Cab Airflow Split Control for Reversible Engineering Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air conditioning systems in engineering vehicles fail to adjust air supply ratios effectively when the driver changes direction, leading to discomfort due to uneven air distribution and noise issues.

Innovation Solution

An air conditioning system with a flow distribution device that includes a movable flow dividing portion and a switching mechanism to adjust the outlet air volume ratio between front and rear air outlets, combined with wind shielding and guide surfaces to stabilize airflow and reduce noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If air supply ports are arranged at both inner front end and inner rear end of the cab, then air supply coverage is improved, but air distribution uniformity deteriorates when driver direction changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair supply coverage areaVSAvoidair distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a flow distribution device with a movable flow dividing portion that can dynamically adjust its position based on driver direction. When the driver faces forward, the flow dividing portion directs more air to the front air outlet; when the driver faces backward, it redirects air to the rear air outlet. This dynamic adjustment mechanism ensures uniform air distribution adapted to different driving configurations, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive air supply coverage and uniform air distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If fixed air supply ratio is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different driving directions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair control mechanism complexityVSAvoidadaptability to driver direction
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flow distribution device is automatically connected to the vehicle's direction signal system, receiving directional information from the driver's operation. The control module processes this signal and automatically adjusts the flow dividing portion's position without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach maintains relatively simple device structure while achieving high adaptability to different driving directions, as the system autonomously responds to driver direction changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If airflow is not stabilized, then device complexity is reduced, but noise generation increases due to vortex flow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow control structure complexityVSAvoidnoise from vortex flow
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a stabilizing portion as an intermediary component between the flow dividing portion and the air outlets. This stabilizing portion features a streamlined shape that gradually guides airflow from the turbulent state created by the flow dividing portion into a more uniform, laminar flow pattern before air enters the outlets. This intermediary structure effectively reduces vortex flow and noise generation while maintaining relatively simple device complexity, as it adds only one more component to the existing flow distribution mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 ensures balanced air supply to the driver based on direction changes, improving comfort and reducing noise by dynamically adjusting airflow distribution and minimizing vortex flow.

Implementation Method 1

a wind guide surface, protruding towards a wind coming side, wherein the wind guide surface is in smooth connection with the first wind shielding surface and the second wind shielding surface respectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow separation: Flow Separation

Data Source

PatentEP4112340B1Engineering vehicle and air-conditioning system thereof
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 JIANGSU XCMG CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY RESEARCH INSTITUTE LTD
  • EP4112340B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4112340B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4112340B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an engineering vehicle and an air conditioning system thereof. The air conditioning system includes: an air conditioner body, including a shell with a first air outlet and a second air outlet; a first air supply pipeline, a first end of the first air supply pipeline being connected to the first air outlet; one or more first air support ports, arranged at an inner front end of a cab of the engineering vehicle and connected to a second end of the first air supply pipeline; a second air supply pipeline, a first end of the second air supply pipeline being connected to the second air outlet; one or more second air supply ports, arranged at an inner rear end of the cab and connected to a second end of the second air supply pipeline; and a flow distribution device, including a flow dividing portion located in the shell, wherein the flow dividing portion is movably arranged relative to at least one of the first air outlet or the second air outlet so as to change an outlet air volume ratio, and the outlet air volume ratio is a ratio of an air volume flowing out of the shell from the first air outlet to an air volume flowing out of the shell from the second air outlet. The engineering vehicle and the air conditioning system thereof are beneficial to improve the comfortability of drivers.