Vehicle Headliner Air Outlet Segmentation for Adaptive Seat Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning and ventilation systems in vehicles lack the ability to adapt air outlet regions to varying seat positions, leading to inconsistent thermal comfort for passengers and inefficient energy use, especially with the rise of autonomously operating vehicles and the need for improved energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A headliner system with fluidly connected outflow devices that have multiple segments, allowing for adjustable air flow distribution and displacement to match seat positions, integrated with an air conditioning and ventilation system to provide personalized climate zones and reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the air outlet region is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the system cannot adapt to varying seat positions resulting in inconsistent thermal comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The air outlet device is divided into multiple segments that can be independently adjusted. Each segment corresponds to a specific seating position and can be individually positioned to direct air flow toward the appropriate passenger, allowing the system to adapt to varying seat configurations without requiring complete redesign of the entire air outlet structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The air outlet device incorporates adjustable segments that can dynamically change position based on detected seat positions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to different seating arrangements and passenger locations, transforming a static structure into a flexible, responsive system.
2Use of energy by moving object
If air is distributed uniformly across the passenger compartment, then the system is simple, but energy efficiency decreases due to unnecessary cooling or heating of unoccupied spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution system provides localized air flow control through segmented outlets that can be independently adjusted. This allows air to be directed precisely to occupied seating positions while leaving unoccupied areas without air flow, thereby reducing energy consumption for cooling or heating empty spaces while maintaining simple overall system architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple air outlets are provided for different seating positions, then thermal comfort for individual passengers is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than providing completely separate air outlet systems for each seating position, the invention segments a single air outlet device into multiple adjustable sections. Each segment can be independently positioned to serve different seating locations, achieving personalized climate control functionality while using a unified, cost-effective structure that is simpler to manufacture than multiple independent systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the air outlet device is fixed in position, then manufacturing is simple, but the system cannot adapt to autonomous vehicle interior design variations
Solution Approach 1:
The air outlet device incorporates adjustable segments that can dynamically reposition themselves to accommodate different interior design configurations, particularly relevant for autonomous vehicles where seating arrangements may vary. This dynamic capability allows the same device to adapt to multiple design scenarios without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or complete redesign.
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 enhances thermal comfort by providing customizable air flow and climate zones for each passenger, reducing drafts and energy usage through efficient air distribution and adaptable design, while maintaining low noise levels and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
at least one outflow device (20) which is fluidically connected to the at least one air supply connection (11)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a headliner system for a motor vehicle, said headliner system comprising at least one air supply connection for connecting the headliner system to an air conditioning and ventilation system of the motor vehicle, and at least one outflow device which is fluidically connected to the at least one air supply connection, wherein at least one outflow device has at least two outflow segments, wherein one outflow segment is designed to deliver a designated air volume flow to the passenger compartment, wherein a first outflow segment surrounds a second outflow segment at least in part, and wherein at least one outflow device is designed such that it can be displaced in at least one axis of the outflow device.