Throttle Valve Venturi Passage Vacuum Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum generation methods in vehicle systems are limited by the need for multiple control bores or aspirators, which increase costs and complexity, and struggle with controlling airflow at idle or low load conditions.

Innovation Solution

A throttle valve with a venturi passage inside its throttle body, configured to receive intake air directly, generates vacuum through constricted passages between the throttle plate and exhaust pipe, providing vacuum to vacuum consumption devices across various throttle positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple control bores are added to utilize vacuum generated at the entire periphery of the throttle, then vacuum generation capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and design complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum generation capabilityVSAvoidintake passage fabrication cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple vacuum generation functions into a single control bore by utilizing the venturi effect at different throttle positions. Instead of fabricating multiple control bores at different locations, the invention uses one control bore that receives motive flow from venturi passages formed between the throttle plate and intake passage wall, allowing the same bore to be utilized across various throttle positions (idle, part-throttle, wide-open throttle).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If aspirators are added to generate vacuum, then vacuum supply to consumption devices is improved, but device complexity and packaging constraints increase due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum supply capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the vacuum generation function with the existing throttle plate by forming venturi passages between the throttle plate edges and the intake passage wall. This eliminates the need for separate aspirator components (nozzles, mixing sections, diffusion sections, check valves) while maintaining vacuum generation capability across all throttle positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The throttle plate is given multiple functions: it controls airflow to the engine and simultaneously generates vacuum for consumption devices. The venturi passages formed at the throttle plate periphery allow the same component to serve both purposes across different operating conditions (idle, part-throttle, wide-open throttle).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If aspirators are installed in the intake system, then vacuum generation is improved, but space availability and packaging flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum generationVSAvoidspace availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention integrates vacuum generation functionality directly into the throttle plate structure by forming venturi passages between the throttle plate periphery and the intake passage wall. This eliminates the need for separate aspirator assemblies and their associated components, thereby preserving packaging flexibility and space availability in the engine bay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If a single control bore is used at idle position, then vacuum is generated at the throttle periphery, but vacuum generation potential is limited and cannot be utilized across all throttle positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum generation at idleVSAvoidvacuum generation across throttle positions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The single control bore is designed to receive motive flow from venturi passages that are formed at different locations depending on throttle plate position. At idle, the control bore receives flow from venturi passages between the throttle plate and intake passage wall. At wide-open throttle, the venturi passage inside the throttle plate body becomes parallel to intake air flow, allowing the same control bore to be utilized across all operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces packaging constraints and costs by generating vacuum efficiently across multiple throttle positions, eliminating the need for separate aspirators and allowing for improved airflow control.

Implementation Method 1

a venturi passage located inside the throttle plate configured to receive intake air and generate vacuum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 2

constricted passages (e.g., venturi passages) are formed between the edges and an intake pipe... motive flow through the venturi passages adjacent the exhaust pipe may generate vacuum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9964080B2Method and system for vacuum generation using a throttle

Publication Date: 2018.05.08 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

Methods and systems are provided for a throttle plate and a vacuum consumption device. In one example, a method may include providing vacuum to a vacuum consumption device with a venturi passage inside a throttle.