Air Deflector Heater Mounting for Low-Energy Cabin Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cabin air recirculation systems in vehicles face challenges such as fogging due to water vapor and increased carbon dioxide levels, leading to reduced vehicle range and driver fatigue, while being complex and difficult to assemble.
Innovation Solution
An integrated cabin air recirculation system with a simplified structure, featuring an air deflector with a heater mounting portion and adsorption cartridges that filter and adsorb water vapor and carbon dioxide, reducing sliding friction and power consumption, and incorporating a guide positioning rib and air guide grid for efficient airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the HVAC system operates in external circulation mode under maximum air volume conditions, then the air conditioning effect is improved, but the power consumption increases by 1-2 kW, reducing vehicle range by 10.9-17.9 km per hour
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the air circulation into two separate paths: external circulation path and internal recirculation path, allowing selective operation of each path based on driving conditions to optimize the balance between air conditioning effect and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between external circulation mode and internal recirculation mode based on real-time driving conditions, such as whether the air conditioner compressor is operating, to adaptively optimize power consumption while maintaining adequate air conditioning effect
2Use of energy by moving object
If the HVAC system operates in air recirculation mode, then the power consumption is greatly reduced, but water vapor emitted by passengers causes fogging on the glass
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the circulation mode based on real-time conditions: when the air conditioner compressor is operating, it uses internal recirculation to save energy; when the compressor is not operating, it switches to external circulation to prevent fogging, thus adaptively balancing energy savings with fogging prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the air conditioner compressor operation status to control the circulation mode selection, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically adjusts between recirculation and external circulation modes to prevent fogging while minimizing power consumption
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the defogging mode is continuously turned on to prevent fogging, then the fogging problem is solved, but the power consumption increases and reduces vehicle range
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between internal recirculation mode (when compressor is on) and external circulation mode (when compressor is off) to prevent fogging only when necessary, avoiding continuous operation of defogging systems and thus reducing unnecessary power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the air conditioner compressor's operation as a natural indicator to automatically select the appropriate circulation mode, eliminating the need for additional active defogging systems and their associated power consumption
4Ease of operation
If the cabin air recirculation system uses traditional complex pipe and line structures, then the air circulation function is achieved, but the system complexity increases and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the air deflector, heater mounting portion, adsorption cartridge, and airflow channels into a single integrated housing structure, merging multiple components that would traditionally require separate pipes and lines, thus simplifying the system structure and facilitating assembly while maintaining air circulation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the air deflector, provides heater mounting, houses the adsorption cartridge for CO2 removal, and contains the airflow channels, thereby eliminating the need for separate components and reducing system complexity
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 system effectively reduces fogging and carbon dioxide levels, enhancing air quality, conserving energy, and improving vehicle range by allowing continuous operation with reduced component complexity and easier assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an adsorption cartridge (8), disposed in the adsorption cartridge mounting groove (72)
Implementation Method 2
a first heater (10) and a second heater (152) respectively disposed in the first air passage (106) and the second air passage (107)
Data Source
AI summary
An air deflector for a cabin air recirculation system is provided, includes a heater mounting portion defining a heater mounting groove to guide and position a heater. The heater mounting portion includes a top wall, two vertical side walls extending along a heater installation direction on both sides of the heater mounting portion, and two ribs extending along the heater installation direction on both sides of the heater mounting portion. Each rib includes a first end portion being distal relative to the heater installation direction and extending horizontally along the heater installation direction, and a second end portion being proximal relative to the heater installation direction and extending horizontally along the heater installation direction.