Vehicle HVAC Damper Housing for Compact Airflow Channel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) devices for vehicles are structurally complex and insufficiently compact, leading to inefficiencies in airflow control and guidance.
Innovation Solution
A HVAC device with a housing featuring walls and flaps that allow for the controlled opening and closing of multiple airflow channels, enabling efficient airflow division and guidance through a compact structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing HVAC devices use multiple separate components for airflow control, then airflow control functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases and compactness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple airflow control functions into a single integrated housing structure with internal walls and flaps. The housing integrates the first channel port, second channel port, heat exchange element, and multiple flaps (first main flap, second main flap, mixing flap) into one compact unit, eliminating the need for separate external components while maintaining full airflow control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural enclosure, creates internal airflow channels through its walls, houses the heat exchange element, and incorporates flap mechanisms for airflow control. This multi-functional design reduces overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If existing HVAC devices use distributed airflow control components, then airflow guidance is achieved, but compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the first and second flaps are positioned within the housing interior, with the heat exchange element nested between internal walls. The flaps are arranged to control airflow through channels formed by the housing walls themselves, creating a compact nested arrangement that maximizes functionality within minimal volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the internal three-dimensional space of the housing efficiently by arranging walls and flaps in multiple dimensions. The first intermediate wall and second intermediate wall create vertical separation, while flaps operate in horizontal planes, effectively using spatial dimensions to achieve compact airflow control without increasing external device volume.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing HVAC devices use simple structural design, then manufacturing is easier, but airflow control precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into distinct functional zones using internal walls (first intermediate wall, second intermediate wall) that divide the internal space. These walls create separate channels for different airflow paths, allowing precise control of airflow direction and distribution while maintaining a relatively simple overall housing structure that is easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates movable flaps (first main flap, second main flap, mixing flap) that can dynamically adjust airflow control. These flaps are designed with simple pivot mechanisms that allow precise airflow regulation through rotational movement, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving high control precision through dynamic adjustment capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning device (10) for a vehicle, comprising: a housing (100) allowing airflow to pass through, the housing (100) having a first wall (110), a second wall (120), and a first intermediate wall (130), the first wall (110) and the first intermediate wall (130) defining a first channel port (P1) in the housing (100), and the second wall (120) and the first intermediate wall (130) defining a second channel port (P2) in the housing (100); and a first main damper (170), having a first position, a second position and an intermediate position between the first position and the second position in the housing (100). In the first position, the first main damper (170) closes the second channel port (P2) and opens the first channel port (P1). In the intermediate position, the first main damper (170) opens the first channel port (P1) and the second channel port (P2). In the second position, the first main damper (170) closes the first channel port (P1) and opens the second channel port (P2). The heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning device has a simplified and compact structure.