Vehicle Air Mixing Flap Structure for Smooth Cabin Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air thermal treatment devices in vehicles suffer from non-smooth temperature changes and temperature gradients across different areas of the passenger compartment, causing thermal discomfort for users.
Innovation Solution
A device with a mixing chamber and a movable mixing device featuring a main flap with deflection elements that change air flow from laminar to turbulent, ensuring better mixing of heated and cooled air, and an additional flap to direct air flow efficiently, reducing noise and pressure loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mixing flap is used to control air flow between hot and cold air ducts, then temperature regulation is improved, but the temperature change becomes non-smooth causing thermal discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing device is divided into multiple flaps (first flap, second flap, third flap) that can be independently controlled. Each flap manages a specific portion of the air flow, allowing for gradual and smooth temperature transitions by adjusting individual flap positions rather than relying on a single mixing flap.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing device uses multiple movable flaps that can dynamically adjust their positions to control air flow distribution. This dynamic adjustment capability enables smooth temperature changes by progressively modifying the mixing ratio of hot and cold air, eliminating the non-smooth transitions caused by single-flap systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If air is routed through separate heating and cooling ducts, then temperature control flexibility is improved, but temperature gradients occur between different areas of the passenger compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating and cooling air streams in a mixing chamber where hot air from the heating duct and cold air from the cooling duct are combined. This merging process, controlled by multiple flaps, ensures uniform temperature distribution throughout the passenger compartment by thoroughly mixing the air streams before distribution, eliminating temperature gradients between different areas.
3Device complexity
If traditional mixing devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but air mixing efficiency is insufficient leading to poor temperature uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single complex mixing mechanism, the patent segments the mixing function into multiple simpler flaps (first, second, and third flaps) that work together. Each flap handles a specific aspect of air flow control, achieving superior mixing efficiency while maintaining relative device simplicity and ease of manufacture.
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 solution provides smooth temperature adjustments and uniform air distribution across the passenger compartment, reducing thermal discomfort and noise while maintaining efficient performance.
Implementation Method 1
The deflection element comprises at least one front rib lying in a plane comprising the axis of rotation and at least one lateral rib extending one end of the front rib and lying in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The front rib obstructs the laminar flow of air on the upper face, thus causing a change in the type of air flow. The air flow thus changes from laminar to turbulent.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for thermal treatment of air for a vehicle, including a conveying duct, a heating duct and a mixing chamber. A mixing device is configured to be able to move between a first end position, which prevents air from circulating between the conveying duct and the mixing chamber, and a second end position, which prevents the air from circulating in the heating duct. The mixing device includes a main flap and a deflection element projecting from the main flap, the deflection element including at least one front rib and at least one lateral rib extending one end of the front rib.