Variable Intake System Runner Length Adaptation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional variable intake systems struggle to provide the proper amount of air at varying vehicle speeds, as they rely on a single suction passage with unchanged cross-section, leading to inadequate performance and fuel efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A variable intake system with first and second runners of different lengths and cross-sectional areas, featuring a third inlet on an extended second runner, allowing air to be introduced through either short or long passages based on vehicle speed, utilizing butterfly valves controlled by a rotary shaft to adjust airflow accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single suction passage with unchanged cross-section is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity (air supply amount) cannot be adjusted properly according to vehicle speed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair supply amount adjustmentVSAvoidintake system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The intake system is segmented into multiple runners (first runner with short passage, second runner with long passage) that can be selectively activated. Each runner has its own inlet and valve, allowing independent control of air flow paths based on vehicle speed requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intake manifold is designed to serve multiple functions: it can supply air through short passages for high-speed operation and through long passages for low/middle-speed operation. The same manifold structure adapts to different operating conditions by switching between runners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cross-sectional area of the suction passage is kept constant, then the manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but the productivity (air flow characteristics) cannot be optimized for different speeds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair flow passage variationVSAvoidrunner cross-sectional area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different runners are designed with different cross-sectional areas optimized for their specific functions. The first runner has a cross-sectional area suited for short passage high-speed flow, while the second runner has a cross-sectional area optimized for long passage low/middle-speed flow. Each local region (runner) has quality characteristics matched to its operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If only one outlet is used for both low/middle speed and high speed operation, then the device complexity is minimized, but the productivity (torque and performance) cannot be optimized across different revolution bands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine performance and fuel efficiencyVSAvoidvalve and runner configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The intake system incorporates dynamic switching capability through valves that can open or close specific runners based on engine operating conditions. This allows the system to adapt its air supply characteristics in real-time according to vehicle speed and engine load requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic switching between different runner configurations based on engine operating cycles. The valves respond to changing engine conditions by selectively opening/closing runners, creating a rhythm of air supply adjustment that matches engine operational patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic 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

This system optimizes airflow by varying passage lengths and cross-sectional areas to enhance performance and fuel efficiency at both high and low/middle speeds, improving torque and air supply through inertial and resonance effects.

Implementation Method 1

improving torque and air supply through inertial and resonance effects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertial effect: Inertia

Implementation Method 2

improving torque and air supply through inertial and resonance effects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance effect: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS9897051B2Variable intake system

Publication Date: 2018.02.20 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A variable intake system includes first runners, each including a first inlet formed at one side thereof to introduce air from a surge tank thereinto, a first valve formed at the first inlet, and a first outlet formed at the other side thereof to discharge the introduced air, and second runners, each including a second inlet formed at one side thereof to introduce air from the surge tank thereinto, a second valve formed at the second inlet, and a second outlet formed at the other side thereof, wherein an extension part branched from the second runner is formed at the second runner, a third inlet is formed at the end of the extension part, and the total length of the second runner provided with the extension part is longer than the total length of the first runner.