Inverted Supercharger System with Interlaced Runners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional supercharger systems face challenges in efficiently directing air, integrating compactly into existing engines without reconfiguring the hood, minimizing temperature increase and power consumption, and maximizing fuel efficiency, while often decreasing vehicle efficiency and failing to meet emissions requirements.
Innovation Solution
A supercharger system with a rotor assembly and interlaced cross-runner pattern, featuring a front drive, front inlet configuration, and inverted orientation, integrated into the intake manifold, which includes an ultra-low restriction inlet tube, integrated bypass valve, and large intercooler, providing improved airflow and reduced boost pressure, enhancing fuel efficiency and meeting emissions standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If supercharger power is taken from the engine crankshaft, then the supercharger can be driven, but the engine output is reduced and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical drive system (crankshaft belt connection) with an electric motor-driven system. The electric motor can be powered by the vehicle's electrical system or hybrid powertrain, eliminating the direct mechanical load on the crankshaft while still providing the necessary power to drive the supercharger rotor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the drive mechanism from mechanical to electrical, fundamentally altering how power is transmitted to the supercharger. This parameter change allows for independent control of supercharger speed and power consumption, optimizing performance while reducing parasitic losses on the engine.
2Power
If conventional supercharger systems are used, then air can be pressurized, but airflow efficiency is reduced due to restrictive plumbing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air intake system into multiple separate runners that feed individual cylinders, rather than using a single restrictive plenum. Each runner is optimized for minimal flow resistance, allowing air to be distributed efficiently throughout the engine while maintaining high flow velocity and reducing turbulence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional horizontal supercharger orientation to a vertical orientation with the rotor axis perpendicular to the engine block. This dimensional change allows for optimized air intake paths from above and exhaust paths to the sides, creating three-dimensional airflow patterns that reduce restriction and improve overall system efficiency.
3Power
If conventional supercharger designs are used, then boost pressure can be generated, but temperature increase is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intercooler as an intermediary component between the supercharger outlet and the engine intake manifold. This intercooler serves as a heat exchange medium that removes excess heat from the compressed air, lowering its temperature before it enters the engine while maintaining the beneficial pressure increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the housing to integrate multiple functions: it contains the supercharger rotor assembly, houses the intercooler, provides structural support, and serves as part of the air intake system. This multi-functional design allows for compact packaging while ensuring efficient heat removal and optimized airflow paths.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a larger hood is used to accommodate supercharger, then the supercharger can be installed, but the vehicle design is modified and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional supercharger orientation, positioning the rotor vertically rather than horizontally. This inversion allows the supercharger to be mounted in a compact space within the existing engine bay, eliminating the need for hood modifications while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the supercharger housing with the engine intake manifold housing, creating a single integrated component assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate mounting space and allows the supercharger to be accommodated within the existing vehicle structure without requiring hood replacement or reconfiguration.
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 achieves improved airflow and reduced power consumption, providing more fuel-efficient performance with less boost pressure than conventional systems, while ensuring compliance with emissions regulations and integrating seamlessly into standard vehicles without hood reconfiguration.
Implementation Method 1
Engine response and power is increases by pressurizing the intake air entering the cylinders of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
minimize temperature increase and power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
A supercharger system is disclosed herein having a front end, a rear end, an inlet and an outlet, the system contained within a housing, wherein the supercharger system includes a rotor assembly, and a plurality of intake runners that comprise an interlaced cross-runner pattern, wherein the supercharger system comprises a front drive, front inlet configuration and an inverted orientation.