Air separator and air separator with ducting for maximum cooling and fuel economy
US8434579B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 2011 |
| Grant date | May 7, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 24, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/0318
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An assembly is provided for maximizing cooling and fuel economy. A grille opening in the vehicle allows air to flow toward the engine compartment along a first path and a bottom breather opening allows air to flow toward the engine compartment along a distinct, second path. An air separator extends between the first and second paths to prevent mixing of airflow along these paths. The air separator may be a thin dividing wall of a deformable material that extends toward a condenser/radiator assembly at low vehicle speeds. At increased vehicle speeds, the deformable portion deflects to enhance airflow along the second path. An associated method of controlling airflow includes terminating the air separator closely adjacent a condenser/radiator assembly to limit mixing of airflow along separate paths, and deflecting in response to increased air flow to alter airflow through at least one of the first and second paths.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.