Vacuum-Source Adapter for Engine Cleaning Fluid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing engine component deposits, such as carbon and oil buildup, are inefficient and require significant disassembly of engine components, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, and often require specialized equipment that may not be readily available.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum-source adapter that attaches to an engine's vacuum system, allowing for the administration of aerosolized cleaning fluid directly into the engine without significant component removal, using a metering system to ensure effective delivery of the cleaning agent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional spraying methods are used to remove engine deposits, then cleaning can be performed without disassembly, but the cleaning fluid does not reach the valves effectively due to distance and atomization loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vacuum hose as an intermediary delivery system that extends the path from the cleaning fluid canister to the engine vacuum source. This intermediary component enables the cleaning fluid to reach distant engine components (valves, ports) that are inaccessible through direct spraying, while maintaining the simplicity of aerosol can operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If major engine components are removed to access intake valves for cleaning, then direct valve cleaning is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service cleaning by allowing technicians to perform valve and port cleaning through the engine's existing vacuum system without disassembling components. The adapter connects to readily accessible vacuum sources (intake manifold, brake booster hose), enabling direct fluid delivery to internal engine surfaces that would otherwise require major disassembly to reach.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized gravity-fed aerosolizing delivery systems are used, then cleaning fluid can be administered to vacuum ports, but the system requires specialized parts that are not readily available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal cleaning system that works with multiple vacuum sources in different engine configurations. The adapter can connect to various vacuum sources (intake manifold vacuum ports, brake booster vacuum hoses) and is compatible with standard aerosol cans, making the system widely applicable across different vehicle types without requiring specialized equipment.
4Ease of operation
If cleaning fluid is sprayed into the air intake mouth, then the process is simple to perform, but the highly atomized cleaner falls out of suspension before reaching the valves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the engine's vacuum (negative pressure) to draw the aerosol cleaning fluid through the vacuum hose and into the engine. This pneumatic delivery mechanism maintains the cleaning fluid's suspension and directs it reliably to the vacuum source and associated components, preventing the fluid from falling out of suspension as would occur with simple gravity-fed or pressure-spray methods.
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
Enables efficient and simplified engine cleaning with limited equipment, ensuring the cleaning fluid reaches the necessary components without the need for extensive disassembly, improving engine performance and reducing the risk of human error.
Implementation Method 1
adapter that is attachable to a vacuum source of an engine
Implementation Method 2
receive a cleaning fluid from a canister and to meter the cleaning fluid into the vacuum source
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an adapter that is attachable to an engine vacuum source (e.g., insertable into an end of a vehicle-engine vacuum hose) to receive a cleaning fluid from a canister (e.g., aerosol can) and to meter the cleaning fluid into the vacuum source. The adapter may include a vacuum-source insert and a nozzle receiver. In addition, the adapter may include a fluid path between the vacuum-source insert and the nozzle receiver that meters a flow of cleaning fluid.