Configurable Evaporator Unit Air Outlets for HVAC Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secondary HVAC systems in vehicles, such as large tractors and trucks, lack flexibility in evaporator unit installation, leading to reduced usable space and inefficient airflow distribution due to fixed air outlet locations.
Innovation Solution
A configurable evaporator unit with adjustable air outlet locations, allowing users to select from various configurations, including multiple air outlet openings on different sides of the unit, to optimize space and airflow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed air outlet locations are used in the evaporator unit, then the HVAC system structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the usable space is reduced and airflow distribution is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporator unit is designed with multiple air outlet openings distributed across different surfaces (front, back, top, bottom, and exterior sides), allowing the same unit to serve multiple installation configurations and airflow distribution needs, thereby achieving adaptability without requiring multiple different unit designs
Solution Approach 2:
The air outlet functionality is segmented into multiple discrete openings located at different positions on the evaporator unit housing and blower assembly, allowing selective use of different openings based on installation requirements, which enables configurability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
2Ease of operation
If fixed evaporator unit positioning is used, then the installation process is simple, but the airflow distribution and pressure drop through air ducts are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporator unit incorporates multiple air outlet openings that can accommodate different installation positions and airflow routing requirements, making the unit universally applicable to various vehicle configurations while maintaining simple installation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic selection of which air outlet openings are active based on installation requirements, enabling the evaporator unit to adapt to different airflow distribution needs without complicating the installation process
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple air outlet openings are provided on all surfaces of the evaporator unit, then airflow distribution and space utilization are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than creating multiple specialized evaporator units for different configurations, the invention provides a single universal unit with multiple air outlet openings on all surfaces, which can be manufactured using standard processes and then configured for different applications by selecting which outlets to use
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 configurable design increases usable space, improves airflow distribution by reducing pressure drop through air ducts, and provides flexibility in positioning the evaporator unit within the vehicle, enhancing overall HVAC system performance.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerant compressor configured to compress refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a condenser unit configured to condense refrigerant received from the refrigerant compressor
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator compartment that includes an evaporator coil for conditioning air
Implementation Method 4
a blower assembly that houses an evaporator blower for directing conditioned air out of the configurable evaporator unit
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable evaporator unit for a secondary heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system that provides conditioned air within a cabin portion of a vehicle is provided. The configurable evaporator unit includes an evaporator unit and a blower assembly disposed within a housing. The blower assembly houses an evaporator blower for directing conditioned air out of the configurable evaporator unit. The blower assembly includes a plurality of blower openings for directing conditioned air out of the blower assembly. The housing includes a plurality of housing openings. One or more of the plurality of housing openings is prevented from directing conditioned air out of the configurable evaporator unit.