Secondary Loop Heater Core Valve Layout to Prevent Flash Fogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchanger systems for vehicle HVAC systems can cause flash fogging of windshields due to simultaneous refrigerant or engine coolant flow through tubes, which is not effectively addressed in current designs.
Innovation Solution
A valve system that controls fluid flow between upper and lower manifolds, allowing for modes such as maximum cooling, temperate, and maximum heating by regulating flow through multiple tubes, preventing flash fogging by isolating fluid flows in different modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If refrigerant or engine coolant flows through both sets of tubes simultaneously, then heating or cooling efficiency is improved, but flash fogging of windshields occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flow control through a valve system that can switch between different operational modes (maximum cooling, temperate, maximum heating). The valve dynamically adjusts fluid distribution to prevent flash fogging during transitions while maintaining efficient heat transfer in stable conditions, resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful effects through temporal adaptability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a valve system is added to control fluid flow between manifolds, then flash fogging is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system performs multiple functions: it controls fluid distribution to prevent flash fogging, optimizes heating/cooling efficiency, and manages transitions between operational modes. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional valve assembly, the patent minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving comprehensive control over the HVAC system
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 valve system effectively prevents flash fogging by managing fluid flow between heat exchangers, ensuring optimal cabin temperature control and reducing windshield fogging, with specific mode constraints to maintain efficient operation across varying temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger (20) and a second heat exchanger (22)... for heating and cooling the cabin of a vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a valve system for controlling fluid flow between the upper manifolds and for controlling fluid flow between the lower manifolds
Data Source
AI summary
The assembly includes a pair of heat exchangers, each including an upper and lower manifold, parallel and spaced relative to one another. Tubes extend between each set of upper and lower manifolds with fins disposed between each of the tubes. A valve system controls fluid flow between the upper manifolds and the lower manifolds. The valve system is movable between a maximum cooling mode with fluid flow form the first upper manifold through both of the tubes and to said first lower manifold. A temperate mode allows fluid to flow from the first upper manifold to the first lower manifold and from the second upper manifold to the second lower manifold to prevent flash fogging. A maximum cooling mode allows fluid to flow from the second upper manifold through both of the first and second tubes to the lower manifolds.