Engine Intake Tongue Protrusion for Cylinder Charge Motion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine systems face challenges in controlling charge motion in individual engine cylinders due to thermal degradation of motion control devices and inability to adjust charge motion globally, leading to inefficiencies in combustion and fuel economy.
Innovation Solution
A system with a protrusion system having a tongue movably positioned inside a spring-loaded casing, anchored to the intake runner, and a second protrusion system in the intake manifold, controlled by an actuator to adjust the tongue's position based on engine operating conditions, optimizing fuel efficiency and air/fuel mixing for each cylinder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bladder is placed within an engine intake runner to control charge motion, then charge motion parameters can be varied, but the bladder is prone to thermal degradation due to proximity to the hot cylinder head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the charge motion control function into two separate locations: a first protrusion system in the intake manifold and a second protrusion system in the intake runner. This segmentation allows the runner-protrusion system to be positioned away from the hot cylinder head, reducing thermal degradation while maintaining charge motion control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a tongue-protrusion system that acts as an intermediary mechanical element to control charge motion. This tongue system can be positioned in the intake runner away from thermal sources, mediating the charge flow control function without direct exposure to high temperatures that would degrade bladder materials.
2Device complexity
If a single bladder is used to control charge motion globally for all cylinders, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to adjust charge motion of each cylinder individually is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by providing separate protrusion systems for different locations: one in the intake manifold affecting multiple cylinders and another in the intake runner for individual cylinder control. This allows the system to balance complexity with the ability to control charge motion individually for each cylinder when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs movable tongues with variable positions that can be dynamically adjusted based on engine operating conditions. The tongues can extend or retract to control charge motion, providing dynamic adaptability for individual cylinder control while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
3Productivity
If the tongue is extended further into the intake runner, then charge motion control effectiveness increases, but the risk of thermal degradation from proximity to the hot cylinder head increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charge motion control function between two locations, allowing the runner-protrusion system to be positioned optimally for effectiveness without excessive proximity to thermal sources. The tongue can extend into the runner to control charge motion while the dual-location design provides thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameter of the protrusion system by providing two separate locations rather than one. This allows optimization of the runner-protrusion system position for maximum charge motion effectiveness while the manifold-protrusion system provides alternative control capability, effectively managing the thermal parameter.
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
The system enhances fuel economy by generating desired tumble in the intake air charge and optimizing fuel efficiency by adjusting the tongue position based on sensed engine operations, addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded casing anchored to a region of the bottom wall defining the opening
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for introducing a charge motion to a cylinder via a protrusion system coupled to an intake port of an engine. In one example, a system may include positioning a tongue from inside a spring-loaded casing to extend into air intake runner, generating desired tumble and swirl along an intake port proximate to an engine cylinder.