Axial-flow blower modules for roof-mounted air conditioning condenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing axial-flow blower arrangements in vehicle roof-mounted air conditioning installations are cumbersome, heavy, and costly due to numerous components required for mounting, leading to reduced air flow and heat transfer efficiency, with a high structural height and complex mounting procedures.
Innovation Solution
The axial-flow blower air box is replaced by multiple blower modules with box-shaped hoods that directly adjoin the condenser, allowing air to flow through the condenser uniformly, reducing the need for additional components and enhancing air flow adaptation to the condenser's elongated area, thus improving performance and reducing weight and production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a single large axial-flow blower air box is used to cover the entire condenser area, then the structural height can be reduced, but the air flow uniformity across the condenser surface deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single large blower air box is divided into multiple smaller blower modules, each covering a specific section of the condenser. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for uniform air flow distribution across its local area while maintaining a low overall structural height when modules are arranged in a matrix pattern.
2Strength
If multiple carrier elements are used to connect evaporator units and support the condenser, then the structural strength is improved, but the device complexity and mounting time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blower modules are designed to directly connect and support the condenser sections, merging the functions of air movement, structural support, and component mounting into integrated units. This eliminates the need for separate carrier elements and reduces the overall number of components required.
Solution Approach 2:
The blower modules serve multiple functions simultaneously: they move air across the condenser, provide structural support for the condenser sections, and act as mounting platforms for other components. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count while maintaining structural integrity.
3Area of stationary object
If the axial-flow blower air box is made large to cover the entire condenser, then the air flow coverage is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The large air box is segmented into multiple smaller, standardized blower modules that can be manufactured using conventional off-tool processes. Each module covers a specific portion of the condenser, and the modular design allows for easier fabrication, assembly, and maintenance compared to a single large custom-molded air box.
4Length of stationary object
If the free flow cross-section under the condenser is reduced to lower structural height, then the vehicle integration is improved, but the air flow amount and heat transfer efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying solely on vertical space (single dimension), the blower modules are arranged in a matrix pattern across the horizontal plane (two dimensions). This dimensional transition allows sufficient air flow capacity to be achieved within a reduced vertical profile, maintaining heat transfer efficiency while lowering the overall structural height for better vehicle integration.
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 configuration allows for a more efficient air flow through the condenser, reducing the number of blowers needed, enhancing heat transfer, and enabling easier and lighter mounting with fewer components, while maintaining a low structural height.
Implementation Method 1
air is sucked through the condenser by the action of the axial-flow blowers and is discharged upwardly
Data Source
AI summary
An axial-flow blower arrangement for the condenser (28) of a roof-mounted air conditioning installation including two evaporator units (3, 4) and a condenser unit (2) arranged between them comprises at least two blower modules (1), each of which has a box-shaped downwardly open hood (10) which has a cover wall (12) and walls (14, 15, 16, 17) which in the mounted condition extend downwardly from the cover wall and which together with the cover wall enclose an air suction chamber (26), out of which an axial-flow blower (23) mounted under the cover wall sucks air and discharges it into the atmosphere through an air outlet opening (20). The walls of the air suction chamber of each blower module extend in the mounted condition so far downwardly to the horizontally lying condenser (28) which completely covers over the open underside of the hood (10) and so terminate with the condenser that under the action of the axial-flow blower only air which has previously passed through the condenser can pass into the air suction chamber of the blower module.