HVAC Case Airflow Control Door for Defrost and Demist
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC cases require complex and costly arrangements to adjust airflow distributions between defrost and demist outlets for different modes, lacking efficient control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC case with a movable airflow control door that adjusts airflow through multiple outlets, including a ramped surface design to direct airflow effectively between a larger defrost outlet and smaller demist outlet, allowing for customizable airflow distribution by varying the width and depth of outlet areas and the slope of ramped surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two doors are used to throttle different outlets for different modes, then airflow distribution control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple airflow control functions into a single door assembly that can selectively throttle different outlet areas (defrost, demist, face, foot) depending on its angular position. This single assembly replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate doors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability for different airflow distribution modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The single door assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling airflow to different outlets (defrost, demist, face, foot) based on its position. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated doors for each outlet, reducing overall system complexity while preserving the ability to achieve various airflow distribution patterns.
2Device complexity
If a single door controls multiple outlets, then device complexity is reduced, but airflow control precision for different outlets may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly is segmented into multiple distinct door panels (first door panel, second door panel, third door panel) that can be positioned independently to control different outlet areas. This segmentation allows precise control of airflow to each outlet (defrost, demist, face, foot) while still using a single integrated assembly, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision without requiring multiple separate door mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities where the door panels can be rotated to different angular positions to selectively open or close different outlet areas. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables precise airflow control for different outlets while maintaining a compact single-assembly structure, balancing simplicity with control precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC case for a vehicle including an airflow outlet defining a first outlet area having a first width and a first depth, and a second outlet area having a second width and a second depth. The first outlet area is larger than the second outlet area. A ramped surface is adjacent to the second outlet area. An airflow control door is movable to an open position, a partially closed position in which the airflow control door obstructs airflow through the first outlet area and permits airflow through the second outlet area, and a fully closed position in which the airflow control door obstructs airflow through both the first outlet area and the second outlet area.