Variable Flap Air Intake Structure for Engine Tumble Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air intake structures for vehicle engines do not effectively control intake air flow to induce a tumble phenomenon or manage flow load across varying driving conditions, leading to suboptimal combustion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An air intake structure featuring a variable flap and port plate, controlled by a driving unit and controller, which adjusts the cross-sectional area of the intake air flow and displacement in response to engine operating ranges to induce a tumble phenomenon and optimize combustion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed air intake structure is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the intake air flow cannot be controlled to induce tumble phenomenon across varying driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the air intake structure adjustable through a variable flap that can rotate to different angles based on driving conditions. The controller dynamically adjusts the flap angle to optimize intake air flow for different engine operating ranges, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to varying requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the opening angle of the variable flap as a control parameter. The controller changes the flap angle parameter in response to sensor signals from engine operating conditions, thereby adjusting the cross-sectional area of the intake air passage to induce tumble phenomenon when needed.
2Loss of energy
If the variable flap and port plate are positioned away from the inner wall, then assembly is easier, but air flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the position of the variable flap and port plate adjustable rather than fixed. The components can be positioned close to the inner wall during operation to minimize resistance, and the system can accommodate manufacturing tolerances through its dynamic adjustment capability, balancing assembly ease with performance requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If the cross-sectional area of intake air flow is increased, then more air is supplied to the combustion chamber, but the tumble phenomenon is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by dynamically adjusting the cross-sectional area of the intake air passage through the variable flap based on engine operating conditions. The controller optimizes the balance between air quantity and tumble phenomenon by changing the flap angle in real-time, ensuring maximum combustion efficiency across different driving conditions rather than maximizing air quantity at all times.
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
The structure enhances combustion efficiency by controlling intake air flow stages, reducing resistance and stabilizing air flow, thereby improving fuel-air mixing and combustion performance across different engine operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The tumble phenomenon refers to a phenomenon where the intake air flowing in the combustion chamber creates turbulence to be swallowed from the upper portion of the combustion chamber toward the lower portion thereof. By the tumble phenomenon, the fuel-air mixing performance in the combustion chamber is improved by the swirling intake air
Implementation Method 2
a port plate coupled to a downstream rear end of the variable flap, and generating displacement in cooperation with the variable flap
Data Source
AI summary
An air intake structure for a vehicle engine includes: a variable flap rotatably provided in an intake air passage so as to control a cross-sectional area of intake air flow; a port plate provided to a downstream of the variable flap, and generating displacement in cooperation with the variable flap; a driving unit supplying a driving force for generating displacement of both the variable flap and the port plate; and a controller determining a rotation angle of the variable flap in accordance with an operating range of an engine, and controlling the rotation angle of the variable flap by driving the driving unit.