Flexible Conduit Guide for Engine Intake Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing engine cleaning solutions struggle to deliver atomized cleaning compounds to difficult-to-reach locations within internal combustion engines without crimping the conduit or requiring complex disassembly, due to the tight ID/OD coupling joint between the air intake hose and throttle body.

Innovation Solution

A delivery system using a flexible, non-rigid conduit guided by a directional conduit support that accommodates the spatial relationship between the atomized treatment agent canister and throttle body, allowing the conduit to be inserted without crimping, enabling directional delivery of cleaning compounds to internal engine locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a rigid conduit is used to deliver atomized cleaning compound to internal engine locations, then the conduit maintains structural integrity, but it cannot accommodate the non-linear pathway required to reach difficult-to-access areas without crimping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to reach difficult-to-access locationsVSAvoidconduit structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible, non-rigid conduit that can bend and conform to non-linear pathways between the air intake hose and throttle body. This flexible conduit maintains sufficient structural integrity to deliver atomized cleaning compound while accommodating the spatial constraints of the ID/OD coupling joint without crimping or blockage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of operation

If the conduit is inserted through the ID/OD coupling joint between air intake hose and throttle body, then access to internal engine parts is achieved, but the tight coupling joint causes crimping of the conduit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to internal engine partsVSAvoidconduit crimping and blockage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible conduit acts as an intermediary element that navigates the tight ID/OD coupling joint without causing harm to itself or the system. Its flexibility allows it to pass through the coupling joint between the air intake hose and throttle body without crimping, while still delivering the cleaning compound to the target location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the rigidity parameter of the conduit, using a flexible material that can adapt to the spatial constraints of the coupling joint. This parameter change allows the conduit to maintain patency and deliver fluid effectively through a restricted pathway without crimping or blockage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If complex disassembly is performed to access internal engine components for cleaning, then thorough cleaning can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoiddisassembly and reassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cleaning function from a complex disassembly process by delivering the atomized cleaning compound through the existing air intake system. The flexible conduit enables the cleaning agent to reach internal engine components without requiring removal of the air intake hose or throttle body, significantly reducing service time and cost while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a non-rigid conduit is used to navigate the non-linear pathway, then access to internal locations is enabled, but the conduit may be crimped or blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to follow non-linear pathwayVSAvoidconduit patency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible conduit is designed with appropriate rigidity and flexibility balance, allowing it to follow the non-linear pathway through the ID/OD coupling joint while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to prevent crimping or blockage. The conduit's flexibility enables it to adapt to the spatial relationship between the air intake hose and throttle body without compromising patency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS8627845B2Directional conduit guide support

Publication Date: 2014.01.14 AUTO MARK

AI summary

The present invention provides a delivery system for providing an atomized treatment agent like a cleaner or lubricant to a specific internal location of a closed mechanical system like an internal combustion engine. The atomized treatment agent is delivered via a flexible, non-rigid conduit to the desired internal location of the engine between, e.g., the ID/OD coupling joint between the air inlet hose and the throttle body. A special conduit support guide, the end of which is inserted through the ID/OD coupling joint, provides the proper geometry for gently configuring the conduit to enter the ID/OD coupling joint without crimping and controlling the directional approach and distance of the conduit free end inside the engine.