Vehicle Air Supply Cowl Segmentation for Precipitation Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air supply arrangements for vehicles struggle to prevent precipitation from entering the climate control system while maintaining a compact size and efficient airflow, which can lead to reduced system efficiency and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
The air supply arrangement splits the air stream into multiple portions, with the cowl redirecting the air to prevent precipitation from reaching the climate control system, and incorporates a drainage system to manage trapped precipitation, allowing for a compact design and reduced air speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cowl is used to prevent precipitation from entering the climate control system, then precipitation protection is improved, but air flow resistance increases causing a pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply arrangement is divided into multiple air inlets (first air inlet and second air inlet) positioned at different locations. The cowl is segmented to work with specific inlets while other inlets remain open, distributing the air supply function across multiple entry points rather than relying on a single blocked inlet.
Solution Approach 2:
Different air inlets are provided with different characteristics - some are equipped with cowls for precipitation protection while others are left open. This allows each inlet to have the specific quality (protected or open) appropriate for its location and function, optimizing both precipitation protection and air flow.
2Productivity
If the air supply arrangement is dimensioned large enough to allow sufficient air flow, then air supply capability is improved, but space requirements in the vehicle increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply function is segmented across multiple small air inlets distributed at different locations rather than using one large inlet. This distributes the air supply capability across several compact entry points, reducing the volume required for the air supply arrangement while maintaining sufficient total air flow capacity.
3Volume of moving object
If the air supply arrangement is made compact, then space requirements are reduced, but air flow capacity may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple air inlets are positioned at different locations around the vehicle, with each inlet contributing to the total air flow capacity. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high overall air flow capacity while maintaining a compact arrangement at each individual inlet location.
Solution Approach 2:
Air inlets are distributed in three-dimensional space at different locations rather than concentrating all air supply functions in one location. This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions allows compact individual components while achieving high total air flow capacity through the combined effect of multiple inlets.
4Use of energy by moving object
If air speed through the air supply arrangement is reduced, then energy consumption is lowered, but precipitation may be more easily carried into the system
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple air inlets are positioned at different locations, allowing low-speed air flow from each inlet to still contribute effectively to overall air supply. The segmented arrangement ensures that precipitation protection is maintained at each inlet while the cumulative effect of multiple inlets provides sufficient total air flow at low speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
Different air inlets have different characteristics (some protected with cowls, others open) suited to their local conditions. This allows each inlet to operate effectively at lower air speeds while maintaining appropriate precipitation protection, and the combined effect of multiple inlets ensures sufficient total air supply.
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
This solution effectively prevents precipitation from entering the climate control system, reduces energy consumption by lowering air speed, and maintains sufficient airflow, while allowing for a more compact and efficient air supply arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
The air stream passes above a cowl until it reaches the edge of the cowl, where the air stream changes direction by about 180 degrees when passing the edge
Implementation Method 2
the cowl creates a pressure drop for the air, which counteracts the air flow requirements for the climate control system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an air supply arrangement (3) for a vehicle (1). The air supply arrangement (3) comprising - a housing (15) comprising an air inlet (19) adapted to receive an air stream from outside of the vehicle (1) and an outlet (21) adapted to convey the air stream to a vehicle climate control system, and - a cowl (17, 17') provided within the housing (15), wherein the cowl (17, 17') is arranged such that the air stream is split into at least two air stream portions, whereof a first air stream portion (25) passes between the cowl (17, 17') and a top portion (55) of the housing (15), and a second air stream portion (27) passes below the cowl (17, 17'). The invention also relates to a vehicle (1) comprising such an air supply arrangement (3).