Integrated Vacuum Port Module for Air Induction Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air induction systems for internal combustion engines face challenges in efficiently passing multiple flow and pressure communication ports through the wall of air filter housings without requiring complex tooling and molds, limiting design flexibility and increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
An integrated vacuum port module that is a unitary, one-piece component securely mounted onto the air induction system component, allowing multiple ports to pass through a single opening in the wall, with tubular conduits and a crossover conduit for fluidic connection, enabling easy reconfiguration and cost-effective manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ports are passed through the wall of air filter housing using conventional molding techniques, then the air induction system can provide vacuum and flow sensing capabilities, but complex dies, lifters or cams are required in tooling and molds increasing manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air induction system into separate functional modules: the air filter housing and the vacuum port module. The vacuum port module is a separate component that can be attached to the housing, eliminating the need for complex integrated molding tools. This segmentation allows simple molding processes while providing multiple sensing capabilities through the attachable module.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum port module acts as an intermediary component between the air filter housing and the vacuum/flow sensing requirements. Instead of directly incorporating complex port structures into the housing mold, the separate module serves as a mediator that provides the necessary sensing ports while being attached to the housing exterior.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ports are integrated into the air induction system component, then vacuum, flow or pressure sensing ports can be provided, but the tooling and molds producing the air induction system components must be changed affecting production costs
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the vacuum port functionality into a separate attachable module, the patent allows reconfiguration of sensing ports by changing or rearranging the module rather than modifying the main housing mold. This maintains the original tooling and molds for the air induction housing while providing flexibility through the separate module design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic reconfiguration of the vacuum port system by allowing the vacuum port module to be attached, removed, or repositioned on the housing. This dynamic approach provides flexibility in port configuration without requiring changes to the fixed housing mold, accommodating different sensing requirements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ports are passed through the wall of air induction system component, then flow communication can be established, but complex molding processes are required limiting design flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the complex port-passing function into a dedicated vacuum port module that is attached to the housing rather than being integrated into the housing itself. This segmentation allows the housing to be produced with simple molding processes while the module handles the complex multi-port functionality, thereby increasing design flexibility without requiring complex housing molds.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of passing ports through the wall of the housing in the traditional dimensional approach, the patent positions the vacuum port module on the exterior surface of the housing. This dimensional shift allows multiple ports to be accessed from different orientations and locations without requiring complex through-wall molding, thereby simplifying the housing mold while maintaining design flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated vacuum port module includes a base 12 and a mounting feature secured to the base and operable to form an airtight connection with a housing 14. A first tubular conduit 28 is secured to the base 12 forming a flow passage extending through the base 12 from an exterior to interior side. A second tubular similarly secured to the base 12 forming a flow passage extending through the base 12. A flow port, pressure sensing port or exhaust port 22 is fluidically connected to and secured to at least one of the tubular conduits 28,30 and arranged within the housing 14.