Vehicle HVAC Air Distribution With Dual Inlets and Row Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems for passenger vehicles face challenges in efficiently distributing conditioned air to multiple rows, particularly the second and third rows, and in optimizing air intake and filtration systems for improved airflow and temperature control.
Innovation Solution
The HVAC system incorporates an air intake housing with dual inlets for recirculated and fresh air, a filter system, and a fan housing with a scroll and diffuser to optimize airflow, along with a heat treatment housing that includes an evaporator and heater, and a distribution system with controllable doors and plenums to direct air to specific vehicle compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single air inlet is used in existing HVAC systems, then the structure is simple, but airflow efficiency and temperature control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The air intake housing is segmented into dual independent inlets: a first air inlet for recirculated air from the passenger compartment and a second air inlet for fresh air from outside the vehicle. Each inlet has its own valve for independent control, allowing optimized airflow management for different operating conditions while maintaining a relatively simple integrated housing structure.
2Ease of operation
If air is distributed to multiple rows without targeted control, then the system is simple, but passenger comfort and energy efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution system is segmented into multiple independent pathways with controllable doors and plenums. One pathway directs air to front row outlets while another pathway directs air to second and third row outlets. This segmentation enables targeted air distribution to specific vehicle rows, improving passenger comfort through localized climate control while reducing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary air conditioning of unoccupied spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates controllable doors and plenums that can dynamically adjust air flow paths based on occupancy and temperature requirements. The doors can open or close specific pathways to direct conditioned air preferentially to occupied rows, while the plenums allow dynamic adjustment of air distribution ratios between different rows, optimizing both comfort and energy efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter is installed in the air intake system, then air quality improves, but airflow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is designed with local quality optimization by positioning filters at specific locations within the air intake housing where they can effectively filter air without creating excessive flow resistance. The filter placement allows recirculated air and fresh air to be filtered through appropriately positioned filters, maintaining air quality while minimizing impact on overall airflow rate through optimized local filtration architecture.
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
The system enhances airflow efficiency, temperature control, and targeted air distribution to multiple vehicle rows, improving passenger comfort and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a fan that is rotatably mounted within the fan housing, wherein air from the air inlet housing flows directly to a suction of the fan, and when the fan is rotating about its rotational axis air is expelled out of the fan radially away from the rotational axis
Implementation Method 2
the air conditioning housing includes an evaporator of a heat pump or refrigeration system associated with a vehicle
Implementation Method 3
the ventilation housing further comprises an evaporator and a heater that are each within a heat pump system
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC system that optimized for minimizing the amount of electrical power used during operation at various levels producing cold air or warm air is provided. The system includes an air inlet, a scroll, an air conditioning module, and an air delivery system for various locations within a vehicle that includes the HVAC system.