HVAC Component Identification via Connection Plate Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in motor vehicles require disassembly to identify components like evaporators, which is a cumbersome process, especially when installed in vehicles, and does not allow for external identification of refrigerant fluids as per regulatory standards.
Innovation Solution
A system for identifying components within the HVAC system, featuring an identification reference and reading means at the connection interface, allowing external identification without disassembly, utilizing a connection plate with the identification reference or a reading opening with closure means to seal the interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the HVAC system is assembled with components installed inside the box, then the system achieves compact integration and proper functionality, but the components become inaccessible for identification without disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system is segmented into two distinct parts: an identification reference element attached to the component inside the box, and a reading means positioned at the external connection interface. This segmentation allows the identification function to be separated from the component itself, enabling external access to identification information without requiring disassembly of the integrated HVAC system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification reference that acts as a mediator between the internal component and the external reading means. This intermediary element transmits identification information from the concealed component to the accessible reading interface, allowing identification without direct access to the component or disassembly of the system.
2Reliability
If regulatory standards require external identification of refrigerant fluids, then compliance is achieved, but the HVAC system requires disassembly to access component information
Solution Approach 1:
The identification reference is preliminarily attached to the component during the assembly process, and the reading means is preliminarily positioned at the connection interface before the system is sealed. This preliminary arrangement ensures that identification information is already in place and accessible from the outside, allowing regulatory compliance checks to be performed without requiring disassembly of the HVAC system.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification reference serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between internal component information and external regulatory requirements. It provides the necessary identification data at an accessible location, enabling compliance verification without compromising system integrity or requiring invasive disassembly.
3Reliability
If the connection interface is sealed to protect the system, then system integrity is maintained, but identification of internal components becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system is segmented such that the reading means is positioned at the connection interface, which is the boundary between the sealed internal environment and the external environment. This segmentation allows identification information to be accessed at the interface without compromising the seal or requiring disassembly of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification reference and reading means are designed to work together as a self-service system that provides identification information automatically at the connection interface. The system does not require external intervention or disassembly to access identification information, as the reading means is already positioned to read the reference element through or at the interface.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The system has an identification reference (31) for identifying a component (10) e.g. evaporator, of an air flow thermal treatment circuit. A reading unit reads the identification reference. The reading unit is constituted of a reading opening (32), and a connection plate (23) that carries the reference and connects the component to a thermodynamic air conditioning loop in which refrigerant i.e. carbon dioxide, circulates. The opening is formed at a connecting interface (25) that is placed at the level of a separation wall between a cab interior and an engine compartment of a motor vehicle. USE : System for identifying a component i.e. evaporator, that is connected to a thermodynamic air conditioning loop in which refrigerant e.g. supercritical fluid such as carbon dioxide (all claimed), or sub critical fluid such as dichlorodifluoromethane (R12) or 1, 1, 1, 2-Tetrafluoroethane (R134a) refrigerant, circulates, of an air flow thermal treatment circuit in a heating, ventilating and air conditioning box of a motor vehicle. Can also be used for identifying other components such as radiator of the air flow thermal treatment circuit. ADVANTAGE : The identification reference is carried by the connection plate so as to allow the identification reference to be visible through a connection interface passage orifice, thus identifying the component from an engine compartment of the vehicle or a space allocated for maintenance application, without disassembling the box. The system is configured such that a sealing joint is arranged between the plate and the passage orifice so as to assure sealing of the box with respect to exterior medium. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS : The drawing shows a sectional view of a component identifying system. 10 : Component 23 : Connection plate 25 : Connecting interface 31 : Identification reference 32 : Reading opening.