Vehicle Cabin Airflow Mapping for Independent Zone Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle HVAC systems often require all zones to switch to manual mode when one zone is set to manual, disrupting temperature control for other occupants.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle airflow system with a control system that uses airflow maps to adjust airflow parameters independently for each zone, allowing semi-automatic operation without affecting temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional HVAC systems are used in vehicles, then climate control functionality is provided, but the systems are complex and expensive to manufacture and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the climate control functionality from the traditional complex HVAC system by implementing a simplified airflow system that uses vehicle motion itself to generate airflow through strategically positioned openings and passages, eliminating the need for complex mechanical HVAC components while maintaining climate control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the vehicle's own motion and atmospheric pressure differences to generate airflow for climate control, rather than requiring external power-driven HVAC mechanisms. The vehicle structure itself serves the dual purpose of housing and airflow generation
2Productivity
If vehicle speed increases, then airflow through the system increases, but wind noise and aerodynamic drag increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different opening configurations to different regions of the vehicle structure, with specific openings positioned at locations that optimize airflow generation while minimizing exposure to high-velocity turbulent flows that cause wind noise and aerodynamic drag
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the vertical dimension and pressure differentials created by vehicle motion to generate airflow, rather than relying solely on horizontal flow paths that are more susceptible to wind noise and drag
3Productivity
If openings are positioned to maximize airflow, then climate control efficiency improves, but aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the aerodynamic pressure differences and airflow that would otherwise represent drag losses into useful climate control functionality by strategically positioning openings to capture these pressure differentials and direct them through passages to desired locations
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
Enables individual control over airflow intensity while maintaining automatic temperature regulation, reducing the need for full manual mode and minimizing disruption to other occupants.
Implementation Method 1
a vehicle airflow system that uses vehicle motion to move air through the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The airflow system reduces wind noise and aerodynamic drag by utilizing openings and passages positioned throughout the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to a vehicle system for use in a vehicle (8). The vehicle system comprises: an airflow system configured to condition air in a cabin (10) of the vehicle (8), the airflow system comprising at least one air vent (24, 26) disposed in the cabin (10) and an airflow apparatus (34, 36) configured to direct an airflow through the at least one vent (24, 26); an interface arrangement comprising a first input module (28) and a second input module (28), the first and second input modules (28) each being configured to issue airflow demand signals in response to user input; and a control system (30) comprising one or more controllers (30). The control system (30) is configured to: receive an airflow demand signal issued by either of the first and second input modules (28); determine, in accordance with the received airflow demand signal, an airflow map (60) defining a function of an airflow parameter with respect to a cabin temperature and/or a cabin heating power demand; and operate the airflow system in accordance with the determined airflow map (60) to control the airflow through the at least one vent (24, 26).