Internal-combustion engines – Accessories – Covers – trays – vibrators – corrosion inhibitors – air filters
Utility Patent
1999-05-12
2001-01-02
Wolfe, Willis R. (Department: 3747)
Internal-combustion engines
Accessories
Covers, trays, vibrators, corrosion inhibitors, air filters
Utility Patent
active
06167862
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to air induction systems for the combustion air of internal combustion engines. In particular, the present invention relates to air induction systems providing an integral mass airflow sensor, to measure the amount of air flowing through an air cleaner system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known to provide an air cleaner for purifying raw air before mixing the raw air with fuel for combustion in an internal combustion engine. Such known air cleaners are typically used in automobiles. In operation, such known air cleaners provide for the intake of raw air, the purification of the raw air and the routing of the purified air to a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. In fuel injected engines, this flow rate of combustion air is monitored by a mass airflow sensor disposed someplace in the combustion airflow path. These mass airflow sensors are typically calibrated before installation and are inserted into tubes, housings or conduits that communicate with the combustion airflow path. One problem with these sensors is that they are quite sensitive to alignment and orientation. Furthermore, they are easily damaged during replacement and testing. It would be beneficial, therefore, to provide a mass airflow sensor that is coupled to a readily removable conduit that will protect the sensor elements and also more readily permit sensor testing. Since air cleaners are often provided with readily removable conduits to permit the replacement of air filter elements, it would also be advantageous to dispose of the mass airflow sensor in such a conduit associated with the air cleaner.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The air cleaner and mass airflow rate sensing system includes a housing providing an inlet and a filter at least partially disposed in the housing. The system also includes a conduit adjacent the housing and providing a flange and an outlet. The system also includes a compressible seal disposed between the filter and the flange. The system also includes a locking mechanism adapted to selectively secure the conduit to the housing such that the seal may be compressed between the conduit and the filter. The system also includes mass airflow sensor mounted to the conduit.
The present invention further relates to an air induction and mass airflow rate sensing assembly at least partially disposed in a housing of an air cleaner system for purifying air. The housing provides an inlet and the air cleaner system provides a filter at least partially disposed within the housing, a compressible seal and a locking mechanism. The air induction assembly includes a conduit having a first end and adapted for placement at least partially within the housing and the filter such that a second end extends at least partially from the housing. The air induction assembly also includes a flange extending about the circumference of the conduit. The air induction assembly also includes a mass airflow sensor mounted to the conduit. The seal is disposed between the filter and the flange and the locking mechanism is configured to selectively secure the conduit to the housing.
The present invention further relates to an air cleaning and flow rate measuring system. The system includes a filter element for filtering air. The air cleaner system also includes a housing for supporting the filter element and surrounding the filter element. The system also includes an inlet for introducing air into the housing and into the filter element. The system also includes a conduit providing a flange and an outlet and being disposed adjacent to the filter element. The system also includes a seal for inhibiting the leakage of air from the filter element and disposed between the filter element and the housing. The system also includes a locking means for securing the conduit to the seal and to the housing. The system also includes a mass airflow rate sensor mounted to the conduit. Air enters the housing through the inlet, the air is purified by the filter element, and the air exits the housing through the outlet.
It is an object of this invention to provide an air induction assembly that is capable of rapid replacement. It is also an object of this invention to provide a sensor assembly that is easily accessible and capable of rapid testing or calibration. It is a further object of this invention to provide a sensor that readily interfaces with an air filter. Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following FIGURES, the detailed description and the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4440555 (1984-04-01), Chichester
patent: 5059221 (1991-10-01), McWilliam
patent: 5106397 (1992-04-01), Jaroszczyk et al.
patent: 5120334 (1992-06-01), Cooper
patent: 5369990 (1994-12-01), Zurek et al.
patent: 5740774 (1998-04-01), Kennedy
patent: 5865863 (1999-02-01), DeSousa et al.
Bloomer Stephen F.
Powell Jeffrey J.
Setescak Stephen E.
Ali Hyder
Siemens Canada Limited
Wolfe Willis R.
LandOfFree
Air cleaner system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Air cleaner system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Air cleaner system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2548066