Flow Diffuser Structure for Low-Noise Vehicle Air Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle air conditioning systems with flow diffusers are relatively noisy during operation, which is undesirable with the shift towards quieter electric vehicle operations.
Innovation Solution
A low sound emission flow diffuser with a diffuser housing and a multi-piece flow manipulator, comprising an air inflow, guide vane, and pressure aperture, designed to absorb airborne sound and reduce pressure losses, integrated into the air conditioning system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional flow diffuser is used in an air conditioning system, then the system can provide adequate air distribution, but the system generates relatively high noise levels during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The flow diffuser is divided into multiple functional segments: a diffuser housing forming an installation space, and a multi-piece flow manipulator with separate components (air inflow, guide vanes, pressure aperture) that can be arranged in different configurations to optimize both noise reduction and air distribution performance
Solution Approach 2:
The flow manipulator acts as an intermediary element between the air conditioning system fan and the final air outlet, absorbing airborne sound generated by the fan while simultaneously manipulating the air flow to achieve adequate distribution performance
2Ease of manufacture
If the flow diffuser structure is simplified to reduce manufacturing costs, then production becomes more efficient, but the ability to absorb sound and reduce pressure losses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow manipulator is designed as a multi-piece assembly with discrete components (air inflow, guide vanes, pressure aperture) that can be manufactured separately using cost-efficient processes and then assembled, maintaining sound absorption capability while reducing overall manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flow manipulator components serve multiple functions simultaneously: the air inflow guides air flow, the guide vanes manipulate flow direction, and the pressure aperture generates pressure gradients, all while the integrated structure absorbs airborne sound, reducing the need for separate components
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the flow diffuser is designed to absorb more sound, then noise emission is reduced, but pressure losses inside the diffuser housing may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure aperture is specifically designed to generate controlled pressure gradients within the air flow, changing the pressure distribution parameters to reduce turbulence and pressure losses while maintaining effective sound absorption through the flow manipulator structure
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 flow diffuser effectively absorbs sound emissions and reduces pressure losses, resulting in a quieter and energy-efficient air conditioning system operation, enhancing passenger comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-piece, in particular three-piece, flow manipulator (11), which extends along a flow path (4) for an air flow (5) of air from an inlet opening (7) to an outlet opening (9) for absorbing airborne sound
Implementation Method 2
a separate pressure aperture (14), through which air can flow, for generating a pressure gradient inside the air flow (5)
Data Source
AI summary
A low sound emission flow diffuser includes a diffuser housing, which limits or forms an installation space, through which a flow path for an air flow of air extends, starting at an inlet opening, which is limited or formed by the diffuser housing on its inflow side, to an outlet opening, which is limited or formed by the diffuser housing on its outflow side. The flow diffuser has a multi-piece, optionally three-piece, flow manipulator, which extends along the flow path between the inlet opening and the outlet opening, for absorbing airborne sound. The disclosure additionally relates to an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle including at least one such low sound emission flow diffuser.