Dual-Flow Seat Climatization with Heat Exchanger Bypass Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional climatization systems in vehicles face challenges in balancing heating and cooling capacity with limited packaging space, particularly in seats where multiple air delivery devices require conditioned air, and existing active heat exchangers are too large to fit within compact spaces.
Innovation Solution
A dual-flow climatization system that includes air movers and an air directing unit with a heat exchanger and bypass channel, allowing for the simultaneous conditioning of two airflows in different directions, which can be routed through the heat exchanger or bypass channel, or both, using actuators to adjust airflow paths and maintain temperature consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an active heat exchanger is used to condition air, then heating and cooling capacity is improved, but packaging space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple airflow paths (first airflow and second airflow) through a single heat exchanger unit, allowing simultaneous conditioning of air for multiple delivery devices. This merging approach maintains comprehensive heating and cooling capacity while reducing the total packaging space required compared to separate heat exchangers for each airflow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger is designed to handle multiple functions by processing both first and second airflows that may be directed to different delivery devices. This multi-functional design allows one heat exchanger unit to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate units, thereby improving power efficiency while minimizing packaging space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple air delivery devices are added to a seat, then passenger comfort is improved, but the volume of air requiring conditioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air directing unit is segmented into multiple independent paths that can selectively direct first and second airflows to different delivery devices. This segmentation allows the system to condition air for multiple delivery devices without requiring proportional increases in heat exchanger size, as each segmented path can be independently controlled and optimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The air directing unit incorporates movable air directing members that can dynamically adjust airflow distribution in real-time. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different passenger comfort requirements by directing conditioned air to specific delivery devices as needed, optimizing the conditioning of air volume while enhancing passenger comfort.
3Ease of operation
If air directing members are added to route airflows, then airflow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air directing members act as intermediaries between the heat exchanger and the delivery devices, providing centralized control over airflow distribution. This intermediary approach improves airflow control efficiency by managing multiple airflow paths through a unified directing mechanism, rather than requiring complex control systems at each delivery device, thereby enhancing ease of operation while limiting increases in device complexity.
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 system effectively conditions air for multiple air delivery devices within compact spaces, optimizing packaging size and enhancing passenger comfort by maintaining airflow temperature and adjusting delivery based on occupant preferences without additional heaters or coolers.
Implementation Method 1
The heat exchanger may heat and/or cool the first airstream and the second airstream
Implementation Method 2
a passive heat exchanger (i.e., a thermally conductive material such as aluminum which directly communicates heat between the thermoelectric device and another medium via conduction)
Implementation Method 3
the fins conduct heat between the tubes and another medium via conduction
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-flow climatization system and a climatized vehicle component incorporating the same. The dual-flow climatization system comprises one or more air movers and an air directing unit. The air directing unit comprises a heat exchanger and a bypass channel. The air directing unit includes a first portion and a second portion. The one or more air movers provide a first airstream to the first portion and a second airstream to the second portion.