Variable Intake Valve Timing Offset for Noise Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable air intake control systems for engines experience noise issues due to the operation of one-way valves when driven by negative pressure from a vacuum tank.
Innovation Solution
A variable air intake control system that includes first and second variable intake control valves, a vacuum tank, actuators, and a one-way valve, where a controller offsets the operating timings of the valves to suppress noise by preventing abrupt consumption of negative pressure, thereby reducing air flow noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the variable intake control valves are driven by negative pressure from the vacuum tank, then the valves can be actuated effectively, but noise is emitted from the one-way valve due to abrupt pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single valve actuation into two separate actuators (first and second actuators) that operate independently. This segmentation allows the system to control each valve separately, preventing simultaneous operation that would cause abrupt pressure changes and noise from the one-way valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller offsets the operating timings of the first and second actuators, creating a periodic or staggered operation pattern. Instead of both actuators operating simultaneously, they are timed to operate at different moments, which smooths out pressure changes and eliminates the noise-generating abrupt pressure drops.
2Speed
If both variable intake control valves are operated simultaneously, then the system response is fast, but sudden pressure changes cause noise emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the simultaneous valve operation into two separate, staggered operations using independent actuators. This maintains system responsiveness while avoiding the noise problem caused by simultaneous pressure changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is configured to offset the operating timings, meaning one actuator operates before the other. This preliminary action approach ensures that pressure changes are gradual and controlled, preventing the abrupt changes that generate noise while still achieving fast overall system response.
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 system effectively minimizes air flow noise and maintains engine torque consistency by controlling the timing of valve closures to prevent sudden pressure changes, enhancing drivability and reducing noise emissions.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum tank is configured and arranged to store negative pressure
Implementation Method 2
The one-way valve is arranged between the vacuum tank and the intake passage to selectively establish communication between the vacuum tank and the intake passage
Implementation Method 3
The first and second actuators are operatively coupled between the vacuum tank and the first and second variable intake control valves, respectively, to independently drive each of the first and second variable intake control valves
Data Source
AI summary
A variable air intake control system includes first and second variable intake control valves, a vacuum tank, actuators, a one-way valve and a controller. The controller selectively is configured to control the first and second actuators to offset operating timings of the first and second variable intake control valves so as to suppress the noise in the one-way valve, when the first and second variable intake control valves are switched from a first operating state in which the first and second variable intake control valves are both in one of the open and closed states to a second operating state in which the first and second variable intake control valves are both in one of the open and closed states that is opposite to the first operating state.