Abstract:
This invention is 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 having an air intake manifold. An interior air inlet is positioned in communication with a passenger compartment of the vehicle. Additionally, or alternatively, a plenum outlet is positioned in an HVAC plenum of the vehicle. An air supply duct extends between the interior air inlet and/or the plenum outlet and the air intake manifold supplies conditioned air to the air intake manifold. Performance may be enhanced with the positioning of magnets and/or an air diverter valve into the system. As a result of the enhanced flow of magnetically influenced air and the more steady state of the temperature of the inducted air, fuel consumption and air emissions levels are reduced.

Description:
This application claim benefit of provisional application No. 60,153,733 filed Sep. 13, 1999 and claim benefit of Ser. No. 60,157,090 filed Oct. 4, 1999. 
    
    
     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&#39;s (USEPA&#39;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. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an air induction system according to the prior art; 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the air induction system according to one preferred embodiment of this invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the air induction system according to one preferred embodiment of this invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a silencer according to one preferred embodiment of this invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic side view of a portion of a silencer according to one preferred embodiment of this invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a front view of a portion of a silencer according to one preferred embodiment of this invention; and 
     FIG. 7 is a side view of a silencer according to one preferred embodiment of this invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1 shows a prior art air induction system wherein air flows from ambient and travels through an air filter  6  and into an air induction manifold  15  before entering engine  10 . As shown in FIG. 2, the air induction system according to one preferred embodiment of this invention comprises an alternative system for providing air to air intake manifold  15  of engine  10 . 
     According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, one or more plenum outlets  20  are positioned within HVAC plenum  25  within the vehicles HVAC system. Fresh and/or recirculated air inlets  23  are necessarily required in conventional HVAC plenums  25 . Plenum outlets  20  are preferably located in HVAC plenum  25  upstream of HVAC fan  27 , shown in FIG. 2, that forces air into passenger compartment  55 . 
     One or more interior air inlets  35  are preferably positioned within passenger compartment  55 . Interior air inlets  35  may be positioned in existing internal vent locations or positioned in new locations suitable for drawing air from passenger compartment  55 . Interior air inlets  35  may also be used as air outlets as required for providing conditioned air from the HVAC system to passenger compartment  55 . Interior air inlets  35  may be situated in passenger compartment  55  of the vehicle as indicated in FIG.  3 . The locations of interior air inlets  35  shown on FIGS. 2 and 3 are: (1) provided only for illustrative purposes; (2) may vary depending on the vehicle, the HVAC system and the type of engine; and (3) are not limited to these locations. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, air supply duct  30  extends from the HVAC plenum  25  to air intake manifold  15  of engine  10 . Air supply duct  30  is preferably insulated to maintain a constant temperature of the air within air supply duct  30  and to preserve such constant temperature at the time of delivery of the air to air intake manifold  15 . Insulation may be positioned externally along an outside surface of air supply duct  30  or otherwise positioned so as to preserve the temperature of the air within air supply duct  30 . The exact location, length and configuration of air supply duct  30  depends on the vehicle, however air supply duct  30  is preferably as short as practicable. 
     According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, air diverter valve  40  is positioned within HVAC plenum  25 , within a portion of air supply duct  30 , or within an air supply chamber between one or more plenum outlets  20  and one or more interior air inlets  35 . According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, an automatically or manually controlled air diverter valve  40  is located downstream of HVAC plenum  25 . Alternatively, air diverter valve  40  may be located within an air supply chamber or within HVAC plenum  25 . The location of air diverter valve  40  shown in FIG.  1 : (1) is provided only for illustrative purposes; (2) may vary depending on the vehicle, the HVAC system and the type of engine; and (3) is not limited to this location. 
     According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, one or more magnets  50 , either permanent or electromagnets, are placed in and/or around air supply duct  30 . The location of magnets  50  shown on FIG.  2 : (1) is provided only for illustrative purposes; (2) may vary depending on the vehicle, the HVAC system and the type of engine; and (3) is not limited to this location. In addition or as an alternative, magnets  50  may be installed in or integrated with air intake manifold  15  at the time of manufacture. As a result of the positioning of such magnets  50  in and/or around air supply duct  30  and/or related components, a magnetic force field is created within and around the air supply duct  30  that results in a beneficial effect on fuel efficiency and emissions. Air supply duct  30  and the one or more magnets  50  around air supply duct  30  are preferably covered with insulation to maintain the steady temperature of the intake air. 
     If a filter is not included in the HVAC system or if a more thoroughly filtered airflow is required, filter  45  can be placed at air intake manifold  15  and/or air supply duct  30  of the HVAC system, as shown in FIG.  2 . With filter  45  in place, the air induction system can be used in engines that do not have a filtered HVAC system air supply as part of the standard OEM. The location of filter  45  shown in FIG.  2 : (1) is provided only for illustrative purposes; (2) may vary depending on the vehicle, the HVAC system, and the type of engine; and (3) is not limited to this location. 
     In one preferred embodiment of this invention, auxiliary fan  33  may be positioned within or in fluid communication with air supply duct  30  to enhance the flow of air moved by the HVAC system. Auxiliary fan  33  would also further enhance the flow of air to air intake manifold  15 . 
     According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, one or more pressure-regulated airflow valves  65  are installed on or near air intake manifold  15 . Airflow valves  65  as shown in FIG. 2 are preferably located on or near air intake manifold  15  to permit the circulation of air within air intake manifold  15 ; to maintain a constant pressure within air intake manifold  15 , and to eliminate the damming of air within air supply duct  30 . 
     The air induction system according to this invention preferably enables temperature-controlled air to be moved from passenger compartment  55  and/or the HVAC system to air intake manifold  15  of engine  10  through air supply duct  30 . Air supply duct  30  is preferably sufficiently large to reduce the amount of resistance that occurs as the air moves from plenum outlets  20  and/or interior air inlets  35  to air intake manifold  15  of engine  10 . The amount of the airflow may be enhanced by the use of auxiliary duct fan  33 . Because the air that flows through air supply duct  30  is preferably filtered by the HVAC system and/or filter  45  on the plenum outlets  20 , particulate matter and contaminants are removed from the system prior to the intake of air into air supply duct  30 . 
     According to one preferred method of operation of this invention, air in air supply duct  30  within an optimal temperature range for combustion air will be drawn from HVAC plenum  25  and passenger compartment  55  or solely from HVAC plenum  25  or passenger compartment  55  of the vehicle. 
     HVAC plenum  25  is preferably connected to air supply duct  30  that is separated from HVAC plenum  25  by air diverter valve  40 . Depending on the temperature of the ambient air, the automatically or manually thermally controlled air diverter valve  40  will direct air into air supply duct  30  of engine  10  from HVAC plenum  25  and passenger compartment  55  or solely from HVAC plenum  25  or passenger compartment  55  of the vehicle. Air diverter valve  40  will preferably respond to temperature changes and may be manually or computer controlled. 
     During cold weather conditions, hot air from the HVAC system is directed/drawn into air supply duct  30 . During hot weather conditions, cool air from the HVAC system is directed/drawn into air supply duct  30 . During weather conditions that do not require the use of HVAC-temperature-controlled air, air will be directed/drawn into air supply duct  30  from passenger compartment  55 . By responding to the ambient air temperature, air diverter valve  40  will enable the intake of air from HVAC plenum  25  and/or passenger compartment  55  of the vehicle depending upon the sensed conditions. 
     According to another preferred embodiment of this invention, as shown in FIGS. 4-7, air silencer  60  is used in connection with the air induction system to dampen noise both in passenger compartment  55  and externally of the vehicle. If necessary, air silencer  60  will be used to reduce the level of noise emanating from the air induction system. As shown in FIGS. 4-7, air silencer  60  includes inner air horn  62  and outer shell  64 . Inner air horn  62  preferably includes a hollow, cylindrical body portion  72  having a plurality of apertures  73  and a forming bore  74 . Preferably, but not necessarily, apertures  73  are arranged in bands around a circumference of body portion  72  as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. A plurality of baffles  75  are positioned around the circumference of body portion  72 . Preferably, but not necessarily, baffles  75  have a ring shape. It is apparent to one skilled in the art that baffles  75  may have any suitable shape. Baffles  75  are preferably made of a foam material. Other suitable materials for muffling sound known to those skilled in the art may be used to make baffles  75 . Preferably, foam baffles  75  are positioned between adjacent bands of apertures  73  as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. 
     As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention, outer shell  64  of air silencer  60  consists of two pieces. Preferably, the pieces of outer shell  64  generally have a semi-cylindrical shape. In one preferred embodiment of this invention, outer shell  64  is made of a liner, for example a plastic liner with foam insulation attached to an inner surface of the plastic liner. Each piece of outer shell  64  preferably includes lip portion  77  and outlet portion  78 . Lip portion  77  and outlet portion  78  of each outer shell  64  have a generally semi-circular shape. When the pieces of outer shell  64  are connected, an inner cavity is formed as well as a lip portion  77  and an outlet portion  78 . In the preferred embodiments according to this invention, inner air horn  62  is securely positioned within lip portion  77  of outer shell  64  to form air silencer  60  as shown in FIG.  4 . FIG. 6 is a front view of air silencer  60  having inner air horn  62  securely positioned within outer shell  64 . Air silencer  60  is attachable to each interior air inlet  35  to provide a free passage of air while reducing the noise level in interior air inlets  35 . 
     While in the foregoing specification this invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and many details have been set forth for purpose of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the system and method according to this invention are susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain of the details described herein can be varied considerably without departing from the principles of the invention.