Timed Intake Cleaner Dispensing for GDI Valve Deposit Removal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Gas direct injection (GDI) engines are prone to carbon deposits on intake valves, requiring frequent cleaning that is time-consuming and often necessitates multiple persons to perform, with existing automatic systems being cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained apparatus with a pressure-resistant container, dispensing assembly, and a timer-controlled valve system that allows for single-person, automated cleaning of intake valves by delaying the discharge of an engine cleaner composition into the intake manifold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual cleaning methods are used, then cleaning can be performed, but it requires multiple persons and is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning operation simplicityVSAvoidcleaning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service cleaning where the engine cleans itself through automated delivery of cleaning composition to the intake manifold, eliminating the need for manual intervention by multiple persons and reducing time loss through autonomous operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated system using timers, valves, and fluid delivery mechanisms to dispense cleaning composition, substituting human labor with automated mechanical and control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If automated cleaning systems are implemented, then single-person operation is enabled, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesingle-person operation capabilityVSAvoidcleaning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated cleaning system is divided into distinct functional modules including timer control, valve actuation, fluid storage, and delivery mechanisms, allowing each component to perform a specific function and simplifying the overall system architecture for single-person operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate components such as timers and control valves that mediate between the operator and the cleaning process, automating the coordination of multiple actions and enabling single-person operation without requiring direct manual control of each step

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If frequent cleaning is performed, then engine performance is maintained, but time and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine performance maintenanceVSAvoidcleaning operation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic cleaning operations with timers that automatically initiate cleaning at predetermined intervals, maintaining engine performance through regular maintenance while optimizing time and resource usage by avoiding excessive cleaning frequency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system enables continuous or near-continuous cleaning operations to be performed efficiently by eliminating setup and coordination time between cleaning cycles, maintaining consistent engine performance while improving overall operational productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful 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

Facilitates efficient, single-person cleaning of intake valves by ensuring precise and controlled delivery of the engine cleaner, reducing the need for multiple operators and simplifying the cleaning process.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure-resistant container having a reservoir chargable with an engine cleaner composition and a discharge orifice for discharging the engine cleaner composition from the reservoir

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a timer configured to control a timed valve that, when opened, allows the engine cleaner composition to discharge from the pressure-resistant container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow control: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP3966442B1Intake cleaner and dispense mechanism
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 ENERGIZER AUTO INC
  • EP3966442B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3966442B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3966442B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus for cleaning an intake system of an engine includes a pressure-resistant container having a reservoir chargable with an engine cleaner composition and a discharge orifice for discharging the engine cleaner composition from the reservoir. The apparatus also includes a dispensing assembly including an assembly inlet connectable to the discharge orifice of the pressure-resistant container for receiving the engine cleaner composition discharged from the pressure-resistant container. The dispensing assembly further includes an assembly outlet, and a length of tubing for receiving the engine cleaner composition from the dispensing assembly. The apparatus further includes a timer configured to control a timed valve that, when opened, allows the engine cleaner composition to discharge from the pressure-resistant container. The timer is configured to delay opening of the timed valve for a predetermined period of time after actuation of the timer.