Air-Conditioning Line Valve Using Electrostatic Fiber Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle air-conditioning line valves require external drive and actuation mechanisms, occupying additional installation space and not allowing for compact designs.

Innovation Solution

A compact air-conditioning line valve arrangement using an electrostatically charged fiber nonwoven mat within the air-conditioning line body, where the nonwoven fibers straighten to close the flow cross-section when charged and lay against the body when grounded, allowing for adjustable flow restriction without external actuators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external drive and actuation mechanisms are used to control the valve, then the valve can be actuated reliably, but additional installation space is occupied outside the air-conditioning line body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve actuation reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the actuation mechanism with the air-conditioning line body by integrating the electrostatic charge generator directly into the line body structure. The generator is positioned to face the fiber nonwoven from the inside, eliminating the need for external actuators and reducing installation space while maintaining reliable valve control through electrostatic forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation systems with an electrostatic field-based system. Instead of using motors, linkages, or external mechanical drivers, the invention uses electrostatically charged fibers that respond to electrical fields generated by the charge generator, thereby eliminating complex mechanical components and reducing space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Volume of stationary object

If a compact design is implemented within the air-conditioning line body, then installation space is reduced, but the complexity of achieving actuation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidactuation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with a simpler electrostatic field-based system. The electrostatic charge generator and fiber nonwoven combination provides a more straightforward implementation that achieves compact design without requiring complex mechanical linkages, motors, or external actuators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters from mechanical domain to electrical domain. By using electrostatic fields instead of mechanical forces, the system achieves compact design with reduced complexity, as electrical fields can be generated and controlled within the existing line body structure without adding mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables a compact, space-efficient air-conditioning line valve with adjustable flow resistance, reducing noise from fans and eliminating the need for external actuation systems, while allowing for precise control of airflow.

Implementation Method 1

The nonwoven fibers are fixed to the nonwoven mat at one end and configured to be electrostatically charged by the nonwoven mat. An electrical charge generator is electrically connected to the nonwoven mat and configured to electrostatically charge the fiber nonwoven, so that the electrostatically charged nonwoven fibers straighten toward a center of the air-conditioning line body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic charge: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS11498385B2Motor vehicle air-conditioning line valve arrangement

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

A motor vehicle air-conditioning line valve arrangement includes a line valve having an air-conditioning line body which is of substantially closed design in a transverse plane, and a fiber nonwoven arranged on an inside in the air-conditioning line body and having a nonwoven mat to which a large number of nonwoven fibers are fixed. The nonwoven fibers are fixed to the nonwoven mat at one end and configured to be electrostatically charged by the nonwoven mat. An electrical charge generator is electrically connected to the nonwoven mat and configured to electrostatically charge the fiber nonwoven, so that the electrostatically charged nonwoven fibers straighten toward a center of the air-conditioning line body in such a way that they close an open flow cross section of the air-conditioning line body.