Saddle Vehicle Intercooler Positioning and Turbo Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Saddle type vehicles with turbochargers face challenges in cooling efficiency, turbo lag, weight distribution, maneuverability, and durability due to conventional intercooler and turbocharger mounting configurations, which affect engine performance and vehicle stability.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle design includes an intercooler positioned between the engine and a fuel tank or dummy tank, with a duct to direct wind-generated airflow for enhanced cooling, and a turbocharger mounted adjacent to the cylinder head with its axis parallel to the vehicle's direction of travel, reducing wheelbase and improving engine response and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the intercooler is disposed below the radiator, then the vehicle structure is simplified, but the intercooler does not receive much wind generated while the vehicle is running due to the presence of the front wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The intercooler is relocated from the conventional lower position to the upper surface of the engine, changing the spatial dimension of placement. This allows the intercooler to be positioned in an area with sufficient wind flow while maintaining structural integration, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and cooling efficiency
2Area of stationary object
If the intercooler is disposed on the side of the radiator or engine, then space utilization is improved, but it is likely to be damaged when the vehicle falls over
Solution Approach 1:
The intercooler is positioned on the upper surface of the engine, which is elevated above ground level. This positioning provides inherent protection against damage during falls or collisions, as the intercooler is less likely to contact the ground directly, thereby improving durability while utilizing available space
3Quantity of substance
If large coolers are disposed in line in front of the engine, then cooling capacity is increased, but cooling efficiency of each cooler decreases and wheel base is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The intercooler is moved from the front horizontal arrangement to the upper surface of the engine, utilizing the vertical dimension and engine surface area. This allows for adequate cooling capacity without extending the wheel base, and maintains efficient cooling by positioning the intercooler where wind flow is sufficient
4Ease of manufacture
If the turbocharger is mounted in front of the cylinder head with axis parallel to crankshaft, then mounting is simplified, but the exhaust passageway is prolonged causing turbo lag
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting the turbocharger with its axis parallel to the crankshaft (conventional orientation), the invention inverts the orientation by positioning the axis parallel to the direction of vehicle travel. This inversion allows for shorter exhaust passageway and reduced turbo lag while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
5Ease of manufacture
If the turbocharger axis is parallel to the crankshaft, then mounting is conventional, but maneuverability is reduced due to prolonged wheel base
Solution Approach 1:
The turbocharger axis orientation is inverted from parallel to crankshaft to parallel with vehicle travel direction. This change shortens the effective wheel base and improves maneuverability while keeping the mounting process conventional and simple
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 increases engine torque and output, reduces turbo lag, enhances maneuverability, and prevents intercooler damage, resulting in a lighter, more compact, and cost-effective vehicle with improved performance and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a duct for directing wind generated while the vehicle is running to the intercooler provided between the engine and the tank
Implementation Method 2
an intercooler provided between the engine and the fuel tank or the dummy tank
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An intercooler (105) is disposed above an engine (101) and below a fuel tank (171), and a fuel cooler (121) is disposed in front of the intercooler (105). Further, an air duct (173) is disposed capturing wind generated while the vehicle is running from ahead of the two-wheeled motor vehicle and directs the wind toward the fuel cooler (121) and the intercooler (105). Wind generated while the vehicle is running is captured through air inlets (173a, 173b) on the front of the two-wheeled motor vehicle. The air duct (173) is configured in such a way that wind generated while the vehicle is running hits the fuel cooler (121) and the intercooler (105) before being let out through a wind outlet (175). Thus, a two-wheeled motor vehicle with improved cooling efficiency at the intercooler is provided.