Deployable Air Distribution Pipes for Vehicle Cabin Stratification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle air conditioning systems face challenges in air distribution due to temperature stratification, limiting the configuration of outlets and making it difficult to connect upper and lower parts of the unit to corresponding zones in the cabin effectively.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioning unit employs flexible air distribution pipes that can extend and contract, allowing for adaptable installation and independent temperature control at each outlet, along with a flexible air supply duct and a film flap system for efficient air management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rigid air distribution pipes are used with fixed geometry, then the manufacturing and assembly process is simple, but the system lacks versatility and cannot adapt to different installation situations or outlet configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the air distribution pipes flexible rather than rigid, allowing them to change shape and configuration dynamically. The pipes can be extended or retracted along their longitudinal axis to adapt to different installation geometries and outlet positions, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that responds to varying spatial requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the physical state of the pipes from fixed to variable length. The pipes can extend between a maximum retraction condition and a maximum extension condition, allowing the system to adapt to different spatial configurations by changing the length parameter of the distribution pipes
2Volume of moving object
If the air conditioning unit is compact for packaging, then transportation and storage are easier, but the air distribution pipes cannot reach distant or complex outlet positions in the cabin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by allowing the flexible pipes to be retracted into a compact form when not in use or during transportation. The pipes can be stored in a condensed state within the air conditioning unit housing, similar to nested dolls, and then extended to the required length during installation and operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics to enable the pipes to transition between compact and extended states. The flexible pipe structure allows dynamic adjustment of length, enabling the system to occupy minimal space during packaging while extending to reach distant outlet positions during operation
3Ease of operation
If coupling means are added to lock the pipe in retraction condition, then handling and transportation become easier, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing coupling means that automatically engage and lock the flexible pipes in their maximum retraction condition without requiring manual intervention. The coupling mechanism operates autonomously, using the pipe's own movement to trigger the locking action, thereby simplifying handling while adding minimal complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
Air conditioning unit, comprising a housing (11) in which at least one air transport passage (12, 13) for directing an air flow within the housing (11) is formed and in which an array of air distribution outlets (21a, 21b, 21c) which are connected to the air supply duct is formed, a plurality of air distribution pipes (23, 24, 25) which are respectively joined to the air distribution outlets and configured to be connected to respective air outlets (D, V, F) for distributing air within a cabin of a vehicle, and an array of heating elements (40) which are controllable independently of each other, the array of heating elements being placed at the array of air distribution outlets (21, 21b, 21c), wherein each of the air distribution pipes is flexible and has a structure (23-25a, 23-25b) which may be extended and contracted along the longitudinal axis (x) of the pipe, between a maximum retraction condition and a maximum extension condition.