Outdoor Air Intake Layout for Indoor Engine Heat Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for providing combustion air and cooling air to engines and motors indoors result in significant energy loss and air draught, as they rely on heated indoor air, leading to increased heating costs and discomfort due to temperature drops and air flow issues.

Innovation Solution

A method involving an air intake box and channel system that directs outdoor air directly to the engine or motor, bypassing indoor air to prevent heat loss and air draught, using a tightly fitted air intake box and channel system that can be supported and equipped with a suction fan for efficient airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If heated indoor air is used for combustion and cooling, then the engine operates normally, but significant energy is lost and heating costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidheat loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The air supply system is segmented into separate indoor and outdoor air sources. The invention divides the air intake function by providing dedicated outdoor air channels for combustion and cooling air, separating it from the indoor air that would otherwise be consumed by the engine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary air channel system is introduced to transport outdoor air directly to the engine air intake. This intermediary structure (air channels with releasable connections) mediates between the outdoor air source and the engine, preventing direct interaction between indoor air and engine air consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If indoor air is consumed by the engine, then combustion and cooling are maintained, but air draught and temperature drops occur in the room

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroom comfortVSAvoidair draught
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The air supply is segmented into outdoor source for engine needs and indoor source for room maintenance. By providing separate air channels from outdoors, the system segments the air flows to prevent the harmful draught effect while maintaining engine operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful effect of indoor air consumption is eliminated by extracting the air supply function from the indoor environment. The invention takes out the air intake from the indoor space and relocates it to an outdoor source, thereby removing the cause of air draught and temperature drops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of energy

If outdoor air channels are installed for engine air supply, then energy loss is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat lossVSAvoidair channel system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air channel system is made dynamic and adaptable through releasable connections. The channels can be adjusted, connected, or disconnected as needed, allowing the system to adapt to different installation environments and engine positions, thereby reducing the perceived complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for parameter changes in the air channel configuration, such as adjustable channel lengths, connection points, and flow rates. This flexibility enables the system to be optimized for different situations without requiring a completely complex fixed design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution significantly reduces energy consumption by maintaining indoor warmth and eliminates air draught, ensuring efficient operation of engines and motors while maintaining room comfort by using outdoor air directly, which is particularly beneficial in temperature-differentiated environments.

Implementation Method 1

The air channel 12 can be equipped with a suction fan/fan for the airflow to the air intake equipment 8

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP2770316B1A method to arrange combustion air / cooling air for an engine or a motor in warm inner space
Publication Date: 2016.08.24 JPTUF
  • EP2770316B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2770316B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The object of the invention is a method to arrange combustion air for a combustion engine or cooling air for an electric motor that are situated in warm indoor space. According to this method, a started combustion engine or a combustion engine to be started (7) or the air intake equipment (8) of an electric motor has in immediate closeness at least one air intake box (11) where there is connected or will be connected an air channel (12) that reaches the outdoor space and then the outdoor air flows through the air channel (12) to the air intake box (11) and further to the engine (7) air intake equipments (8). The method according to the invention is used in the air intake of the lorries, trailer trucks and busses and also power tools and the cooling air of the electric motors.