Vehicle HVAC Airflow Path for Multi-Row Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems for vehicles often struggle to efficiently distribute conditioned air to multiple rows, particularly the second and third rows, and lack flexibility in controlling air flow and temperature settings.
Innovation Solution
The HVAC system includes an air intake housing with dual inlets for recirculated and fresh air, a fan housing with a rotating valve, a heat treatment housing with controllable doors, and a distribution housing with selective outlets, allowing for precise control of air flow and temperature distribution to various vehicle compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single air inlet is used in existing HVAC systems, then the system structure is simple, but the system lacks flexibility in controlling air flow sources (fresh air vs. recirculated air) and temperature settings
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet housing is segmented into a first inlet for recirculated air and a second inlet for fresh air, allowing independent control of different air sources. This segmentation enables the system to selectively draw from either inlet based on environmental conditions and passenger preferences, thereby improving adaptability without significantly complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The air inlet housing is designed to serve multiple functions by incorporating both fresh air and recirculated air inlets within a single integrated structure. This multi-functional design allows the system to handle different air sources and flow conditions through one component, enhancing versatility while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If air is distributed to multiple rows without selective control, then the distribution process is simple, but the system cannot optimize air flow and temperature settings for different occupancy scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution system incorporates adjustable air inlet doors and controllable flow paths that can dynamically adapt to different occupancy scenarios. The system can selectively open or close specific inlets and distribution channels based on whether the vehicle is occupied in the first row, second row, or both, enabling optimization of air flow and temperature settings without requiring a completely complex control structure.
3Reliability
If the air inlet housing does not include integrated filter support, then the housing structure is simpler, but the system lacks efficient air filtration capability
Solution Approach 1:
The filter housing is merged with the air inlet housing to form an integrated structure. The first air inlet is positioned within the filter housing, and the filter is arranged to extend across the inlet, creating a unified component that combines filtration and air intake functions. This merging improves air filtration capability while avoiding the need for separate, complex housing structures.
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 provides efficient and flexible air distribution to multiple vehicle rows, optimizing air flow and temperature settings based on occupant preferences, enhancing passenger comfort and system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a fan that is rotatably mounted within the fan housing, wherein air from the air inlet housing flows directly to a suction of the fan, and when the fan is rotating about its rotational axis air is expelled out of the fan radially away from the rotational axis
Implementation Method 2
a scroll that receives the expelled air from the fan when the fan rotates within the fan housing, wherein the scroll transitions from the fan housing to a pathway that leads to an air conditioning housing
Implementation Method 3
the air conditioning housing includes an evaporator of a heat pump or refrigeration system associated with a vehicle
Implementation Method 4
the ventilation housing further comprises an evaporator and a heater that are each within a heat pump system
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC system that optimized for minimizing the amount of electrical power used during operation at various levels producing cold air or warm air is provided. The system includes an air inlet, a scroll, an air conditioning module, and an air delivery system for various locations within a vehicle that includes the HVAC system.