Supercharger-Intercooler Integration for Off-Road Engine Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing off-road vehicles with turbochargers face challenges in efficiently managing intake air pressure and cooling, leading to reduced engine performance and increased complexity in engine design.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a supercharger with a pressurization rotating body, an accommodating portion for the pressurization rotating body, and an outflow tubular portion, combined with an intercooler and a sophisticated intake duct system, to enhance intake air pressure and cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a turbocharger is used to increase intake air pressure, then engine power output is improved, but the system complexity and reliability are reduced due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the supercharger and intercooler into an integrated assembly where the supercharger housing directly forms the intercooler inlet and outlet passages. This merging eliminates the need for separate turbocharger components and reduces system complexity while maintaining the ability to increase intake air pressure for improved engine power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The supercharger housing serves multiple functions: it contains the supercharger rotor, forms the intercooler inlet passage, forms the intercooler outlet passage, and provides structural support for the entire air management system. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining power output capabilities.
2Temperature
If a turbocharger with intercooler is used, then intake air cooling is improved, but the layout complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intercooler passages are integrated directly into the supercharger housing structure, eliminating the need for separate intercooler components and reducing layout complexity. The inlet and outlet passages are formed as integral parts of the housing, allowing efficient air cooling while maintaining a compact arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by forming passages in multiple directions within the supercharger housing. The inlet passage extends from one side while the outlet passage extends from another side, allowing the intercooler to be compact and integrated without increasing overall system footprint or layout complexity.
3Productivity
If separate intake ducts are used for supercharger and intercooler, then airflow management is improved, but the number of components and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The supercharger housing itself serves as the intake duct for the supercharger and the outlet duct for the intercooler, eliminating the need for separate duct components. This integration maintains effective airflow management while reducing the number of parts and assembly steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
The supercharger housing performs the dual function of serving as both the supercharger inlet duct and the intercooler outlet duct. This multi-functional design reduces component count and assembly complexity while maintaining proper airflow management through the system.
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 improves the charging efficiency of intake air, enhances engine output, and simplifies the layout of engine components, leading to a more efficient and compact off-road vehicle engine system.
Implementation Method 1
a supercharger including a pressurization rotating body, an accommodating portion that defines a pressurizing space accommodating the pressurization rotating body
Implementation Method 2
an intercooler including an intercooler core and an inlet tank that includes an inlet tubular portion and is adjacent to one side of the intercooler core in a width direction
Data Source
AI summary
An off-road vehicle includes: a supercharger including an outflow tubular portion including an outflow port; an intercooler including an intercooler core and an inlet tank that includes an inlet tubular portion and is adjacent to one side of the intercooler core in a width direction; and an upstream intake duct connecting the outflow tubular portion of the supercharger to the inlet tank of the intercooler. The outflow tubular portion of the supercharger, the inlet tubular portion of the intercooler, and the upstream intake duct are located at a first side of a vertical center line of the intercooler.