Ram Air Power Valve for Engine Intake
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing air intake systems in motor vehicles often result in warmed intake air due to the hot engine compartment, leading to reduced engine power and fuel economy, and can be compromised by water ingress, necessitating an improvement in air delivery efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An air intake assembly with a dual-path system incorporating a ram air power valve that directs air from both primary and secondary intake ducts into the throttle body, with the valve switching positions based on vehicle speed and temperature thresholds to optimize air flow and pressure, ensuring cooler air intake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air is drawn through the air cleaner enclosure unit and air intake duct in the engine compartment, then the air intake system is simple to implement, but the intake air is undesirably warmed leading to reduced engine power and fuel economy
Solution Approach 1:
The air intake system is divided into two separate paths: a primary air intake duct that draws air from outside the engine compartment (cooler source), and a secondary air intake duct that draws air from the engine compartment (warmer source). The system segments the air intake function to allow selective routing based on temperature conditions, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The ram air power valve provides dynamic control by switching between open and closed positions based on vehicle operating conditions (speed and temperature). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize intake air temperature in real-time, selecting the cooler primary path when needed while maintaining system simplicity through automated control.
2Productivity
If the air intake inlet is located to facilitate air flow, then air delivery is efficient, but water can enter the intake duct compromising air flow and engine operation
Solution Approach 1:
The ram air power valve acts as an intermediary control element that monitors operating conditions and selectively opens or closes the secondary air intake duct. This intermediary control prevents water ingress by closing the vulnerable secondary path when water is detected, while maintaining air delivery efficiency through the primary path, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
3Temperature
If a dual-path air intake system with ram air power valve is implemented, then cooler air delivery and engine performance are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ram air power valve is configured to automatically switch between open and closed positions based on pre-programmed speed and temperature thresholds. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual control systems or additional sensors, allowing the dual-path system to maintain cooler air delivery while minimizing the increase in device complexity through automated, condition-based control.
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 dual-path system enhances engine performance and fuel economy by delivering cooler air to the throttle body, improving air intake efficiency and reducing the impact of hot temperatures and water ingress.
Implementation Method 1
The valve is configured to be controlled to move from the open position to the closed position thereby forcing air entering the primary intake duct to be directed into the air cleaner inlet. The air pressure is higher at the primary air inlet than the secondary air inlet when the automotive vehicle is in motion.
Data Source
AI summary
An air intake assembly configured to direct air into a throttle body of an engine of an automotive vehicle includes an air cleaner enclosure, primary and secondary air intake ducts, a ram air power valve and a downstream air intake duct. The air cleaner enclosure unit has an air cleaner inlet and an air cleaner outlet. The primary air intake duct directs air between a primary air inlet and the air cleaner inlet. The secondary air intake duct directs air between a secondary air inlet and the air cleaner inlet. The ram air power valve is disposed in the secondary air intake duct and is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, air is permitted to flow through the secondary intake duct. In the closed position air is inhibited from passing through the secondary air intake duct.