Optimizing airflow for cabin comfort

Abstract

The examples disclosed relate to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for vehicles. [Solution] The device includes a suction HVAC unit having a plenum, a hot air pocket extraction duct connected to the plenum, and one or more suction ports connected to the hot air pocket extraction duct. The hot air pocket extraction duct is configured to draw hot air from hot air pockets in the vehicle into the plenum through the suction ports. The device may include dashboard and / or roof suction ports located in areas where hot air pockets are likely to form. Methods for using the device, manufacturing a vehicle having the device, and optimizing the HVAC system to control the environment in the vehicle cabin are also described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to vehicle air conditioning management systems and, in some examples, to systems and processes for enhancing passenger comfort by optimizing the air distribution within a cabin. More specifically, some examples provide methods and apparatuses that reduce temperature stratification by employing a suction mechanism that removes hot air pockets, thereby improving the uniformity of the thermal environment felt by vehicle occupants.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of vehicle air conditioning management systems, maintaining a comfortable cabin environment can pose several challenges due to changes in external weather conditions and the inherent design of the vehicle cabin. Solar radiation can significantly increase the cabin temperature, particularly in areas exposed to sunlight, resulting in a non-uniform temperature distribution within the cabin space. Conventional HVAC systems in vehicles attempt to counteract these effects by circulating cooled or heated air throughout the interior. However, the effectiveness of these systems can be impaired by the complex dynamics of air movement, including the mixing of airflows and the presence of heat loads from sunlight. This often results in varying levels of thermal comfort for passengers depending on their location within the vehicle. This problem is further complicated in larger vehicles or vehicles with unique interior designs, where it is necessary to manage air distribution over longer distances or around structural obstacles.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The examples disclosed herein seek to improve the comfort of vehicle occupants by addressing the problem of temperature stratification within the cabin. Temperature stratification refers to the phenomenon where different areas within the same enclosed space, such as a vehicle cabin, experience significantly different temperatures. This can cause discomfort to passengers as parts of the body may feel overly warm while other parts feel unpleasantly cold.

[0004] Some examples described utilize a combination of suction and pressure systems integrated into the vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to more effectively manage and distribute air within the cabin. By regulating how air moves within the cabin, these systems aim to create a more uniform and comfortable environment, reducing temperature differences felt by occupants. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One component of the disclosed technology is the HVAC system itself, which traditionally controls temperature by heating or cooling air and then distributing it throughout the cabin through a series of vents. The exemplary HVAC system disclosed herein operates in conjunction with strategically configured hot air pocket extraction ducts to maintain a desired temperature set by the occupants. Hot air pockets can be created in high cabin areas, such as the area below the windshield above the vehicle dashboard, or below the cabin roof or near the windows. Hot air pockets can be particularly problematic after prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat buildup within the vehicle cabin. In some examples, the hot air pocket extraction ducts are positioned above or inside the instrument panel (IP) and include one or more intake ports positioned in the area of ​​the hot air pocket, for example, on the top of the dashboard or within the cabin roof liner.

[0006] In some examples, the “hot pocket” region in the context of this disclosure may be defined as a localized area within a vehicle cabin that feels significantly hotter than the surrounding cabin environment due to solar radiation or heat accumulation. These regions may be characterized by forming in specific locations prone to heat accumulation, such as the area between the windshield and the dashboard, the area near the roof or under the glass top panel, and / or high cabin areas.

[0007] In some cases, a “high-temperature pocket” includes one or more of the following characteristics: containing a static pocket of hot air that can adversely affect the thermal comfort of occupants; contributing to temperature stratification within the vehicle cabin; typically forming after prolonged exposure to sunlight and containing temperatures significantly higher than the average cabin temperature, creating a distinct temperature gradient; resisting the uniform temperature distribution achieved by conventional HVAC systems; and / or potentially being drawn into cooler airflows, impairing the overall cooling efficiency of the HVAC system.

[0008] In addition to standard HVAC functions, some examples described incorporate suction mechanisms that specifically target the hottest areas within the cabin. As is often mentioned, these areas near windows, the roof, or the dashboard can become significantly warmer than other parts of the interior due to direct sunlight. The suction mechanism works by drawing in hot air from these areas, redirecting it towards the HVAC system for cooling, and then recirculating it into the cabin.

[0009] The integration of these components and their functions is managed, in some examples, through a control system that monitors various factors such as the temperature distribution inside the cabin, the external temperature, and the intensity of sunlight entering the vehicle. Sensors placed throughout the cabin provide real-time data that the control system uses to adjust the operation of the HVAC system, suction units, and other components as needed.

[0010] Some of the examples described also consider the energy efficiency of the system. By optimizing the use of suction and extraction, the techniques disclosed herein aim to reduce the need for the HVAC system to operate excessively hard, which can lead to reduced energy consumption and improved vehicle efficiency. In conventional systems that do not include the type of high-temperature air pocket suction mechanism described herein, the main alternative to maintaining a comfortable cabin environment is to increase the HVAC airflow to dissipate the temperature stratification, but increasing the airflow consumes more HVAC energy. Counterintuitively, in some examples herein, cabin comfort can be maintained without requiring a stronger airflow by expending more energy to deal with or cool the excess high-temperature areas of the cabin, and as a result, in some examples, this leads to savings in HVAC energy. This can be particularly beneficial in electric vehicles where energy efficiency is directly correlated with the vehicle's range of motion.

[0011] Furthermore, some of the examples described are designed to fit a variety of vehicle designs and sizes. Whether it is a compact car or a large SUV (e.g., a Cybertruck), the components disclosed herein can be configured to adapt to the specific needs of the vehicle's interior layout. This adaptability aims to ensure that the technological advantages can be realized across a wide range of vehicle types.

[0012] Accordingly, in some examples, the technologies described herein provide configurable yet practical methods for addressing the problem of temperature stratification within a vehicle cabin. By combining an innovative suction and extraction mechanism, controlled in some examples by an air conditioning management system, with a conventional HVAC system, the exemplary systems and methods aim to improve the comfort of all occupants by creating a more uniformly distributed thermal environment within the vehicle. This approach aims not only to improve occupant comfort but also to contribute to the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle, making it a useful addition to modern automotive systems. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] Throughout the drawings, reference numerals may be reused to indicate the correspondence of the referenced elements. The drawings are provided to illustrate, and not to limit, the scope of, the subject matter described herein.

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the interior of a vehicle cabin with a conventional HVAC system, using several examples.

[0015] [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the interior of a vehicle cabin with an HVAC system including a suction HVAC unit and a hot air pocket extractor, as shown in several examples.

[0016] [Figure 3A] This is a schematic diagram showing the components of a suction HVAC unit, with several examples.

[0017] [Figure 3B] This is a schematic diagram illustrating exemplary air circulation and distribution arrangements of suction HVAC units, using several examples.

[0018] [Figure 4] This schematic diagram illustrates an exemplary configuration of an HVAC system, including a suction HVAC unit positioned behind the vehicle's instrument panel, using several examples.

[0019] [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the interior of a large vehicle with a roof suction port, as illustrated by several examples.

[0020] [Figure 6] This graph shows, with several examples, the average temperature drop across the entire face of an occupant in a vehicle having an exemplary HVAC system of the present disclosure.

[0021] [Figure 7A] A graph showing exemplary fan speeds (RPM) for maintaining the indicated temperature range at ambient level according to some examples.

[0022] [Figure 7B] A graph showing exemplary fan speeds (RPM) for maintaining the indicated temperature range at cabin level according to some examples.

[0023] [Figure 8A] A graph showing exemplary average compressor power levels in watts (W) for maintaining the indicated temperature range at ambient level according to some examples.

[0024] [Figure 8B] A graph showing exemplary average compressor power levels in watts (W) for maintaining the indicated temperature range at cabin level according to some examples. The exemplary temperature ranges shown in the graphs of FIGS. 7A - 7B and FIGS. 8A - 8B were derived from an exemplary engineering fleet of electric vehicles.

[0025] [Figure 9] A flowchart showing a method for controlling the environment within a vehicle cabin according to some examples.

[0026] [Figure 10] A flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a vehicle having an air conditioning management system according to some examples.

[0027] [Figure 11] A flowchart showing a method for optimizing a vehicle HVAC system according to some examples.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0028] Referring to the schematic diagram in Figure 1, the interior of an exemplary vehicle cabin 102 of vehicle 104 is generally shown. Vehicle 104 sits on one or more wheels 140 and may include a chassis (not shown) and / or a shell or exoskeleton 138. Vehicle 104 includes a glass windshield 106, a steering wheel 108, a driver's seat 112, and an array of instruments or display panels positioned within the instrument panel 110, generally shown in a plane generally perpendicular to the instrument panel 110. The instrument panel may include a display screen 418. As shown in the schematic example illustrated, a generally horizontal dashboard 114 is located above the instrument panel 110 and positioned below the windshield 106. Other vehicle components and arrangements are also possible.

[0029] On clear days, sunlight 118 enters the vehicle cabin 102 through the glass windshield 106. A strong temperature gradient is formed inside the vehicle cabin 102, which can adversely affect the thermal comfort of the occupants. Sometimes, this adverse thermal effect can be very strong, creating an environment that is clearly uncomfortable for the occupants. Static pockets of very hot air (such as hot air pockets 122) can form, for example, in the area between the windshield 106 and the dashboard 114. Hot air pockets can also form in other areas, such as above the windshield 106 and / or directly below the vehicle roof (see, for example, Figure 5).

[0030] While the solar load can be counteracted when cold air 120, sourced from a conventional ducted HVAC unit 124, is blown into the vehicle cabin 102 through one or more HVAC vents 130 in the vehicle dashboard 114, this flow of cold air 120 can exacerbate the temperature gradient. For example, hot air 128 sourced from a hot air pocket 122 may become trapped in the entrainment 142 by the jet of cold air 120 blown out from the HVAC vents 130, impairing the HVAC unit 124's ability to cool the occupants. This cooling capacity may remain significantly impaired despite the ability of some HVAC systems to recirculate relatively cold cabin air (e.g., in cabin air recirculation 136) to the recirculation inlet 132 of the HVAC unit 124 instead of drawing in relatively warm air from outside the vehicle 104.

[0031] On the other hand, referring to Figure 2, some examples of HVAC systems 208 (also known as air conditioning management systems) in this specification attempt to provide solutions to the problems described above. These examples generally attempt to mitigate the formation of temperature gradients by purging the hottest air pockets in the cabin through suction pressure at the HVAC unit intake or positive pressure from the use of an air extractor. By reducing the source of the hottest air, the uniformity of the air space around the occupants can be improved, resulting in a more comfortable thermal environment.

[0032] For example, in this regard, the suction HVAC unit 224 of the illustrated HVAC system 208 is provided with a hot air pocket extraction duct 202. In the illustrated example, the hot air pocket extraction duct 202 is connected at its distal end to a recirculation inlet 132 of the suction HVAC unit 224 (relative to the air suction flow within the hot air pocket extraction duct 202) and at its proximal end to one or more dashboard suction ports 204 located on the upper surface of the dashboard 114 of the vehicle 104. At least the suction HVAC unit 224, one or more hot air pocket extraction ducts 202, and one or more dashboard suction ports 204 form part of the HVAC apparatus for the HVAC system 208 in some examples. The HVAC system 208 and the HVAC apparatus may include further or other components as described herein.

[0033] One or more dashboard suction ports 204 are provided directly or adjacent to the area of ​​the hot air pocket 122, drawing hot air from the hot air pocket 122 directly into the suction HVAC unit 224. This suction is generally indicated by the arrow of the suction airflow 226. The suction pressure to create the suction airflow 226 can be generated by the suction HVAC unit 224 and / or the blower 228. Other arrangements are also possible. Instead of entering the already hot vehicle cabin 102 as would occur in the conventional systems described above, the significantly hot air present in the hot air pocket 122 is instead drawn directly into the suction HVAC unit 224 for processing. In addition, this reverse or alternating direction of the hot pocket air avoids, or at least minimizes, the generation of the hot air entrainment flow with the aforementioned adverse effect.

[0034] Some of the cool air 120 may be directed conventionally towards the occupants in conjunction with possible cabin air recirculation 136, as shown, for example, but the illustrated HVAC system 208 draws in hot air from hot areas (such as hot air pockets 122) and redirects it directly towards a suction HVAC unit 224 to cool it before it is recirculated or blown back into the vehicle cabin 102.

[0035] In some examples, the air drawn in by the dashboard intake 204 supplements the air drawn in from the vehicle cabin 102 by the cabin air recirculation 136 and enters together with the recirculation inlet 132 of the intake HVAC unit 224. Other configurations are also possible, and more specific examples are described here.

[0036] Herein, with reference to Figure 3A, some exemplary components of the suction HVAC unit 224 are described. The suction HVAC unit 224 includes a main plenum or central plenum 312. The plenum 312 may contain or house one or more internal components, or may be connected to other components of the suction HVAC unit 224 or the HVAC system 208. For clarity, some of these components (e.g., blowers, valves, compressors, coils, etc.) are not shown in the accompanying drawings, but for the purposes of this matter, the plenum 312 may contain, or may be connected to, an internal or external circulation fan (e.g., blower 228 in Figure 2, or blower 336 in Figure 3B) for driving the air entering and leaving the suction HVAC unit 224. The plenum 312 may also include, or be connected to, one or more heating coils or cooling coils and / or HVAC compressors for heating or cooling the air within the plenum 312 and distributing it to areas of the vehicle cabin 102, as will be fully described below.

[0037] In some examples, the suction HVAC unit 224 includes one or more air inlets and outlets, such as an air outlet 314 and / or an air inlet 316, for drawing fresh air 362 into the plenum 312. Other arrangements of air inlets and outlets are also possible. In some examples, the suction HVAC unit 224 further includes a recirculation inlet 132 that can receive air drawn in from one or more recirculation or resupply sources, such as the cabin air recirculation 136 in Figure 2. In addition or alternatively, one or more recirculation or resupply sources may include, for example, the area behind the instrument panel 110, or the area outside the instrument panel 110 but inside the vehicle cabin 102, or the area outside the vehicle 104 (e.g., outside air), or an area defined by a high-temperature air pocket 122 and supplied to the recirculation inlet 132 via a high-temperature air pocket extraction duct 202. The high-temperature air pocket extraction duct 202 and the dashboard suction inlet 204 are described in more detail below. Other recirculation or resupply sources are also possible.

[0038] In Figure 3A, the plenum 312 is connected to the first end 370 of the high-temperature air pocket extraction duct 202 by a connector 368, as shown. The high-temperature air pocket extraction duct 202 is connected at its second end 372 to one or more dashboard suction ports 204. In the illustrated example, two dashboard suction ports 204 are shown. Other arrangements or configurations of suction ports are possible. The dashboard suction ports 204 are mounted on the dashboard 114 of the vehicle 104 to draw in high-temperature air 128, for example, as shown in Figure 2 above or in Figure 4, which is further described below. In other examples, the high-temperature air pocket extraction duct 202 may be connected in addition or alternatively to one or more roof suction ports 502, for example, as shown in Figure 5. Further suction ports and / or other suction ports may be provided in other identified high-temperature air pocket areas of the vehicle cabin 102.

[0039] In some examples, the suction HVAC unit 224 and / or plenum 312 may include internal valves configured and / or controlled to guide the air received and / or supplied through one or more of the hot air pocket extraction duct 202, the dashboard suction port 204, the recirculation inlet 132, the first air outlet 314, and the second air outlet 316. However, exemplary air circulation and distribution arrangements are provided schematically in Figure 3B for illustrative purposes only. Other arrangements are also possible.

[0040] In the exemplary air circulation and distribution arrangement of Figure 3B, the HVAC fan 336 is operated manually or, in some cases, automatically by a vehicle air conditioning management system such as the HVAC system 208. The HVAC fan 336 may operate in conjunction with another fan or circulating fan, such as the fan 228 in Figure 2. The suction pressure created by the HVAC fan 336 (and / or fan 228) causes at least two airflows to enter the suction HVAC unit 224.

[0041] In the first airflow, recirculated air 136 from inside the vehicle cabin 102 (and / or resupplied fresh air 362 drawn in from outside the vehicle 104), as shown in, for example, cabin air recirculation 136, enters the plenum 312 of the suction HVAC unit 224. In the second airflow, hot air 128 from a hot air pocket 122 (e.g., Figure 1) is drawn into the dashboard intake 204 and enters the suction HVAC unit 224 for cooling through the hot air pocket extraction duct 202. The hot air 128 from the hot air pocket 122 enters the plenum 312, where it may be combined with (or not combined in some examples) recirculated air (e.g., cabin air recirculation 136 entering from the recirculation inlet 132) and / or resupplied air (e.g., fresh air 362 entering from the air inlet 316).

[0042] The combined (or separate) airflows 363 pass through one or more filters (e.g., filter 338) and are biased by an HVAC blower 336 through the region of a heating or cooling coil 346 of a suction HVAC unit 224, which is adjusted accordingly. The region of the heating or cooling coil 346 may be located, for example, between the HVAC blower 336 and an airtight cabin boundary 340 provided between the inside and outside of the vehicle cabin 102. In some examples, a recirculation inlet 132 is located in the cabin boundary 340. The regulated air 374 flows from the heating or cooling coil 346 to the cabin boundary 340, where it may be distributed into the vehicle cabin 102 through one or more vents. For example, a series of air induction valves 348 can be manually or automatically activated to direct conditioned air 374 (cooled or heated) to one or more dashboard vents 350 (for example, to defrost the windshield 106), or one or more instrument panel vents 352 (directed towards the occupant's face or torso), and one or more footwell vents 354 (directed towards the occupant's feet).

[0043] Figure 4 shows an exemplary configuration of an HVAC system 208, including a suction HVAC unit 224 positioned behind the instrument panel 110 of a vehicle 104. The instrument panel 110 may be provided in association with one or more display screens 418. The suction HVAC unit 224 includes, as shown, or is connected to the lower end (e.g., a first end 370, Figure 3A) of a hot air pocket extraction duct 202. At its upper end (e.g., a second end 372, Figure 3A), the hot air pocket extraction duct 202 is connected to one or more dashboard suction ports 204 positioned within the dashboard 114 of the vehicle 104. In some examples, the dashboard suction ports 204 are positioned within a frame 420. Some interconnection ducts between the upper end of the hot air pocket extraction duct 202 and the dashboard suction ports 204 are not shown for clarity.

[0044] For example, the suction HVAC unit 224 may include an actuator 410 located at the upper end of the hot air pocket extraction duct 202 to manually or automatically open and close the dashboard suction port 204 in response to a signal received from an air conditioning management system such as an HVAC system 208. A seal 412 provided in the frame 420 may help seal the frame 420 and / or the dashboard suction port 204 against the windshield 106 and / or cabin boundary 340. The frame 420 positions the dashboard suction port 204 within the dashboard 114. In some examples, the seal 412 may help define at least a portion of the internal / external cabin boundary 340 described above.

[0045] In some examples, an existing or conventional HVAC unit 124 within a vehicle 104 is retrofitted with one or more hot air pocket extraction ducts 202 and / or one or more dashboard suction ports 204 to provide the airflow optimization and cooling benefits described herein. In some further exemplary cases, for example, one or more dashboard vents 350 typically used for defrosting a windshield 106 may be repurposed and operated in reverse to function as dashboard suction ports 204, and conventional defrosting ducts may also be operated in reverse to purge hot air 128 from hot air pockets 122 and send it to a suction HVAC unit 224 or a modified HVAC unit 124 for cooling, filtering, and / or further adjustment.

[0046] Figure 5 shows the interior of a relatively large vehicle 104. The vehicle 104 has a large windshield 106 and one or more transparent or see-through glass top panels 508, which can cause significant temperature stratification problems. Stagnant hot air 128 can accumulate in hot air pockets 122 near the roof or glass top panels 508, and may become trapped by strong jets of cold air 120, for example, as shown in the entrainment 142. To address this problem, in this example, one or more roof suction ports 502 are provided to purge the hot air pockets 122 near the roof. The roof suction ports 502 may operate in a similar manner to the dashboard suction ports 204 described above. In other words, instead of drawing the hot air 128 deeper into the already hot vehicle cabin 102, as happens in conventional systems, the hot air 128 present in the hot air pocket 122 under the roof or glass top panel 508 is instead drawn directly into the suction HVAC unit 224 (or a modified HVAC unit 124) for processing.

[0047] In addition, this reverse or alternating direction of the hot air 128 avoids or at least mitigates the generation of the hot air entrainment flow with the adverse effect described above. In some examples, the roof intake 502 is provided in the headliner trim in addition to one or more dashboard intakes 204 provided in the dashboard 114 to create or improve occupant comfort bubbles, as further described below, for example. Further exemplary applications of the disclosed HVAC system 208 include, for example, cooling of passengers or luggage racks around seats such as the driver's seat 112 and purging of hot air pockets 122.

[0048] Figure 6 shows the average temperature drop across the entire face of an occupant 604 seated in a vehicle 104 equipped with the HVAC system 208 of this example (including the suction HVAC unit 224). As shown, an exemplary temperature drop (or gradient) of 12 degrees Celsius was evaluated across the hair, eye, chin, and collar levels of the occupant 604. The respective temperature values ​​at these levels for the vehicle 104 with the suction HVAC unit 224 of this disclosure, compared to a vehicle 104 with only a conventional HVAC unit 124, are provided in temperature graph 606.

[0049] When comparing the indicated temperature range provided by the conventional HVAC unit 124 (i.e., 25 to 46 degrees Celsius) with the temperature range of the suction HVAC unit 224 (i.e., 21 to 33 degrees Celsius), it should be noted that the cabin temperature provided by the HVAC system 208 (with the suction HVAC unit 224) is not only generally lower but also more uniform. Thus, temperature stratification is significantly resolved.

[0050] In some examples, the comfort bubble of an occupant in a vehicle equipped with a conventional HVAC unit 124 is relatively small and perceptually warm compared to the larger and perceptually cooler comfort bubble 608 of an occupant 604 seated in a vehicle 104 equipped with the type of HVAC system 208 and suction HVAC unit 224 described herein in Figure 6.

[0051] Figures 7A and 7B show graphs illustrating the fan speeds (RPM) required to maintain the indicated cabin temperature range for an HVAC fan (such as the HVAC fan 336 described above) in a vehicle 104 equipped with a conventional HVAC unit 124, compared to a vehicle 104 with the suction HVAC unit 224 described herein, at ambient level (Figure 7A) and cabin level (Figure 7B). It can be seen that the fan speed of the suction HVAC unit 224 is considerably lower.

[0052] Similarly, for the same evaluation level, Figures 8A and 8B show graphs illustrating the compressor power levels (W) required to maintain the indicated cabin temperature range for each HVAC compressor (such as the HVAC compressor described above) when the cabin probe level (Figure 8B) of a vehicle 104 equipped with a conventional HVAC unit 124 is evaluated at ambient level (Figure 8A) compared to a vehicle 104 with a suction HVAC unit 224 described herein. It can be seen that the average power level of the compressor in the suction HVAC unit 224 is considerably lower.

[0053] Some examples herein include methods for controlling the environment within a vehicle cabin, for example, the vehicle cabin 102 of the vehicle 104 described above. Referring here to Figure 9, an exemplary method 900 for controlling the environment within a vehicle cabin is described. In operation 902, method 900 operates a suction HVAC unit 224 to create suction pressure. In operation 904, method 900 draws hot air from a hot air pocket in the vehicle cabin through one or more suction ports connected to a hot air pocket extraction duct. In operation 906, method 900 cools the hot air drawn into the suction HVAC unit. In operation 908, method 900 distributes the cooled air back into the vehicle cabin.

[0054] Method 900 may also include one or more intakes comprising at least one dashboard intake configured to be mounted on the dashboard of a vehicle cabin. The Method may also include one or more intakes comprising at least one roof intake configured to be mounted on the roof of a vehicle cabin. The Method may also include detecting the temperature inside the vehicle cabin and activating an intake HVAC unit based on the detected temperature. The Method may also include selectively opening and closing one or more intakes based on the detected temperature inside the vehicle cabin. The Method may also include selectively switching between drawing in air through a high-temperature air pocket extraction duct and blowing out air through a high-temperature air pocket extraction duct to remove frost from the windshield of the vehicle cabin. Other technical features may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following drawings, description and claims.

[0055] Referring here to Figure 10, an exemplary method 1000 for manufacturing a vehicle having an air conditioning management system is described. In operation 1002, method 1000 installs a suction HVAC device in the vehicle, the suction HVAC device comprising a suction HVAC unit 224 including at least a plenum, a recirculation inlet connected to the plenum, a hot air pocket extraction duct connected to the plenum, and one or more suction ports connected to the hot air pocket extraction duct. In operation 1004, method 1000 positions one or more suction ports in areas of the vehicle cabin where hot air pockets are likely to form. In operation 1006, method 1000 connects the suction HVAC unit to a vehicle air conditioning management system. In operation 1008, method 1000 configures the vehicle air conditioning management system to selectively operate the suction HVAC unit to draw hot air from hot air pockets through one or more suction ports.

[0056] Method 1000 may also include providing at least one dashboard suction port in the area between the vehicle's windshield and dashboard, and providing at least one roof suction port in the area of ​​the vehicle's roof. The method may also include providing a valve configured to selectively connect a hot air pocket extraction duct to either the inlet or outlet of a suction HVAC unit, thereby allowing the hot air pocket extraction duct to be used for both hot air extraction and windshield defrosting. Other technical features may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following drawings, description, and claims.

[0057] Referring here to Figure 11, an exemplary method 1100 for optimizing a vehicle HVAC system is described. In operation 1102, method 1100 identifies areas within the vehicle cabin where hot air pockets are likely to form. In operation 1104, method 1100 installs hot air pocket extraction ducts and suction port configurations to target the identified areas. In operation 1106, method 1100 integrates the hot air pocket extraction ducts and suction port configurations installed in the suction HVAC unit. In operation 1108, method 1100 tests the integrated system to measure the temperature gradient within the vehicle cabin. In operation 1110, method 1100 adjusts the suction HVAC unit configuration based on the measured temperature gradient to maximize thermal comfort and minimize energy consumption.

[0058] example

[0059] Some examples may include one or more of the following embodiments.

[0060] Example 1 includes a vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system comprising: a suction HVAC unit with a plenum; a hot air pocket extraction duct connected to the plenum; and one or more suction ports connected to the hot air pocket extraction duct, the hot air pocket extraction duct having one or more suction ports configured to draw hot air from hot air pockets in the vehicle into the plenum through one or more suction ports.

[0061] Example 2 includes the HVAC device described in Example 1, wherein one or more suction ports include at least one dashboard suction port configured to be mounted on the dashboard of a vehicle.

[0062] Example 3 includes the HVAC device described in Example 1 or Example 2, wherein one or more suction ports include at least one roof suction port configured to be mounted on the roof of a vehicle.

[0063] Example 4 includes the HVAC apparatus described in any one of Examples 1 to 3, further comprising a recirculation inlet connected to a plenum.

[0064] Example 5 includes the HVAC apparatus described in Example 4, further comprising a circulating fan located within the plenum and configured to create suction pressure for drawing air through a recirculation inlet and a hot air pocket extraction duct.

[0065] Example 6 includes the HVAC apparatus described in any one of Examples 1 to 5, further comprising one or more heating or cooling coils located within the plenum.

[0066] Example 7 includes the HVAC apparatus described in any one of Examples 1 to 6, further comprising an actuator configured to selectively open and close one or more suction ports.

[0067] Example 8 includes a vehicle HVAC system comprising: an HVAC device including a suction HVAC unit with a plenum; a hot air pocket extraction duct connected to the plenum; and one or more suction ports connected to the hot air pocket extraction duct, the hot air pocket extraction duct being configured to draw hot air from hot air pockets in the vehicle into the plenum through the one or more suction ports; and one or more air outlets connected to the plenum; and one or more air induction valves configured to selectively guide regulated air from the plenum to one or more air outlets.

[0068] Example 9 includes the vehicle HVAC system described in Example 8, wherein one or more suction ports include at least one dashboard suction port configured to be mounted on the vehicle's dashboard.

[0069] Example 10 includes the vehicle HVAC system described in Example 8 or Example 9, wherein one or more air intakes include at least one roof air intake configured to be mounted on the roof of the vehicle.

[0070] Example 11 includes a vehicle HVAC system according to any one of Examples 8 to 10, wherein one or more air outlets comprise at least one of one or more dashboard vents, one or more instrument panel vents, and one or more footwell vents.

[0071] Example 12 includes the vehicle HVAC system described in any one of Examples 8 to 11, further comprising a valve configured to selectively connect a hot air pocket extraction duct to either the inlet or outlet of a suction HVAC unit.

[0072] Example 13 includes a vehicle HVAC system comprising a cabin, a dashboard, a windshield, a suction HVAC unit having a plenum, a hot air pocket extraction duct connected to the plenum, and one or more suction ports located in the region between the windshield and the dashboard and connected to the hot air pocket extraction duct, the hot air pocket extraction duct comprising one or more suction ports configured to draw hot air from a hot air pocket in the region through one or more suction ports in the plenum, one or more air outlets connected to the plenum, and one or more air induction valves configured to selectively guide regulated air from the plenum to one or more air outlets.

[0073] Example 14 includes the vehicle according to Example 13, further comprising a roof including one or more glass panels, the roof further comprising one or more suction ports, at least one roof suction port located adjacent to one or more glass panels.

[0074] Example 15 is a method for controlling the environment inside a vehicle cabin, which includes: operating a suction HVAC unit to create suction pressure; drawing hot air from a hot air pocket inside the vehicle cabin through one or more suction ports connected to a hot air pocket extraction duct; cooling the hot air drawn into the suction HVAC unit; and distributing the cooled air back into the vehicle cabin.

[0075] Example 16 includes the method of Example 15, wherein one or more suction ports include at least one dashboard suction port configured to be mounted on the dashboard of a vehicle cabin.

[0076] Example 17 includes the method of Example 14 or Example 15, wherein one or more suction ports include at least one roof suction port configured to be mounted on the roof of the vehicle cabin.

[0077] Example 18 is,

[0078] The method described in any one of Examples 15 to 17 further includes detecting the temperature inside the vehicle cabin and activating a suction HVAC unit based on the detected temperature.

[0079] Example 19 includes the method of any one of Examples 15 to 18, further comprising selectively opening and closing one or more suction ports based on the temperature detected inside the vehicle cabin.

[0080] Example 20 includes the method of any one of Examples 15 to 19, further comprising selectively switching between drawing in air through a high-temperature air pocket extraction duct and blowing air out through a high-temperature air pocket extraction duct in order to remove frost from the windshield of the vehicle cabin.

[0081] Example 21 is a method for manufacturing a vehicle having an air conditioning management system, comprising: installing a suction HVAC device in the vehicle, the suction HVAC device comprising a suction HVAC unit including a plenum, a recirculation inlet connected to the plenum, a hot air pocket extraction duct connected to the plenum, and one or more suction ports connected to the hot air pocket extraction duct; positioning one or more suction ports in areas of the vehicle cabin where hot air pockets are likely to form; connecting the suction HVAC unit to a vehicle environmental control system; and configuring the vehicle environmental control system to selectively operate the suction HVAC unit to draw hot air from hot air pockets through one or more suction ports.

[0082] Example 22 further includes the method of Example 21, further comprising providing at least one dashboard suction port in the area between the windshield and the vehicle's dashboard, and providing at least one roof suction port in the area of ​​the vehicle's roof.

[0083] Example 23 further includes the method according to Example 20 or Example 21, which includes installing a valve configured to selectively connect the hot air pocket extraction duct to either the inlet or outlet of a suction HVAC unit, thereby allowing the hot air pocket extraction duct to be used for both hot air extraction and windshield defrosting.

[0084] Example 24 includes a method for optimizing a vehicle HVAC system, which includes identifying areas within a vehicle cabin where hot air pockets are likely to form; installing hot air pocket extraction ducts and suction port configurations to target the identified areas; integrating the hot air pocket extraction ducts and suction port configurations installed in a suction HVAC unit; testing the integrated system to measure the temperature gradient within the vehicle cabin; and adjusting the suction HVAC unit configuration based on the measured temperature gradient to maximize thermal comfort and minimize energy consumption.

[0085] It should be noted that the above descriptions and figures, along with the examples described herein, merely illustrate the principles of this subject matter and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter. Therefore, it should be understood that various configurations embodying the principles of this subject matter may be devised, even if not explicitly described or shown herein. Furthermore, all descriptions herein listing the principles, embodiments, and implementations of this subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass their equivalents.

[0086] The methods described herein may be shown as sequential processes, but many of the operations can be performed in parallel or simultaneously. In addition, the order of operations can be rearranged. A process terminates when its operation is complete. A process can correspond to a method, procedure, algorithm, etc. The operation of a method may be performed in whole or in part, in conjunction with some or all of the operation of other methods, or by any number of different systems, such as the systems described herein, or any part thereof, such as a processor, contained in any of those systems.

[0087] Unless otherwise specified or understood in the context in which they are used, conditional language such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may” is generally used to suggest that some embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while others do not. Accordingly, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in some form for an embodiment, nor is it intended to imply that an embodiment necessarily includes logic for determining whether these features, elements, and / or steps should be included in or performed in any particular embodiment, with or without user input or input request.

[0088] Disjunctive phrases such as "at least one of X, Y, or Z" are generally understood, unless otherwise specified, to be used from the context to indicate that an item, term, etc., could be any one of X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z). Therefore, such disjunctive phrases are generally not intended, nor should they be intended, to imply that some embodiments require the presence of at least one X, at least one Y, or at least one Z, respectively.

[0089] It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications can be made to the above examples, and that the elements thereof are to be understood to be found in other acceptable embodiments. All such modifications and variations are intended to be incorporated herein within the scope of this disclosure.

[0090] Unless otherwise specified, articles such as "a" or "an" should generally be interpreted as including one or more described items. Therefore, phrases such as "devices configured to..." are intended to include one or more enumerated devices. Such enumerated devices may also be collectively configured to perform the stated enumeration. For example, "processors configured to perform enumerations A, B, and C" could include a first processor configured to perform enumeration A, working in conjunction with a second processor configured to perform enumerations B and C.

[0091] It will also be understood that one or more of the elements shown in the drawings / figures may be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner to be useful for a particular application, or may be removed or rendered as non-functional in certain cases. The above is a detailed description of some examples of the subject matter of the present invention, but various alternative forms, modifications, and equivalents may be used. Accordingly, the above description should not be considered to limit the scope of the subject matter of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A suction HVAC unit equipped with a plenum, A high-temperature air pocket extraction duct connected to the plenum, One or more suction ports connected to the high-temperature air pocket extraction duct, the high-temperature air pocket extraction duct is configured to draw high-temperature air from the high-temperature air pocket inside the vehicle into the plenum through the one or more suction ports, A vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system equipped with the following features.

2. The HVAC device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more suction ports include at least one dashboard suction port configured to be attached to the dashboard of the vehicle.

3. The HVAC device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more suction ports include at least one roof suction port configured to be attached to the roof of the vehicle.

4. The HVAC apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a recirculation inlet connected to the plenum.

5. The HVAC apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a circulation fan located within the plenum and configured to generate suction pressure for drawing air through the recirculation inlet and the hot air pocket extraction duct.

6. The HVAC apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising one or more heating coils or cooling coils disposed within the plenum.

7. The HVAC apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an actuator configured to selectively open and close one or more suction ports.

8. An HVAC device, wherein the HVAC device is A suction HVAC unit equipped with a plenum, A high-temperature air pocket extraction duct connected to the plenum, An HVAC device comprising: one or more suction ports connected to the high-temperature air pocket extraction duct, the high-temperature air pocket extraction duct having one or more suction ports configured to draw high-temperature air from high-temperature air pockets in the vehicle into the plenum through the one or more suction ports; One or more air outlets connected to the plenum, One or more air guide valves configured to selectively guide regulated air from the plenum to one or more air outlets, A vehicle HVAC system equipped with this system.

9. The vehicle HVAC system according to claim 8, wherein the one or more suction ports include at least one dashboard suction port configured to be attached to the dashboard of the vehicle, or at least one roof suction port configured to be attached to the roof of the vehicle.

10. The one or more air outlets mentioned above are One or more dashboard vents, One or more instrument panel vents, and One or more foot space vents, The vehicle HVAC system according to claim 9, comprising at least one of the following.

11. The vehicle HVAC system according to claim 9, further comprising a valve configured to selectively connect the high-temperature air pocket extraction duct to either the inlet or outlet of the suction HVAC unit.

12. The cabin and Dashboard and The windshield and, The vehicle is equipped with a vehicle HVAC system, and the vehicle HVAC system is A suction HVAC unit equipped with a plenum, A high-temperature air pocket extraction duct connected to the plenum, One or more suction ports located in the region between the windshield and the dashboard and connected to the high-temperature air pocket extraction duct, wherein the high-temperature air pocket extraction duct is configured to draw in high-temperature air from the high-temperature air pocket in the region through the one or more suction ports in the plenum, One or more air outlets connected to the plenum, A vehicle comprising one or more air guide valves configured to selectively guide regulated air from the plenum to one or more air outlets.

13. A method for controlling the environment inside a vehicle cabin, The steps include: activating the suction HVAC unit to generate suction pressure, The steps include drawing in hot air from the hot air pocket inside the vehicle cabin through one or more suction ports connected to a hot air pocket extraction duct, The steps include: cooling the high-temperature air drawn into the suction HVAC unit; The steps include distributing the cooled air so as to return it to the vehicle cabin, Methods that include...

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the one or more suction ports include at least one dashboard suction port configured to be attached to the dashboard of the vehicle cabin.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the one or more suction ports include at least one roof suction port configured to be attached to the roof of the vehicle cabin.

16. The steps include detecting the temperature inside the vehicle cabin, The steps include activating the suction HVAC unit based on the detected temperature, The method according to claim 13, further comprising:

17. A method for manufacturing a vehicle having an air conditioning management system, A step of installing a suction HVAC device inside the vehicle, wherein the suction HVAC device is A suction HVAC unit including a plenum, The recirculation inlet connected to the plenum, A high-temperature air pocket extraction duct connected to the plenum, A step comprising one or more suction ports connected to the aforementioned high-temperature air pocket extraction duct, The steps include positioning one or more suction ports in a region where high-temperature air pockets are likely to form inside the vehicle cabin, The steps include connecting the aforementioned suction HVAC unit to the vehicle environment control system, The steps of configuring the vehicle environment control system to selectively operate the suction HVAC unit to draw in hot air from a hot air pocket through one or more suction ports, Methods that include...

18. The steps include installing at least one dashboard suction port in the area between the windshield and the vehicle's dashboard, The steps include installing at least one roof suction port in the roof area of ​​the vehicle, The method of claim 17, further comprising:

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of installing a valve configured to selectively connect the high-temperature air pocket extraction duct to either the inlet or outlet of the suction HVAC unit, wherein the installation of the valve allows the high-temperature air pocket extraction duct to be used for both high-temperature air extraction and windshield defrosting.

20. A step of identifying areas within the vehicle cabin where high-temperature air pockets are likely to form, The steps include installing a high-temperature air pocket extraction duct and suction port configuration to target the identified region, The steps include: integrating the high-temperature air pocket extraction duct and the suction port configuration installed in the suction HVAC unit; The steps include testing the integrated system to measure the temperature gradient inside the vehicle cabin, The steps include adjusting the suction HVAC unit configuration based on the measured temperature gradient in order to maximize thermal comfort and minimize energy consumption, A method for optimizing a vehicle HVAC system, including [the following].

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