Vehicle Frame Air Intake Layout for Fouling and Cabin Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air intake systems for vehicles suffer from fouling and noise issues, particularly in off-road conditions, where intake ports are prone to particulate ingress and engine noise is directed into the cabin, affecting both performance and occupant comfort.
Innovation Solution
The system positions intake ports outside the vehicle cabin, forward of the engine components, with multiple ports on different sides of the vehicle to minimize fouling and noise, using the vehicle frame as ductwork to route air to the engine, and incorporates frame components and optional ducts to ensure continuous air supply even if one port is fouled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If intake ports are positioned inside the vehicle cabin, then engine noise is directed into the cabin, but fouling from particulate, water, and mud is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The intake ports are extracted from the vehicle cabin and positioned outside on the vehicle body. This separates the air intake function from the cabin space, allowing the ports to be located in positions that minimize both fouling exposure and noise transmission to occupants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions intake ports on different sides of the vehicle (left and right sides) rather than concentrating them in one location. This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions allows the system to benefit from reduced fouling on one side while maintaining acceptable noise levels, and provides redundancy if one port becomes blocked.
2Device complexity
If a single intake port is used, then the system is simpler, but fouling of one port can preclude air flow to the engine component
Solution Approach 1:
The air intake system is segmented into multiple independent intake ports (at least two ports on different sides of the vehicle) rather than relying on a single port. This segmentation ensures that if one port becomes fouled or blocked, the other port(s) can continue to supply air to the engine component, maintaining system reliability.
3Ease of operation
If ductwork extends through the vehicle from rear to front, then air can be provided to engine components, but space is consumed and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the air ductwork with the vehicle frame structure. The frame members serve dual purposes: providing structural support and acting as air conduits. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate, complex ductwork systems while efficiently delivering air from the intake ports to the engine component.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle frame structure is given multi-functionality by serving both as the structural skeleton of the vehicle and as the air delivery ductwork. This eliminates the need for dedicated air ducts, reducing system complexity and optimizing space utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle including an air intake system for an engine component includes a vehicle frame including one or more frame components, at least one of the one or more frame components includes an engine air passage and at least one intake port in communication with the engine air passage. At least one duct port of the frame component is in communication with the engine air passage. An engine component is coupled with the vehicle frame, and an intake duct extends from the at least one duct port to the engine component.