Engine Intake Channeling Device for Uniform Heat Exchanger Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in internal combustion engine design is to uniformly distribute the supply gas flow over the entire surface of a heat exchanger, which is often limited by space constraints and results in inefficient cooling due to the smaller inlet area compared to the exchanger surface, leading to pressure drops and manufacturing complexities with added deflectors.
Innovation Solution
A channeling device with a deformed wall that directs the supply gas flow into two distinct zones on the heat exchanger's surface, utilizing a central and side channel configuration that extends longitudinally and is produced as a unitary piece to ensure homogeneous gas distribution without additional parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a deflector is added in the duct to improve gas flow distribution, then the uniformity of supply gas distribution over the exchanger surface is improved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the deflector function directly into the inlet box cover structure, creating an integrated component that performs both the covering function and the flow direction modification function. This eliminates the need for separate deflector parts while achieving the same gas distribution uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet box cover is designed with a deformed wall that serves multiple functions: it acts as the cover for the inlet box, modifies the direction of supply gas flow, and distributes gas uniformly across the exchanger surface. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components needed in the system.
2Volume of moving object
If the inlet area of the casing is made smaller to fit space constraints, then the space utilization in the engine compartment is improved, but the pressure drop increases due to insufficient inlet area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a deformed wall with three-dimensional curvature to redirect flow in multiple directions, maximizing the utilization of the limited inlet area. The complex wall geometry creates effective flow distribution without requiring a larger inlet opening, thus maintaining pressure characteristics while fitting space constraints.
3Ease of manufacture
If the supply gas flow is directed parallel to the exchanger surface, then the installation simplicity is improved, but the uniform distribution of gas over the entire exchanger surface becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The deformed wall is designed with different curvature characteristics in different zones: a first curved zone for redirecting central flow and a second curved zone for directing side flow. These localized variations in wall geometry ensure that gas is distributed uniformly across different areas of the exchanger surface, with each zone optimized for its specific function.
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
This solution allows for balanced operation of the heat exchanger, preventing hot spots and enhancing overall efficiency by ensuring uniform cooling of the supply gas flow, while simplifying the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for additional directing components.
Implementation Method 1
the first part and the second part are shaped to modify the direction of the gas flow, said first part or deformation having a different profile from the second part according to the direction of displacement of the gas flow
Implementation Method 2
carry out this cooling by exchange between the supply gases and a liquid fluid which circulates in a heat exchanger through which the supply gases pass
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (6) for channeling a flow of feed gas for an internal combustion engine, said device (6) being capable of being installed at least facing a heat exchanger (7) for the thermal conditioning of the gas flow. The device includes a first so-called central channel (15) for circulating the gas flow, which is defined by a first portion (19) of a wall (17) and intended for channeling the gas flow toward a first area (20) of a surface (40) of the exchanger (7), said device including at least one second so-called side channel (16) for circulating the gas flow, which is defined by a second portion (27) of the wall (17) and intended for channeling the gas flow toward a second area (28) of said surface (40) of the exchanger (7). The invention also relates to an intake unit for an internal combustion engine, and to an air box for said unit provided with such a device. The invention further relates to an air intake module for an internal combustion engine comprising such a unit.