Internal-combustion engines – Charge forming device – Cooling of combustible mixture
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-13
2001-11-13
McMahon, Marguerite (Department: 3747)
Internal-combustion engines
Charge forming device
Cooling of combustible mixture
C123S556000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06314949
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an air induction system that enables an enhanced flow of temperature-controlled, magnetically influenced forced air to the air intake of internal combustion, turbine-type, and other engines.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventional air induction systems have an air filter assembly located in or outside of the engine compartment of the vehicle. An air filter is required at the air intake manifold to filter air as it enters the engine. Unfiltered inducted air generally contains dirt particles and other contaminants and has a temperature equal to or greater than the ambient temperature outside the vehicle. During periods of extremely hot or cold weather conditions, fuel consumption increases. Air filters that are currently being used today are made of rigid tubing, have a paper air filter element, and are enclosed in a restrictive housing. These air filters, which are located either inside or outside the engine compartment, place obstructions in the path of the incoming air and thereby restrict its movement.
More and more manufacturers are providing heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that use filtered air. The air induction system according to one preferred embodiment of this invention will use filtered, temperature-stabilized air as a supply of combustion air for the engine thereby eliminating the need for a separate air filter and the restriction in airflow associated with the filter.
In addition, the air induction system will maintain the temperature of the inducted air at a more steady state by using the HVAC system and insulated ductwork to eliminate temperature extremes. Maintaining the inducted air at a more stable and even air temperature is extremely important for fuel economy and emissions control, especially under cold and extremely hot weather conditions. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA's) “Fuel Economy Impact Analysis of RFG” (EPA 420-F95-003, August 1995), lower winter temperature (20° F. versus 77° F.) can decrease fuel economy by 13 percent, notwithstanding the use of reformulated fuel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is one object of this invention to provide an air induction system that reduces fuel consumption.
It is another object of this invention to provide an air induction system that reduces air emission levels.
It is another object of this invention to provide an air induction system that draws filtered, temperature-controlled air from the passenger compartment and/or the HVAC plenum into the air intake manifold.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide an air induction system that permits control of the distribution of air between the air intake manifold and the passenger compartment.
This air induction system according to the preferred embodiments of this invention can be installed into a vehicle during or after the manufacturing process. Preferably, the air induction system is connected to a filtered HVAC system of the vehicle. However, the air induction system is compatible with any ventilation system. If necessary, an air filter suitable for the HVAC system can be installed.
The air induction system according to a preferred embodiment of this invention is used in connection with vehicles having an engine with an air intake manifold. Preferably, an interior air inlet is positioned in communication with a passenger compartment of the vehicle. Alternatively, or additionally, a plenum outlet is positioned in an HVAC plenum of the vehicle to provide conditioned air from the HVAC plenum to the air intake manifold.
Alternatively, or additionally, magnets are positioned inside the air intake manifold of the engine.
An air supply duct is provided to extend between the interior air inlet and/or the plenum outlet and the air intake manifold. The air supply duct resultingly supplies conditioned air from the passenger compartment and/or the HVAC plenum to the air intake manifold. In addition, a plurality of magnets are preferably positioned in or around the air supply duct to improve fuel efficiency and/or emissions.
According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, an air diverter valve is connected within the air supply duct and between the plenum outlet and the interior air inlet. The air diverter valve preferably controls air flow into and out of the passenger compartment and/or the HVAC plenum and into the air intake manifold.
During cold weather conditions, hot air from the HVAC system is directed/drawn into the air supply duct. During hot weather conditions, cool air from the HVAC system is directed/drawn into the air supply duct. During weather conditions that do not require the use of HVAC-temperature-controlled air, air will be directed/drawn into the air supply duct from the passenger compartment. By responding to the ambient air temperature, the air diverter valve will enable the intake of air from the HVAC plenum and the passenger compartment or from the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
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DeGrazia, Jr. Torey W.
Rajski Margaret
Fuel Management, Inc.
McMahon Marguerite
Pauley Petersen Kinne & Fejer
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