Flexible Inflatable Air Duct for Compact Vehicle HVAC Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle air conditioning systems face limitations in air flow temperature stratification and positioning constraints due to rigid ducts, which restrict the configuration of outlets and interaction with the firewall, leading to reduced versatility and increased weight.
Innovation Solution
The use of a flexible and inflatable air supply duct and flexible air distribution pipes allows for adjustable positioning and reduced weight, enabling better airflow management and temperature control through independent heating elements and a modular flap system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid air supply ducts are used to connect the blower to the housing, then structural stability is improved, but positioning flexibility with respect to the firewall deteriorates and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply duct is formed as a bag comprising an envelope made of flexible material, replacing rigid ducts with a flexible membrane structure that can adapt to different positions relative to the firewall while maintaining structural integrity for air flow
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible envelope of the air supply duct is inflated with air to provide internal pressure support, creating structural stability and rigidity when needed while maintaining the inherent flexibility of the material for positioning adaptability
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid air supply ducts are used to connect the blower to the housing, then structural stability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply duct uses a flexible material envelope instead of rigid materials, significantly reducing weight while the inflatable structure provides the necessary structural stability for air flow maintenance
3Volume of moving object
If the air conditioning unit is positioned close to the firewall to reduce packaging dimensions, then compactness is improved, but airflow efficiency deteriorates due to duct constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible inflatable duct allows the air conditioning unit to be positioned optimally close to the firewall for compactness while the duct can be routed and shaped as needed to maintain efficient airflow paths without rigid structural constraints
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
This configuration enhances the compactness, ease of handling, and installation versatility of the air conditioning unit while maintaining airflow efficiency and improving temperature control linearity, reducing weight and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
said air supply duct being formed as a bag comprising an envelope made of flexible and inflatable material
Data Source
Figure 1
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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 blower (17) and an air supply duct (60) which are connected to the air transport passage, the air supply duct having an upstream end (61) joined to the blower (17) and a downstream end (62) joined to the housing (11), and 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, wherein the air supply duct (60) is formed as a bag comprising an envelope made of flexible and inflatable material.