HVAC Airflow Distribution Module Driver Focus Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC systems in vehicles direct airflow to the passenger side even when no passenger is present, leading to inefficiencies such as increased energy consumption and reduced fuel economy due to unnecessary airflow conditioning.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC airflow distribution module with airflow mode doors that focus airflow on the driver's seat and maintain vehicle recirculation at a comfortable level by controlling airflow through various outlets using rotatable doors and actuating mechanisms, such as servos or linkages, to restrict airflow to unnecessary areas when no passenger is present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If airflow is directed to all outlets including passenger side, then passenger comfort is maintained, but energy consumption increases and fuel economy decreases when no passenger is present
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC system dynamically adjusts airflow distribution based on detected occupancy conditions. When no passenger is present, the system redirects airflow that would normally go to passenger side outlets toward the driver's seat, while maintaining recirculation at comfortable levels. This dynamic adaptation reduces unnecessary energy consumption while preserving system versatility for different occupancy scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes airflow parameters (direction, volume, distribution) based on occupancy detection. By modifying these parameters in response to sensor input, the HVAC system optimizes energy efficiency when the passenger side is unoccupied while maintaining comfort when occupants are present.
2Loss of energy
If airflow mode doors are added to control airflow distribution, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow control system is segmented into multiple independent airflow mode doors, each controlling specific outlets or outlet groups. This segmentation allows precise control of airflow to different regions (driver side, passenger side, foot outlets, defrost outlets) independently, enabling energy optimization without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow mode doors serve multiple functions: they control airflow distribution to optimize energy efficiency, maintain comfortable recirculation levels, and adapt to different occupancy configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) airflow distribution module is integrated with a driver-focus mode operation mechanism for a vehicle. The module utilizes: a driver face door to control airflow through driver face outlets; a passenger face door sub assembly to control airflow through a passenger center face outlet and a passenger side face outlet independently; a foot door sub assembly including a passenger front foot door and a main foot door to control airflow through a passenger front foot outlet independently from driver front and rear foot outlets and a passenger rear foot outlet; and a separator to separate airflow through passenger front and rear foot outlets. The present disclosure enables an HVAC airflow distribution module to focus airflow on the driver's seat and maintain the vehicle recirculation at a comfortable level when no passenger is present.