HVAC Unit Casing Internal Partition for Compact Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ventilation and air conditioning unit casings for vehicle passenger compartments are bulky due to their design, which does not efficiently utilize space and results in increased pressure drop, making them unsuitable for modern vehicles with reduced available space.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an internal partition element within the casing that forms part of the volute and distribution channels, allowing for a compact design while maintaining equivalent aeraulic performance, achieved by using two casings that together form an outer casing and delimiting the volute and distribution channels, with additional features like separation webs and support for control flaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If two separate plastic boxes are used to form the ventilation unit casing, then manufacturing cost is reduced and demolding is simplified, but the unit becomes bulky and occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The internal partition element is nested within the outer casing formed by two plastic boxes. This partition element forms part of the volute and distribution channels, effectively utilizing the internal space of the outer casing to create a compact integrated structure that reduces overall unit volume while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The internal partition element combines multiple functions: it forms part of the volute, creates distribution channel walls, and provides structural support. By merging these functions into a single element rather than separate components, the design achieves compactness without complicating the manufacturing process
2Volume of moving object
If the ventilation unit space is reduced to fit modern vehicle constraints, then space utilization improves, but pressure drop increases and aeraulic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The internal partition element is strategically positioned to locally optimize airflow paths within the compact casing. The partition creates efficiently designed distribution channels that maintain proper airflow velocity and pressure distribution, ensuring adequate aeraulic performance despite the reduced overall unit volume
Solution Approach 2:
The volute formed by the internal partition element utilizes three-dimensional space more effectively, creating spiral airflow paths that maximize the use of available internal volume. This dimensional optimization allows compact design while maintaining the airflow characteristics necessary for proper aeraulic performance
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle passenger compartment heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning unit casing comprising at least: - an induction chamber (2) the peripheral wall of which forms a volute housing (12) and which is intended to accommodate an impeller of a motor - fan unit, - a distribution chamber (4) connected to an outlet (3) of the induction chamber (2), - distribution channels (5) connected to an outlet of the distribution chamber (4). According to the invention, the casing comprises an internal partition element (15) of which one face forms at least part of the volute housing (12) and of which the opposite face to the volute housing forms one wall of at least one distribution channel (5).