WO2018200612A1

WO2018200612A1 - Forced induction device having inlet with rotationally asymmetric groove

Info

Publication number: WO2018200612A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/029266
Authority: WO
Inventors: Craig Andrew COLONT; Daniel PRUITT; Charles KURLE
Original assignee: BorgWarner Inc
Current assignee: BorgWarner Inc
Priority date: 2017-04-27
Filing date: 2018-04-25
Publication date: 2018-11-01
Anticipated expiration: 2019-10-27

Abstract

A forced induction device (1) includes a compressor wheel (12) and a compressor housing (20). The compressor housing (20) includes an inlet (22). The compressor wheel (12) is rotatable within the compressor housing (20). The inlet (22) includes a proximal portion (22a) positioned proximate the compressor wheel (12) and having an inner periphery (22a') that is coaxial with an axis (12a) of the compressor wheel (12). The inlet (22) includes a first recess (30) that protrudes partially into the proximal portion (22a) and is rotationally asymmetric relative to the axis (12a).

Description

FORCED INDUCTION DEVICE HAVING INLET WITH ROTATIONALLY

ASYMMETRIC GROOVE

FIELD

[0001] This application is directed to forced induction devices and, in particular, compressor inlets of forced induction devices.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A forced induction device, such as a turbocharger, provides compressed air to an internal combustion engine. Forced induction devices may include a compressor portion having a compressor wheel that is rotated draw ambient air in an axial direction, compress the air, and expel compressed air in a radial direction.

SUMMARY

[0003] One aspect of the disclosed embodiments is directed to a forced induction device that includes a compressor wheel and a compressor housing. The compressor housing includes an inlet. The compressor wheel is rotatable within the compressor housing. The inlet includes a proximal portion positioned proximate the compressor wheel and having an inner periphery that is coaxial with an axis of the compressor wheel. The inlet includes a first recess that protrudes partially into the proximal portion and is rotationally asymmetric relative to the axis.

[0004] The first recess may not entirely circumscribe the axis. The first recess may have a circumferential length that is between 90 and 270 degrees about the axis. The first recess may have a radial depth that varies along the circumferential length of the first recess. The radial depth may be less than 25% of the circumferential length. The first recess may have an axial length that is less than 25% of the circumferential length. The inlet may at least one of form an offset air intake or be coupled to an offset air intake.

[0005] A compressor housing for a forced induction device includes an inlet for drawing air, an outlet for expelling air, and a cavity arranged between the inlet and the outlet for a compressor wheel to rotate therein about an axis. The inlet at least one of forms an offset air intake or is coupleable to an offset air intake. The inlet includes one or more grooves that are arranged rotationally asymmetrical relative to the axis and that have circumferential lengths. A plane that is perpendicular to the axis passes through the one or more grooves over the circumferential lengths.

[0006] A method of providing a forced induction device includes providing a compressor wheel and providing a compressor housing. The compressor housing includes an inlet. The compressor wheel is configured to rotate within the compressor housing about an axis. The inlet includes a groove protruding radially outward into material forming the inlet. The groove is rotationally asymmetric relative to the axis. A plane perpendicular to the axis extends through an entirety of a circumferential length of the groove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout several views, and wherein:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a forced induction device.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a compressor portion of the forced induction device shown in FIG. 1

[0010] FIG. 3 is a detail cross-sectional view of the compressor portion taken from box 3-3 in FIG. 2.

[0011] FIG. 4A is a partial cross-sectional view an inlet of the compressor portion taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3, which depicts a first embodiment of a recess.

[0012] FIG. 4B is a partial cross-sectional view, taken similar to FIG. 4A, of the inlet having another embodiment of a recess.

[0013] FIG. 4C is a partial cross-sectional view, taken similar to FIG. 4A, of the inlet having another embodiment of a recess.

[0014] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the inlet taken along line 5A-5A in FIG. 4A.

[0015] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the inlet taken along line 5B-5B in FIG. 4A.

[0016] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the inlet taken along line 5C-5C in FIG. 4A.

[0017] FIG. 6A is a partial cross-sectional view, taken similar to FIG. 2, of a first alternative of an air intake.

[0018] FIG. 6B is a partial cross-sectional view, taken similar to FIG. 2, of a second alternative of an air intake.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view, taken similar to FIG. 5A, of the inlet having another embodiment of a recess.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view, taken similar to FIG. 5A, of the inlet having another embodiment of a recess.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view, taken similar to FIG. 5A, of the inlet having another embodiment of a recess. [0022] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view, taken similar to FIG. 4A, of the inlet having a combination of multiple recesses.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view, taken similar to FIG. 4A, of the inlet having a another combination of multiple recesses.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view, taken similar to FIG. 4A, of the inlet having a another combination of multiple recesses.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a method of providing a forced induction device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Disclosed herein are forced induction devices having a compressor inlet with one or more features (e.g., recesses, grooves, etc.). For example, one or more of the features are formed on the inner periphery of the inlet and may be arranged rotationally asymmetrical relative an axis of rotation of the compressor wheel (e.g., based on shape, size, spacing, etc.). The inlet or other component may form an air intake that is offset relative to the axis of rotation of the compressor wheel, which may cause asymmetric flow through the inlet. This asymmetric flow may, for example, lead to noisier operation and/or inefficient operation of the forced induction device. The one or more features alter the airflow through the inlet (e.g., to achieve more uniform flow and/or reduce noise).

[0027] Referring to the schematic of FIG. 1, a forced induction device 1 generally includes a driving portion 2 and a compressor portion 10 (e.g., compressor) that is driven by the driving portion 2. The compressor portion 10 receives air from an air source (e.g., ambient or atmospheric air), compresses the air, and expels the air (e.g., the compressed air) through an outlet at an elevated pressure for use by an internal combustion engine. The forced induction device 1 may, for example, be a turbocharger driven by exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine, a supercharger driven mechanically by the internal combustion engine, an electric compressor device driven by an electric motor, or other type of forced induction device with a suitable drive source.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 2-3, the compressor portion 10 generally includes a compressor wheel 12 (e.g., impeller) and a compressor housing 20. The compressor wheel 12 is rotated by the driving portion 2 within the compressor housing 20 to draw in air, compress the air, and expel the air, as referenced above.

[0029] The compressor housing 20 generally includes an inlet 22 (e.g., inlet portion), an outlet 24 (e.g., outlet portion), and a shroud 26 (e.g., shroud or transition portion) extending between the inlet 22 and the outlet 24 to define a cavity 28 in which the compressor wheel 12 rotates. The inlet 22 forms a tubular passage through which air is drawn into the cavity 28 in a generally axial direction relative to an axis 12a (e.g., axis of rotation) about which the compressor wheel 12 rotates. The outlet 24 is formed as a volute to which compressed air flows in a generally radial direction from the compressor wheel 12. The shroud 26 forms a gradual transition between the inlet 22 and the outlet 24. An inner periphery of the shroud 26 has an inner profile that is complementary to an outer profile of the compressor wheel 12 (e.g., blades thereof) allowing close passage therebetween as the compressor wheel 12 is rotated. The compressor housing 20 additionally includes a wall 20b (e.g., partition) that separates compressor portion 10 from other portions (e.g., the driving portion). The wall 20b may be considered part of or formed by another portion the forced induction device 1 (e.g., the driving portion 2 or another portion, therebetween, such as a bearing portion).

[0030] The compressor housing 20 may be formed by one or more components. For example, the compressor housing 20 may include a compressor housing cover 20a (e.g., housing cover member) that is formed as a unitary member that includes the inlet 22, the outlet 24, and the shroud 26, while the wall 20b is provided as a separate wall member that is coupled to the compressor housing cover 20a. The compressor housing cover 20a may, for example, be formed of a polymer material in a molding process or a metal material formed in a casting process, and may be subsequently processed (e.g., machined). Alternatively, the compressor housing cover 20a may be formed of multiple components assembled together.

[0031] The inlet 22 may form an offset air intake 40 to the compressor wheel 12, or may couple to another component that forms the offset air intake 40. The air intake 40 couples to the air source (not labeled), such that air flows through the air intake 40 to the compressor wheel 12. The offset air intake 40 may be laterally offset, angularly offset, and/or rotationally asymmetric relative to the axis 12a of the compressor wheel 12, for example, in view of packaging considerations in an engine compartment of a vehicle. The offset air intake 40 may cause asymmetric flow to the compressor wheel 12 with airflow at different circumferential positions being at different axial velocities (e.g., such that higher axial velocities may be concentrated toward one side of the inlet 22 or otherwise non-uniform). This asymmetric flow may result in noisy and/or inefficient operation of the forced induction device 1.

[0032] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the compressor housing 20 forms the offset air intake 40. For example, the offset air intake 40 may be formed by the inlet 22 of the compressor housing cover 20a. The inlet 22 includes a proximal region 22a (e.g., proximal portion) positioned near the compressor wheel 12 and a distal region 22b (e.g., distal portion) positioned distally relative to the compressor wheel 12. A proximal inner periphery 22a' (e.g., inner periphery or inner peripheral surface) of the proximal region 22a of the inlet 22 is substantially cylindrical and coaxial with the axis 12a. A distal inner periphery 22b' (e.g., inner periphery or inner peripheral surface) of the distal region 22b of the inlet 22 forms the offset air intake 40. More particularly, one circumferential portion of the distal inner periphery 22b' (i.e., the upper portion as shown) is cylindrical and coaxial with the axis 12a, while another circumferential portion of the distal inner periphery 22b' (i.e., the opposite or lower portion as shown) tapers away from the axis 12a moving distally.

[0033] In another example shown schematically in FIG. 6A, another offset air intake 140 is cylindrical and intersects the axis 12a at a non-zero angle (e.g., 45 degrees as shown). In a still further example, shown schematically in FIG. 6B, another offset air intake 240 is cylindrical and laterally offset from the axis 12a. Variations of the offset air intake 40 may be formed in various other manners, which result in asymmetric flow (i.e., different velocities at different

circumferential locations of the compressor wheel 12). As noted above, the various offset air intakes 40, 140, 240 may be formed by the inlet 22 (i.e., as part of the compressor housing cover 20a) or by another component coupled thereto (e.g., a coupling and/or outlet of an air source of the vehicle or engine).

[0034] The inlet 22 additionally includes one or more recesses 30 (e.g., grooves or flow features) configured to alter flow through the inlet 22, for example, to alter the asymmetric flow otherwise caused by the offset air intake 40 to be more symmetric (e.g., to have a more uniform distribution of axial velocities around the axis 12a) and/or reduce noise. As discussed in further detail bel below, the one or more recesses 30 are arranged rotationally asymmetric relative to the axis 12a. That is, when viewing the inner periphery of the inlet from the axis 12a at different rotational positions thereabout, the one (or more) recesses 30 is (or are) different in a non- repetitive manner (e.g., based on shape, size, and/or position).

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2-5C, the inlet 30 includes one recess 30 that protrudes radially outward from the passage formed by the inlet 22 into material forming the inlet 22. For example, the recess 30 may be formed in the proximal region 22a of the inlet 22 and protrude outward relative to the proximal inner periphery 22a'. The recess 30 protrudes partially into material of the compressor housing cover 20a forming the inlet 22, but does not extend entirely therethrough (i.e., does not form a communication passage extending radially through a wall of the inlet). The recess 30 may be configured according to various parameters, including dimensions

(circumferential, axial, and radial), transitions to adjacent surfaces, cross-sectional shape, and position and/or orientation relative to other features of the forced induction device 1. [0036] The recess 30 generally includes (e.g., is defined by) a first axially-extending edge 30a, a second axially-extending edge 30b, a proximal edge 30c (e.g., circumferentially-extending edge), and a distal edge 30d (e.g., circumferentially-extending edge), which are formed at the proximal inner periphery 22a' of the inlet 22. The recess 30 further includes a peripheral surface 30e (e.g., periphery or circumferential surface) extending in circumferential and axial direction. Depending on a cross-sectional shape, the recess 30 may also include a proximal radially- extending surface 3 Of and a distal radially-extending surface 30g that that extend radially outward, respectively, from the proximal edge 30c and the distal edge 30d to the peripheral surface 30e.

[0037] The recess 30 has a circumferential length Lc (labeled in FIG. 4A), which is measured as a distance in a plane perpendicular to the axis 12a between the first axially-extending edge 30a and the second axially-extending edge 30b (see FIG. 4A). The circumferential length Lc may be measured as an angular dimension about the axis 12a (e.g., in degrees) or as a length dimension along the proximal inner periphery 22a' (e.g., mm or inches).

[0038] The circumferential length Lc is less than 360 degrees, such that the recess 30 does not circumscribe the axis 12a. As such, the recess 30 is rotationally asymmetric about the axis 12a (e.g., is located in one angular region but not another). The circumferential length Lc may, for example, be less than approximately 270, 180, 90, or 45 degrees. Instead or additionally, the circumferential length Lc may be between 10 and 350 degrees, such as between approximately 90 and 270, 135 and 225, or 165 and 195 degrees, or between approximately 10 and 80, or 30 and 60 degrees. The first axially-extending edge 30a and the second axially-extending edge 30b may extend parallel with the axis 12a, such that the circumferential length Lc is constant (as shown). Alternatively, the first axially-extending edge 30a and/or the second axially-extending edge 30b may be curved or otherwise extend non-parallel with the axis 12a, which may still result in the circumferential length Lc being constant (i.e., if such edges extend parallel with each other) or may result in the circumferential length Lc varying moving in the axial direction. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-5C, the inlet 22 includes one recess 30 with the length Lc being constant between approximately 170 and 190 degrees.

[0039] The recess 30 has an axial length LA (labeled in FIG. 5 A), which is measured as the distance parallel with the axis 12a between the proximal edge 30c and the distal edge 30d. The axial length LA (or a maximum thereof) may, for example, be between approximately one and 10 mm, such as between 2 and 5 mm (e.g., such as approximately 3 mm). The axial length LA may also be defined relative to the circumferential length Lc, such as being less than approximately 25% (e.g., less than 10% of the circumferential length Lc). The axial length LA may have other dimensions (e.g., being longer in absolute and/or relative dimensions), as may be suitable for various applications.

[0040] The proximal edge 30c and the distal edge 30d may be parallel with each other such that the axial length LA is constant over the circumferential length Lc (e.g., with the proximal edge 30c and the distal edge 30d being arranged in planes that are spaced apart and perpendicular to the axis 12a). Furthermore, another plane that is perpendicular to the axis 12a may pass through the recess 30 and intersect the first axially-extending edge 30a and the second axially- extending edge 30b. For example, such a plane may extend through the recess 30 over the entirety of circumferential length Lc (e.g., to divide or bisect the recess 30 into proximal and distal portions). Alternatively, the proximal edge 30c and/or the distal edge 30d may extend in the axial direction in a constant or varying manner, while still having a constant axial length LA (e.g., being parallel, for example, forming a partial helix) or having a varying axial length LA.

[0041] The recess 30 has a radial depth LR (labeled in FIG. 4A) that is measured from the proximal inner periphery 22a' (e.g., the proximal edge 30c and/or the distal edge 30d) to the peripheral surface 30e in a direction perpendicular to the axis 12a. The radial depth LR may vary (as shown) over the circumferential length Lc of the recess 30. For example, the radial depth LR may increase from a minimum radial depth LR (e.g., zero) at the first axially-extending edge 30a and/or the second axially-extending edge 30b to a maximum radial depth LR (e.g., at a midpoint between the first axially-extending edge 30a and the second axially-extending edge 30b).

Alternatively, the radial depth LR may be substantially constant over the circumferential length Lc

[0042] The radial depth LR (e.g., the maximum radial depth LR) may, for example, be between 1 and 10 mm, such as between 2 and 5 mm (e.g., approximately 3 mm). The radial depth LR (e.g., the maximum radial depth LR) may be defined relative to the axial circumferential length LA, such as being less than approximately 25% (e.g., less than 10% of the circumferential length

Lc). The radial depth LR (e.g., the maximum radial depth LR) may be defined relative to the axial length LA (e.g., the maximum axial length LA), such as being between 0.2 and 5 times the axial length LA (e.g., between 0.5 and 2, 0.75 and 1.25, or approximately one time the axial length LA, between 0.25 and 0.5 times the axial length LA, or between 2 and 4 times the axial length LA). The radial depth LR may have other dimensions (e.g., being deeper or shallower in absolute and/or relative dimensions), as may be suitable for various applications.

[0043] The radial depth LR may vary over the circumferential length Lc in different manners, for example, in gradual, abrupt (e.g., stepped), and/or asymmetric (i.e., about a plane) manners. In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the radial depth LR gradually varies by increasing moving circumferentially from the first axially-extending edge 30a and/or from the second axially- extending edge 30b. As shown, a substantial majority the peripheral surface 30e of the recess 30 is defined by a curve (e.g., a circle, ellipse, etc.). As a result, the radial depth LR. is the radial distance measured from the cylindrical (i.e., circular) shape of the proximal inner periphery 22a' of the inlet 22 and the curved shape formed by the peripheral surface 30e. It may be advantageous for manufacturing or machining purposes for the peripheral surface 30e to have a substantially constant radius (e.g., circular shape), as a cutting head may be rotated about a fixed axis to remove material from the inlet 22 to form the recess 30. The radial depth LR may vary in other gradual manners, for example, by having another curved or straight shape.

[0044] Instead or additionally, the radial depth LR may vary in an abrupt manner over the circumferential length Lc, for example, in a stepped manner. As shown in FIG. 4B, a recess 130 includes a peripheral surface 30e' having one or more portions that extend radially outward and/or inward relative to the proximal inner periphery 22a' and/or adjacent portions of the peripheral surface 30e at angles between 45 and 90 degrees (e.g., perpendicular to the axis 12a as shown).

[0045] Instead or additionally, the radial depth LR may vary in a manner that is symmetric about a plane that contains the axis 12a (e.g., by having the constant radius as shown in FIG. 4 A or stepped shape shown in FIG. 4B). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4C, a recess 230 may be asymmetric about the plane containing the axis 12a.

[0046] The peripheral surface 30e of the recess 30 may include transitions 30e' in the circumferential direction between the proximal inner periphery 22a' and the peripheral surface 30e. For example, the transitions 30e' may be smooth by being tangential to the circular curve of the proximal inner periphery 22a' and tangential to the curve of the peripheral surface 30e, for example, by forming a straight line therebetween and/or having a changing radius when viewed in cross-section. Alternatively, the transitions 30e' may form an abrupt edge (e.g., formed by two intersecting circles, or by having the radial depth LR be greater than zero at the first axially- extending edge 30a and/or the second axially-extending edge 30b).

[0047] The radial depth LR may be constant moving in the axial direction (e.g., having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape or profile). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the peripheral surface 30e extends parallel with the proximal inner periphery 22a' of the inlet 22 and/or the axis 12a, and the axial surfaces extend radially from the proximal edge 30c and the distal edge 30d to the peripheral surface 30e perpendicular to the axis 12a.

[0048] Alternatively, the radial depth LR may vary moving in the axial direction to have a non-rectangular cross-sectional shape. For example, the radial depth LR may vary in the axial direction in an abrupt manner (e.g., forming a stepped shape; see recess 330 in FIG. 7), in a gradual manner (e.g., to form a curved shape or semi-circular; see recess 430 in FIG. 8), or be V- shaped (see recess 530 in FIG. 9).

[0049] The recess 30 may also include one or more gradual transitions between intersecting (e.g., perpendicular) surfaces (e.g., having fillets, chamfered, or radiused inner transitions or outer edges). For example, the proximal edge 30c, the distal edge 30d, or both may be chamfered or radiused.

[0050] The recess 30 is positioned proximate the compressor wheel 12 (see FIGS. 2-3). For example, the blades (not labeled) of the compressor wheel 12 may have distal edges 12b (e.g., inducer edges or ends) that form an inducer end of the compressor wheel 12 and pass in close proximity to the proximal inner periphery 22a' proximal region 22a of the inlet 22. The recess 30 is positioned axially with the proximal edge 30c in close axial proximity to the distal edges 12b of the compressor wheel 12, for example, within approximately 25% of the axial length LA of the recess 30 (e.g., within 10% of the axial length LA or at a substantially common axial location). For embodiments in which the proximal edge 30c of the recess is chamfered or radiused, the proximal edge 30c may span the distal edge 12b of the compressor wheel 12. In other

embodiments, the recess 30 may overlap the distal edges 12b of the compressor wheel 12 (e.g., the distal edges 12b of the compressor wheel 12 being positioned axially between the proximal edge 30c and the distal edge 30d of the recess 30), be positioned axially inward of the distal edges 12b, or be positioned distally from the distal edges 12b. In still further embodiments, the recess 30 may vary in distance from the distal edges 12b of the compressor wheel 12 (e.g., forming a partial helical shape).

[0051] As referenced above, the recess 30 is arranged rotationally asymmetric relative to the axis 12a of the compressor wheel 12. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-5C, the inlet 22 includes one recess 30 that does not circumscribe the axis 12a, so as to be rotationally asymmetric relative thereabout. Furthermore, the recess 30 is rotationally asymmetric by varying in radial depth LR along the circumferential length Lc.

[0052] Alternatively, the inlet 22 may include multiple recesses 30 (e.g., two, three, etc.) that are cooperatively arranged rotationally asymmetric relative to the axis 12a. For example, multiple recesses 30 that are provided at a substantially common axial position relative to the distal edges

12b of the compressor wheel 12 (e.g.,, such that a single plane passes through the multiple recesses 30 along their entire circumferential lengths Lc and is perpendicular to the axis 12a) may be arranged asymmetrically according to circumferential spacing (e.g., unequal and/or non- repetitive spacing between circumferential edges of recesses 1030 and/or between circumferential mid-points of the recesses, as shown in FIG. 10), having different sizes (e.g., having different and/or non-repetitive circumferential lengths Lc of recesses 1130 as shown in FIG. 11), and/or having different shapes (e.g., having different and/or non-repetitive radial depth LR and/or axial lengths LA of recesses 1230, as shown in FIG. 12).

[0053] Additionally, the one or more recesses 30 may be arranged in different orientations relative to the offset air intake 40. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the recess 30 may be arranged on an opposite side of the inlet 22 from the surface of the offset air intake 40 extending further from the axis 12a. Alternatively, one or more recesses 30 may be arranged in any other suitable orientation relative to the offset air intake 40.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 13, a method is set forth for configuring and/or providing a forced induction device. In a first step 1310, a compressor wheel is provided. In a second step 1320, a compressor housing is provided that, for example and as described above, includes an inlet having a recess (e.g., groove) that protrudes radially outward into material forming the inlet. The groove is rotationally asymmetric relative to the axis, and a plane perpendicular to the axis extends through the groove over its circumferential length. The inlet may include another groove that also protrudes radially outward into material forming the inlet. The groove and the other groove may, for example and as described above, be cooperatively rotationally asymmetric relative to the axis with the plane passing through the other recess over its circumferential length. The second step 1320 of providing the compressor housing may be performed, before, after, or simultaneous with the first step 1310. In a third step 1330, the compressor wheel, the compressor housing, and any further components of the forced induction device (e.g., the drive source) may be assembled together to form the compressor wheel. In a fourth step 1340, the forced induction device is connected (e.g., installed) to an air source and/or an engine of a vehicle. When connected to the air source, the inlet of the forced induction device, the air source, and/or any intermediate components may, for example and as described above, form an offset air intake to the forced induction device. In another step 1302 that is optional and would occur prior to the steps of providing the compressor wheel (1310), providing the compressor housing (1320), assembling the forced induction device (1330), and installing the forced induction device (1340), flow and/or noise of the forced induction device with the offset air intake but without the groove(s) is assessed. For example, air flow through the inlet compressor wheel (e.g., distribution or uniformity of axial velocity of air at the compressor wheel) and/or noise may be assessed using computer simulations and/or testing physical components or assemblies. In a still further step 1304 that may occur after the first step of assessing 1304, the air flow and/or noise of the forced induction device with the offset air intake and with the groove(s) is assessed (e.g., velocity and/or noise via simulation and/or testing of physical components).

[0055] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A forced induction device (1) comprising:

a compressor wheel (12);

a compressor housing (20) having an inlet (22), the compressor wheel (12) being rotatable within the compressor housing (20);

wherein the inlet (22) includes a proximal portion (22a) positioned proximate the compressor wheel (12) and including an inner periphery (22a') that is coaxial with an axis (12a) of the compressor wheel (12), and wherein the inlet (22) includes a first recess (30) that protrudes partially into the proximal portion (22a) and is rotationally asymmetric relative to the axis (12a).

2. The forced induction device of claim 1, wherein the first recess (30) does not entirely circumscribe the axis (12a).

3. The forced induction device of claim 2, wherein the first recess (30) has a circumferential length that is that is between 90 and 270 degrees about the axis (12a).

4. The forced induction device of claim 1, wherein the first recess (30) has a radial depth that varies along a circumferential length of the first recess (30).

5. The forced induction device of claim 4, wherein the first recess (30) is symmetric about a plane containing the axis (12a).

6. The forced induction device of claim 1, wherein the first recess (30) has a circumferential length and a radial depth that is less than 25% of the circumferential length.

7. The forced induction device of claim 6, wherein the first recess (30) has an axial length that is less than 25% of the circumferential length.

8. The forced induction device of claim 1, wherein the first recess (30) is defined by a peripheral surface (30e) having a constant radius over a majority of a circumferential length thereof.

9. The forced induction device of claim 8, wherein the peripheral surface (30e) of the first recess (30) includes a transition that is tangential to the constant radius of the peripheral surface (30e) and another radius of the inner periphery (22a') of the inlet (22).

10. The forced induction device of claim 1, wherein the inlet (22) further includes a second recess (30), wherein the first recess (30) and the second recess (30) are cooperatively rotationally asymmetric relative to the axis (12a).

11. The forced induction device of claim 10, wherein a plane extends through the first recess (30) and the second recess (30) and is perpendicular to the axis (12a).

12. The forced induction device of claim 11, wherein the first and second recess (30) are cooperatively rotationally asymmetric about the axis (12a) according to at least one of circumferential spacing, different sizes, or different shapes thereof.

13. The forced induction device of claim 11, wherein the first recess (30) has a first circumferential length Lc and the second recess (30) has a second circumferential length Lc, and a plane perpendicular to the axis (12a) passes through the first recess (30) over an entirety of the first circumferential length Lc and through the second recess (30) over another entirety of the second circumferential length Lc.

14. The forced induction device of claim 1, wherein the inlet (22) at least one of forms an offset air intake (40) or is coupled to an offset air intake (40).

15. The forced induction device of claim 1, wherein the first recess (30) does not entirely circumscribe the axis (12a) and has a circumferential length Lc that is between 90 and 270 degrees about the axis (12a);

wherein the first recess (30) has a radial depth that varies along the circumferential length Lc of the first recess (30) and is less than 25% of the circumferential length Lc , and has an axial length LA that is less than 25% of the circumferential length Lc ; and

wherein the inlet (22) at least one of forms an offset air intake (40) or is coupled to an offset air intake (40).