Gas Flow Unit with Prolongation for Uniform Exhaust Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internal combustion engines face challenges in achieving uniform gas flow distribution across the cross-section of gas coolers, particularly in exhaust gas recirculation systems where space is limited, leading to inefficiencies and potential non-uniform flow patterns.

Innovation Solution

A gas flow unit design that redirects gas flow by extending the gas flow chamber beyond the outlet's projection, incorporating a prolongation and a dividing wall to prevent swirl, allowing for a substantial change in direction within a short distance while maintaining uniform flow distribution, suitable for use in space-constrained engine compartments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the distance between the gas flow direction change region and the cooler entrance is reduced to save space, then the device occupies less space, but the uniform distribution of gas flow across the cooler cross-section deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace occupied by gas flow unitVSAvoiduniformity of gas flow distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The gas flow chamber is segmented into multiple regions: a first region receiving gas flow from the inlet, a second region receiving gas flow from the first region, and a third region (prolongation) extending beyond the outlet projection. This segmentation allows different portions of the gas flow to be guided through different paths, with the prolongation receiving gas flow from both the first region and a fourth region, thereby achieving uniform flow distribution across the outlet cross-section despite the compact overall dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a substantial change of direction (90°) is implemented shortly before the cooler to redirect exhaust gas, then the system fits better in limited engine space, but the gas flow uniformity across the cooler entrance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to engine compartment layoutVSAvoiduniformity of gas flow distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The gas flow chamber utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement to resolve the direction change problem. The chamber extends in multiple directions with the prolongation extending beyond the outlet projection in a direction that allows gas flow to approach the outlet from multiple angles. This dimensional approach enables a substantial direction change (approximately 90 degrees) while maintaining uniform flow distribution by guiding gas flow through a complex three-dimensional path rather than a simple bend.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If the gas flow chamber is extended beyond the outlet projection to create a prolongation, then the gas flow distribution uniformity is improved, but the device length increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of gas flow distributionVSAvoidlength of gas flow chamber
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The prolongation of the gas flow chamber is positioned to extend beyond the projection of the gas flow outlet in such a way that it utilizes the existing outlet structure. The fourth region of the chamber is configured to guide gas flow into the prolongation, which then directs flow toward the outlet. This nested arrangement allows the prolongation to function as an integral extension rather than a separate component, achieving uniform flow distribution while minimizing the overall length increase of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2890876B1A gas flow unit, a gas treatment device and a combustion engine provided therewith
Publication Date: 2016.11.23 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP2890876B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2890876B1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1H
  • EP2890876B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2F

AI summary

A gas flow unit comprising a gas flow inlet (2), a gas flow outlet and (3) a gas flow chamber (4) configured to convey a gas flow from the inlet (2) to the outlet (3), wherein the gas flow inlet (2) is configured to convey the gas flow in a first direction (11) into the gas flow chamber (4) and wherein the gas flow outlet (3) is configured to convey the gas flow in a second direction (12) from the gas flow chamber (4), wherein the second direction (12) is angular in relation to the first direction (11), and wherein the gas flow inlet (2) is an inlet into the gas flow chamber (4) and the gas flow outlet (3) is an outlet from the gas flow chamber (4). In the first gas flow direction (1 1), the gas flow chamber (4) extends beyond a projection of an outer periphery of the gas flow outlet (3) and defines a prolongation (13) configured for conveying a first part (14) of the gas flow such that it enters the gas flow outlet (3) from a different direction than a second part (15) of the gas flow entering the gas flow outlet (3) without passing through said prolongation (13).