Intake Manifold Heat Exchanger Sealing for Leak Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intake manifold designs with integrated heat exchangers face challenges in achieving both air-tight and liquid-tight seals, particularly in the areas where connecting pieces pass through the manifold wall, leading to potential leaks and complex designs that are not effectively managed, with existing solutions either lacking a liquid-tight seal or compromising the airtight seal in case of failure.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates separate and mutually offset liquid-tight and airtight seals for each connecting piece, with the liquid-tight seal positioned externally to the airtight seal, and a leak path configured to direct any liquid leaks outside, ensuring that a failure in one seal does not compromise the other, and utilizing O-rings or similar sealing means for effective sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single seal is used for both air-tight and liquid-tight purposes, then the design is simpler, but the reliability is reduced because failure of one seal compromises both functions
Solution Approach 1:
The single seal is divided into two separate seals: an airtight seal (6) and a liquid-tight seal (5). These seals are positioned at different locations along the connecting piece, with the liquid-tight seal being offset from the airtight seal. This segmentation ensures that failure of one seal does not compromise the other, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manageable design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-point seal to a multi-point seal arrangement along the longitudinal axis of the connecting piece. By positioning seals at different axial locations, the system adds a dimensional aspect to the sealing strategy, allowing independent functionality of each seal type.
2Reliability
If the liquid-tight seal is positioned inside the manifold, then liquid containment is improved, but the airtight seal may be compromised in case of liquid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The leak path (10) is pre-configured to actively prevent the harmful effect of liquid infiltration into the manifold. By providing a dedicated drainage path from the liquid-tight seal to the exterior, the system anticipates potential seal failures and neutralizes the harmful effect before it can compromise the airtight seal or manifold integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connecting pieces pass through the manifold wall, then external connection is enabled, but both air-tight and liquid-tight sealing becomes complex to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function at the connecting piece interface is segmented into distinct airtight and liquid-tight seals positioned at different locations. This segmentation simplifies the management of each sealing function independently, rather than attempting to achieve both functions with a single complex seal arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting piece acts as an intermediary element that bridges the manifold interior and exterior. By positioning both seals along this intermediary component, the design manages the complexity of dual sealing through a unified structural element that handles both sealing functions at different locations.
4Reliability
If a double seal system is implemented, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The double seal system is segmented along the longitudinal axis of the connecting piece, with the airtight seal and liquid-tight seal positioned at different locations. This spatial segmentation allows each seal to perform its specific function independently, improving reliability while keeping the overall configuration manageable through clear functional separation.
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 configuration ensures a reliable double seal between the connecting pieces and external components, preventing liquid infiltration into the manifold while allowing for effective air circulation and heat exchange, maintaining the integrity of both seals even in case of failure.
Implementation Method 1
an air intake manifold (1) comprising a heat exchanger (2) that is entirely integrated into its body (3)
Implementation Method 2
a means (5') forming the liquid-tight seal (5) is, for each of the connecting pieces (4), arranged between the connecting piece (4) and a circulation pipe (7) or an extension end fitting (8)
Implementation Method 3
a means (6') forming the airtight seal (6) is positioned between the connecting piece (4) and the body (3) of the manifold or an interface piece (9) assembled in a fluid-tight manner with said body (3) of the manifold
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an air intake manifold including a heat exchanger built into its body and including at least two ducts for supplying and removing heat-exchange liquid, the ducts extending through the wall of the body of the manifold with a liquid-tight seal and an airtight seal, which are distinct and mutually offset along the longitudinal axis of the relevant duct being created on each of the ducts. The unit creating the liquid tight seal is arranged between the relevant duct and a circulation pipe connected to the free end of the duct. The unit creating the airtight seal is positioned between the relevant duct and the body of the distributor. A leakage path associated with the liquid-tight seal is created between the latter and the airtight seal.