally applicable.
Innovation Solution
A flow vortex suppression apparatus using air flow permeable fibrous vortex dispersive media, typically a non-woven fleece of natural and synthetic fibers, is installed upstream of the mass air flow sensor to diffuse vortices and reduce turbulence, thereby improving signal quality and noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If straightening vanes or honeycomb structures are installed to reduce turbulence and vortices, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous absorptive material (such as foam or fibrous material) to the inner surface of the air intake duct, particularly in regions where vortices and turbulent jets form. This porous material dissipates vortex energy through flow resistance and capillary effects, reducing turbulence and improving mass air flow measurement precision without requiring complex structural modifications like honeycomb structures or straightening vanes.
2Measurement precision
If straightening vanes or honeycomb structures are installed to reduce turbulence and vortices, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes porous absorptive materials that can be applied as coatings or liners to the air intake duct interior. These materials are cost-effective compared to manufacturing complex honeycomb structures or straightening vanes, while effectively reducing vortex intensity and improving measurement precision through their flow-resistive and energy-dissipating properties.
3Measurement precision
If porous absorptive material is applied to reduce vortices, then measurement precision is improved, but the material may trap and hold vortices temporarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies using porous absorptive material with appropriate pore size distribution and flow resistance characteristics that allow vortices to dissipate energy and decay rather than being trapped. The material's capillary effects and flow resistance create gradual deceleration and mixing that promotes vortex breakdown, ensuring consistent performance across varying flow conditions.
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 apparatus effectively reduces signal noise and variations in mass air flow measurements by eliminating turbulent jets and vortices, enhancing the reliability of mass air flow sensors and also acts as a filter to trap particulates, thus protecting the sensor and reducing engine noise.
Implementation Method 1
The vortex dispersive media is configured and adapted to diffuse vortices and reduce air turbulence of an air stream entering the mass flow sensor
Implementation Method 2
reduce air turbulence of an air stream entering the mass flow sensor, thereby reducing variations and noise in a flow measurement signal
Implementation Method 3
acts as a filter to trap particulates, thus protecting the sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
In various aspects of the invention a flow vortex suppression apparatus for use in an air intake duct having a mass air flow sensor is disclosed. The flow vortex suppression apparatus includes an air flow permeable fibrous vortex dispersive media installed into the air duct in a position upstream of the mass flow sensor and configured to occlude the air duct such that air flow in the duct is constrained to pass through the vortex dispersive media. The vortex dispersive media is configured and adapted to diffuse vortices and reduce air turbulence of an air stream entering the mass flow sensor, thereby reducing variations and noise in a flow measurement signal from the mass air flow sensor.