Film-Shaped Air Distribution Flap for Multi-Outlet Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems in vehicles face challenges in managing air distribution due to temperature stratification, leading to constraints on outlet configuration and increased parts and assembly operations.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning unit with a flexible film flap and adjustable air distribution pipes, combined with independent heating elements and a flexible air supply duct, allows for precise air flow management and temperature control across multiple outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional rigid flaps and multiple shut-off devices are used to manage air distribution, then air flow control is achieved, but the number of parts and assembly operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple shut-off devices and flaps into a single flexible film component with integrated openings. This film can be positioned and shaped to control air flow to multiple outlets simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate shut-off devices for each outlet and significantly reducing the total number of parts and assembly operations required.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible film is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the structural element defining the air distribution geometry and the control element for regulating air flow to different outlets. By making the film flexible and configurable, a single component can adapt to control air distribution to various outlets, replacing multiple dedicated shut-off devices.
2Temperature
If temperature stratification in air flow is accommodated by connecting specific regions to specific zones, then temperature control is maintained, but outlet configuration is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible film that can be dynamically positioned and shaped to adapt to different temperature stratification patterns. Rather than being fixed to specific outlets, the film can be reconfigured based on the actual temperature distribution in the air flow, allowing the system to adapt to varying thermal conditions and different outlet configurations as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible film allows for changes in the physical parameters of the air distribution system - its position, shape, and orientation can be adjusted to match different temperature stratification patterns. This enables the system to accommodate varying temperature distributions without being constrained to fixed outlet configurations, thereby improving both temperature control and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If multiple shut-off devices are used for each air distribution outlet, then precise air flow management is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple shut-off devices into a single flexible film component that can control air flow to multiple outlets. This consolidation reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to produce, inventory, and assemble multiple separate shut-off devices, while still maintaining the capability for precise air flow management through the film's configurable geometry.
4Stability of the object's composition
If rigid structures are used for air distribution, then structural stability is maintained, but the number of assembly operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional rigid shut-off devices and flaps with a flexible film that can be positioned and secured within the air distribution system. While flexible, the film maintains structural stability through its tensioned configuration and integration with the housing, and it eliminates the need for multiple separate rigid components that would require extensive assembly operations.
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) is formed, a plurality of air distribution pipes (23, 24, 25) which are respectively joined to the air distribution outlets, a flap (50) comprising a film (51), the flap being supported by the housing in such a way as to extend through the array of air distribution outlets, 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 (21a, 21b, 21c), wherein a rack (54) of the flap is formed as a single flexible piece with the film, and fits against a wall (11a) of the housing (11) on which the array of air distribution outlets is formed, in such a way as to assume the profile of the wall.