V-Type Engine Intake Surge Tank Protrusion for Air Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intake apparatuses for V-type internal combustion engines experience significant air flow rate imbalances and air-fuel ratio fluctuations due to uneven air distribution and the location of the blow-by gas path connection unit, leading to inefficiencies in engine performance.
Innovation Solution
The intake apparatus includes a surge tank with a protrusion unit on the lower wall surface between specific air outlets to suppress air flow rates and a blow-by gas path connection unit positioned near the air inlet to promote mixing with intake air, along with an upper side wall configuration that descends linearly to enhance air flow uniformity and surge tank capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the surge tank is arranged above the first and second banks with air outlets arranged in the cylinder row direction, then the air distribution to multiple cylinders is improved, but air flow rate imbalances occur between cylinders close to the air inlet and other cylinders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing a protrusion unit specifically at the lower wall surface between the two air outlets closest to the air inlet. This localized structural modification creates asymmetric flow resistance to compensate for the inherent flow imbalance, ensuring uniform air distribution to all cylinders while maintaining the overall surge tank configuration.
2Reliability
If the surge tank capacity is increased to improve air storage and distribution, then the air-fuel ratio stability is improved, but the engine space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the surge tank by configuring the upper side wall to descend linearly from the first end toward the second end in the cylinder row direction. This parameter modification optimizes the internal volume distribution and air flow characteristics, achieving stable air-fuel ratio while minimizing the overall surge tank volume occupied by the engine.
3Productivity
If the blow-by gas path connection unit is positioned away from the air inlet, then the surge tank capacity is maximized, but air mixing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the protrusion unit as an intermediary structure that facilitates interaction between the blow-by gas path and the intake air flow. By positioning the blow-by gas path connection unit at the first end (air inlet end) and using the protrusion unit to modify the flow field, the system achieves efficient air mixing while maintaining optimal surge tank capacity.
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 ensures uniform air flow rates across all cylinders, reduces air-fuel ratio fluctuations, and maintains efficient engine performance by promoting air-fuel mixing and optimizing surge tank capacity within limited spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a protrusion unit (32) for suppressing an air flow rate of air flowing out from two particular air outlets (41, 44) which are of the first and second air outlets (41 to 46) and which are close to the air inlet (31) is provided on a lower wall surface between the two particular air outlets (41, 44)
Implementation Method 2
a blow-by gas path connection unit (33) connected to the blow-by gas path (6) is disposed in proximity to the air inlet (31)
Implementation Method 3
an upper side wall configuration that descends linearly to enhance air flow uniformity and surge tank capacity
Data Source
AI summary
An intake apparatus of a V-type internal combustion engine including first cylinders arranged along a first direction in a first bank and second cylinders arranged along the first direction in a second bank, the intake apparatus includes a surge tank, first branch paths, second branch paths, and a protrusion. The surge tank is provided above the first and second banks. The surge tank includes a lower wall, an air inlet, first air outlets, and second air outlets. The first air outlets are arranged along the first direction in the lower wall. The second air outlets are arranged along the first direction in the lower wall. The first branch paths connect the first outlets to the first cylinders. The second branch paths connect the second outlets to the second cylinders. The protrusion is provided on the lower wall between a closest first air outlet and a closest second air outlet.