Vehicle Cabin Humidity Control Using Dual Heat Exchange Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle humidifying/dehumidifying devices maintain a constant moisture level in humidified air, failing to provide a comfortable cabin environment for passengers as they do not allow for adjustable humidity levels.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle humidifying/dehumidifying device with a pair of heat exchange components, a heating component, and a switching mechanism that allows for the generation and distribution of both humidified and dehumidified air, enabling adjustable humidity levels by switching between modes and adjusting airflow and heating patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vehicle humidifying/dehumidifying device maintains constant moisture level in humidified air, then the device structure is simple and easy to control, but the passenger comfort is insufficient due to inability to adjust humidity levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic humidity control by enabling the humidifying/dehumidifying unit to switch between different operating modes (normal mode and humidifying amount increasing mode). The system dynamically adjusts the humidifying amount based on detected situations, allowing humidity levels to be adapted to different passenger comfort requirements while maintaining a relatively simple control structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the humidifying/dehumidifying device by adjusting the humidifying amount imparted to humidified air. When switching from normal mode to humidifying amount increasing mode, the device modifies parameters such as heating component operation and airflow rates to increase moisture release from the adsorbent, thereby achieving adjustable humidity levels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the humidifying amount is increased to improve passenger comfort, then the cabin environment becomes more comfortable, but the device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by enabling the existing humidifying/dehumidifying unit to perform both normal humidifying operations and enhanced humidifying operations. The same heat exchange components, adsorbent, and heating elements are used in both modes, eliminating the need for separate hardware systems and reducing overall device complexity while providing adjustable humidity control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching between normal mode and humidifying amount increasing mode based on detected cabin conditions. The control unit periodically assesses humidity levels and passenger comfort requirements, switching modes accordingly. This periodic action allows the system to provide enhanced humidifying capability when needed while maintaining simple operation during normal conditions.
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 adjustable humidity control, providing a more comfortable cabin environment by increasing the humidifying amount in response to different situations, thereby enhancing passenger comfort and preventing window fogging.
Implementation Method 1
the heat exchange components being heated by the heating component and water being released from the adsorbent into air that has been introduced to the heat exchange components
Implementation Method 2
dehumidified air is generated as a result of airborne moisture that has been introduced to the heat exchange components being adsorbed by the adsorbent
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a more comfortable vehicle cabin space for a passenger. In a vehicle humidifying/dehumidifying device 10, when a control unit 26 is switched to an "intermittent operation mode", a pair of heat exchange elements 28A and 28B are heated simultaneously and intermittently. Additionally, this allows humidified air to be generated by both of the pair of heat exchange elements 28A and 28B when the pair of heat exchange elements 28A and 28B are being heated simultaneously by a heater 30. Consequently, in comparison to a case where the humidified air is generated alternately by the heat exchange elements 28A and 28B, the humidifying amount imparted to the humidified air when the humidified air is generated by a humidifying/dehumidifying unit 16 can be increased. Thus, it becomes possible to perform humidifying amount control corresponding to various situations in a vehicle cabin, and it becomes possible to provide a more comfortable vehicle cabin space for a passenger.