Raised ATV Air Intake Routing for Sand and Water Exclusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing all-terrain vehicles face issues with foreign materials like sand particles and water entering the air intake, leading to frequent filter replacements and reduced power system lifespan due to contamination.

Innovation Solution

The design includes first and second air intake pipes with inlets positioned above the chassis and proximate to the steering assembly, reducing the likelihood of foreign material entry and enhancing airflow for improved engine combustion and transmission cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the air intake inlet is arranged adjacent to the engine and opened closer to the ground surface to shorten the air intake path, then the air intake path length is reduced, but foreign materials such as sand particles and water drops enter the air intake inlet more frequently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair intake path lengthVSAvoidforeign material entry
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the air intake inlet from its conventional position adjacent to the engine and relocates it to the front portion of the vehicle near the steering assembly. This separation removes the harmful effect of ground-level foreign materials from the air intake system while maintaining efficient airflow to the engine through dedicated intake pipes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spatial dimension of air intake by moving the inlet from a low, ground-proximate position to a high, front-portion position above the chassis. This dimensional change allows the vehicle to draw air from a cleaner zone away from sand and water while still achieving short intake paths through optimized pipe routing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the air filter is used to filter out foreign materials, then foreign materials are filtered, but frequent replacement of the air filter is troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforeign material filtrationVSAvoidfilter replacement frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the air intake inlet from the engine vicinity and relocates it to the front portion of the vehicle. This extraction reduces the frequency at which the air filter becomes contaminated, thereby extending its service life and reducing replacement frequency while maintaining effective filtration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by positioning the air intake inlet at a location that proactively prevents foreign material contamination before it reaches the air filter. This preventive positioning reduces the rate of filter degradation and minimizes maintenance intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Power

If foreign materials enter the power system, then the power performance is adversely affected, but the service life of the power system will also be shortened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower performanceVSAvoidpower system service life
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the air intake inlet from proximity to the engine and power system components. This extraction prevents foreign materials from directly contaminating the power system, thereby protecting both power performance and extending service life by eliminating sand and water ingress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary protection by positioning the air intake at a location that prevents foreign material entry before contamination can occur. This proactive measure safeguards the power system from abrasive wear and corrosion, maintaining power output and extending operational lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 minimizes foreign material entry, reduces filter replacement frequency, and optimizes power generation and heat dissipation, thereby enhancing engine performance and extending the service life of the power system.

Implementation Method 1

enhancing airflow for improved engine combustion and transmission cooling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAirflow:

Implementation Method 2

an air filter that is connected to the engine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

an engine that is connected to the fuel tank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentEP4382740A1All-terrain vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 TAIWAN GOLDEN BEE
  • EP4382740A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4382740A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4382740A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An all-terrain vehicle includes a frame unit (1) including a chassis (12). Disposed on the frame unit (1) are an engine (22) and a transmission assembly (23) connected to the engine (22). An air filter (30) is connected to the engine (22). A steering assembly (5) is disposed on the frame unit (1) and distal from the air filter (30) and the transmission assembly (23). A first air intake pipe (31) is connected to the air filter (30), and has a first air inlet (310) that is proximate to the steering assembly (5) and that is above the chassis (12). A second air intake pipe (32) is connected to the transmission assembly (23), and has a second air inlet (320) that is proximate to the steering assembly (5) and that is above the chassis (12).