Active Pressure Relief Valve for Vehicle Air Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure relief valve assemblies in vehicles rely on passive mechanisms that limit placement due to aerodynamics and require large blowers, leading to increased noise and size, which is undesirable for reducing door-closing effort and HVAC system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a supplemental blower with the air extractor valve creates an active vent system, allowing for increased airflow and reduced size, enabling placement flexibility and noise reduction by controlling the blower in conjunction with door opening and HVAC operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a passive pressure relief valve is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the airflow throughput is insufficient requiring larger HVAC blowers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a supplemental blower with the pressure relief valve assembly, integrating two functions (active air extraction and pressure relief) into a single unit. This merging enables the system to achieve high airflow throughput while maintaining a compact form factor, as the supplemental blower provides active airflow generation without requiring a separate large HVAC blower.
2Productivity
If a large main HVAC blower is used to overcome exterior pressures, then sufficient air extraction is ensured, but the noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air extraction function into two segments: the main HVAC blower handles climate control airflow, while a supplemental blower integrated with the pressure relief valve handles exterior pressure compensation. This segmentation allows the main blower to be smaller and quieter, as it doesn't need to overcome full exterior pressures alone.
3Ease of operation
If the air extractor valve size is increased to reduce door closing effort, then door closing ease is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical passive valve system with an active system that uses the supplemental blower to generate airflow. This substitution enables the valve to maintain a compact size while achieving sufficient airflow throughput to reduce door closing effort, as the blower actively creates the necessary pressure differential.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The active vent system enhances door closing ease, reduces blower size and noise, and maintains HVAC performance by increasing airflow efficiency and allowing for smaller, less noisy HVAC components.
Implementation Method 1
the air extractor valve opens in response to a higher pressure in the interior space than an outside pressure
Implementation Method 2
the air extractor valve opens in response to a higher pressure in the interior space than an outside pressure, and wherein the air extractor valve substantially blocks air flow from the outside to the interior space
Data Source
AI summary
A passenger vehicle comprises a passenger compartment with an interior space. An HVAC system conditions fresh air from outside the vehicle, wherein the HVAC system includes a main blower for delivering conditioned air to the interior space. An air extractor valve is fluidically coupled between the interior space and the outside, wherein the air extractor valve opens in response to a higher pressure in the interior space than an outside pressure. The air extractor valve substantially blocks air flow from the outside to the interior space. A supplemental blower is integrated with the air extractor valve for directing an exhaust flow from the interior to the outside, wherein the supplemental blower is activated as a function of the main blower. Alternatively, the supplemental blower is activated in response to a door being opened, enhancing the ability of the extractor to reduce door closing effort.