HVAC Door Linkage Assembly for Non-Parallel Axis Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC designs require multiple actuators mounted parallel to the door rotating axis, leading to high cost and packaging space occupancy when dealing with doors rotating along non-parallel axes, as multiple actuators are needed to actuate movement.
Innovation Solution
A linkage mechanism that includes a mode cam and linkage assemblies with mid-links, rack links, and gears to transfer movement from a single actuator to HVAC doors rotating along non-parallel axes, allowing for cost and space savings by reducing the number of actuators required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple actuators are used to drive doors rotating along non-parallel axes, then the door movement control is achieved, but the cost and packaging space occupancy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuator functions into a single actuator by integrating a mode cam mechanism that can control multiple doors rotating along non-parallel axes. The mode cam with multiple grooves allows one actuator to drive several doors independently, merging the functions of multiple actuators into one compact unit, thereby reducing packaging space occupancy while maintaining door movement control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed with universal functionality to control multiple doors with different rotation axes. The mode cam mechanism enables the actuator to perform multiple functions by engaging different grooves for different doors, making the actuator adaptable to various door configurations without requiring separate actuators for each door
2Ease of operation
If multiple actuators are mounted parallel to door rotating axis, then the door actuation is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple actuator functions into a single actuator unit with a mode cam mechanism that can control multiple doors. This consolidation reduces the total number of actuators required, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to actuate multiple doors along non-parallel axes
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed with universal multi-functionality through the mode cam mechanism, allowing one actuator to control multiple doors with different rotation axes. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized actuators, reducing overall manufacturing cost while achieving complete door actuation capability
3Volume of stationary object
If a single actuator controls multiple doors with non-parallel axes, then cost and space are reduced, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mode cam as an intermediary mechanism between the single actuator and multiple doors. The mode cam with its multiple grooves acts as a mediator that translates the single actuator's rotation into controlled movement of multiple doors with non-parallel axes. This intermediary simplifies the overall system by providing a centralized control point while managing the complexity of coordinating multiple doors
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
Enables efficient control of multiple doors rotating along non-parallel axes with a single actuator, reducing costs and packaging space while achieving various door angles through a gear-rack meshing and pin-groove driving mechanism, thereby optimizing HVAC system design.
Implementation Method 1
The mid-link may include a gear having a plurality of teeth that mesh with a plurality of teeth on the rack link
Implementation Method 2
The rack link may include a pin on an end of the rack link that is received within a slot defined by the link. The pin may slide within the slot to transfer movement of the rack link to the link
Implementation Method 3
The mid-link may include a protrusion that engages with at least one groove on a surface of the mode cam to transfer movement from the mode cam
Data Source
AI summary
A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) door assembly includes a first HVAC door rotating about a first axis, a second HVAC door rotating about a second axis that is nonparallel with the first axis, an actuator, a mode cam. The mode cam is engaged with the actuator and controls movement of the first HVAC door and the second HVAC door.