Modular Intake Air System for Engine Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas intake systems for combustion engines have a fixed geometry, making them inflexible and costly to adapt to different engine configurations, requiring extensive re-machining for modifications.

Innovation Solution

A modular gas intake system with a compartmented guide piece and adjustable flaps, allowing for easy adaptation to various engine geometries through interchangeable modules and a support piece with adjustable flaps, enabling precise control of gas flows without complete re-machining.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed geometry gas intake system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the adaptability to different engine configurations is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different engine configurationsVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gas intake system is divided into multiple modular units, each unit being a self-contained module with standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows individual modules to be configured in different arrangements to suit various engine types while maintaining a relatively simple basic module design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular units are designed with universal interfaces and standardized components that can be used across different engine configurations. A single module design can serve multiple functions when positioned differently or combined with other modules, reducing the need for completely different systems for different engines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the gas intake system is adapted to a different engine configuration, then the adaptability improves, but the manufacturing cost increases due to re-machining

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different engine configurationsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the system into standardized modules, the patent eliminates the need for complete re-machining when adapting to different engines. Only the arrangement and connection of existing modules need to change, not the modules themselves, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows adaptation through changing configurational parameters (module arrangement, connection patterns) rather than modifying the fundamental geometry of components. This approach maintains manufacturing efficiency while achieving adaptability to different engine types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the gas intake system is modified for a different engine, then the adaptability improves, but the modification time and effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different engine configurationsVSAvoidmodification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The modular architecture allows rapid reconfiguration by simply assembling or disassembling pre-manufactured units rather than performing time-consuming modifications to a monolithic structure. Each module can be independently positioned and connected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, fixed-geometry design to a dynamic, reconfigurable structure. Modules can be easily added, removed, or repositioned to adapt to different engine configurations without permanent modifications, reducing adaptation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2785999B2Intake air system for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 VALEO SYSTEMES DE CONTROLE MOTEUR SAS
  • EP2785999B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for controlling the ingress of intake gases to an engine, notably an internal combustion vehicle engine comprising cylinders, said device taking the form of a compartmentalized guide piece (6), each compartment (9) comprising a main duct (4) and a secondary duct (5) for gas, characterized in that the control device comprises a multitude of modules (8) each one delimiting a main duct (4) and a secondary duct (5), and in that the modules (8) constitute separate components designed to be fitted together.