Coaxial Damper Support Layout for Accurate Air-Conditioning Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air-conditioning modules in automobiles suffer from low movement accuracy of dampers due to their coaxial arrangement, leading to interference and noise during rotation.

Innovation Solution

The air-conditioning module design features a housing with separate support portions for each damper, allowing them to rotate independently without interference, and includes a radial gap and anti-misalignment teeth to enhance accuracy and prevent incorrect installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If multiple dampers are arranged coaxially in the housing, then the structure is compact, but the movement accuracy of the dampers is low due to rotation interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural compactnessVSAvoiddamper movement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into multiple independent support portions (first support portion, second support portion, etc.), each supporting a specific damper. This segmentation allows each damper to rotate independently around the common axis without interfering with others, while still maintaining the coaxial compact structure. The support portions are positioned at different angular locations around the axis, creating spatial separation that prevents rotation interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If dampers are supported by a common rotating mechanism, then the structure is simplified, but noise is generated due to rotation interference between dampers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport mechanism complexityVSAvoidrotation noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support mechanism is segmented into multiple independent support portions rather than using a single common support. Each support portion independently supports one or more dampers, allowing them to rotate without mechanical interference. This segmentation eliminates the noise generated by dampers colliding or interfering with each other during rotation, while still maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of stationary object

If dampers are arranged coaxially to save space, then the housing volume is reduced, but the dampers interfere with each other during rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing volumeVSAvoiddamper rotation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The housing internal space is segmented into multiple support portions arranged at different angular positions around the rotation axis. Each support portion provides an independent mounting location for dampers, allowing coaxial arrangement while preventing rotational interference. This segmentation enables reliable damper operation within a compact housing volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The problem of radial interference between coaxial dampers is solved by utilizing the angular dimension. Support portions are positioned at different angular locations around the axis, creating spatial separation in the tangential direction. This dimensional approach allows dampers to share the same radial space without interfering with each other's rotation, maintaining compactness while ensuring reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4671005A1Air-conditioning module
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 VALEO ELECTRIFICATION
  • EP4671005A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4671005A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4671005A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An air-conditioning module, comprising: a housing (1), and a first damper (2) and a second damper (3), which are arranged in the housing (1), wherein the first damper (2) and the second damper (3) are arranged sharing an axis of rotation (X-X); the housing (1) has a first support portion (11) and a second support portion (12); the first support portion (11) is used for supporting the first damper (2) to rotate around the axis of rotation (X-X); and the second support portion (12) is used for supporting the second damper (3) to rotate around the axis of rotation (X-X). By means of the device, the precision of movement of the first damper and the second damper is improved.