Side-By-Side Air/Liquid Intercoolers for Tapered Vehicle Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in designing an aerodynamically improved motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine is to optimize the configuration of auxiliary devices like intercoolers while maintaining efficient engine operation and adhering to the constraints of the vehicle's dimensions, particularly in integrating the drivetrain components.
Innovation Solution
The motor vehicle incorporates air/liquid intercoolers positioned strategically alongside the compressor devices, allowing for a compact design that minimizes overall dimensions and enables the formation of aerodynamic channels by tapering the chassis, thus optimizing the placement of other engine operation devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If traditional engine auxiliary devices are used, then engine operation is maintained, but vehicle aerodynamics deteriorate due to increased drag from protruding components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the intercooler with the compressor device housing, integrating two previously separate auxiliary devices into a unified structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate intercooler mounting space and allows both devices to be positioned within the tapered chassis volume, improving aerodynamics while maintaining engine functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the intercooler and compressor device vertically above the engine rather than horizontally alongside it. This vertical arrangement exploits the height dimension of the chassis, allowing the auxiliary devices to be tucked into the tapered space above the engine block, thereby reducing lateral protrusion and improving the vehicle's aerodynamic profile
2Area of moving object
If chassis is tapered for aerodynamics, then aerodynamic performance improves, but space for engine auxiliary devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal to vertical positioning of auxiliary devices, utilizing the height dimension above the engine to accommodate the intercooler and compressor. This dimensional shift allows the chassis to maintain its tapered aerodynamic shape while still providing sufficient volume for engine auxiliary devices in the vertical space above the engine block
3Temperature
If intercoolers are positioned away from compressor devices, then cooling efficiency may improve, but overall vehicle dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the intercooler and compressor device into a single integrated assembly, with the intercooler positioned immediately adjacent to the compressor outlet. This close coupling maintains effective cooling of the compressed air while minimizing the overall length of the intake system and reducing the vehicle's lateral dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the intercooler vertically above the engine and compressor assembly rather than extending horizontally. This vertical arrangement maintains the necessary cooling path length while keeping the vehicle's lateral dimensions compact, allowing the chassis to be tapered without increasing overall vehicle length
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 results in significant savings in dimensions, allowing for improved aerodynamics and efficient engine operation, while also reducing the need for additional space-consuming components like turbochargers, thereby enhancing the vehicle's aerodynamic performance.
Implementation Method 1
air/liquid intercoolers positioned strategically alongside the compressor devices
Data Source
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AI summary
A motor vehicle includes an internal combustion engine (3), an intake assembly (29) with an intake manifold and at least one intake line (34) for conveying air to the intake manifold, wherein the intake line (34) has a compression assembly (37) configured to increase the pressure of the air conveyed to the intake manifold and at least one intercooler (39) downstream of the compression assembly (37), wherein the compression assembly (37) is arranged behind the internal combustion engine (3) according to a roll axis of the vehicle, characterized in that the intercooler (39) is of the air/liquid type and is arranged side by side with the compression assembly (37).