HVAC Heat Exchanger Extraction for Cab Maintenance Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing HVAC systems in work vehicles, particularly those mounted beneath the seat, complicate maintenance operations due to the need to remove the seat for access, increasing duration and costs associated with tasks like cleaning and inspection.

Innovation Solution

The HVAC system is designed with a housing that mounts to the cab structure, allowing heat exchangers, tank assemblies, and other components to extend through the structure for external access without disconnecting hoses, facilitating maintenance by positioning these components externally for cleaning and inspection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the HVAC system is positioned beneath the seat, then the HVAC system is integrated into the work vehicle structure, but the seat blocks access to the HVAC components requiring removal for maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHVAC system integrationVSAvoidAccess to HVAC components
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The heat exchanger is extracted from the conventional position beneath the seat and repositioned to extend through the cab structure from the interior to the exterior. This allows the heat exchanger to be accessed and serviced from the exterior of the cab without requiring removal of the seat or other interior components, thereby resolving the access problem while maintaining system integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Volume of stationary object

If the heat exchanger is positioned within the cab interior, then the HVAC system is compact, but maintenance requires disconnecting hoses and complex disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHVAC system footprintVSAvoidMaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The heat exchanger is oriented to extend through the cab structure in a dimensional transition from interior to exterior space. This repositioning allows maintenance personnel to access the heat exchanger from the exterior of the cab, eliminating the need to disconnect hoses and disassemble interior components, while the heat exchanger remains compact within the vehicle structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the HVAC system requires seat removal for access, then the HVAC system can be positioned for structural integration, but the duration and costs of maintenance operations increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHVAC system structural integrationVSAvoidMaintenance operation duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The heat exchanger is extracted from the interior space beneath the seat and repositioned to extend through the cab structure to the exterior. This allows maintenance personnel to service the heat exchanger from the outside of the cab without removing the seat or performing complex disassembly operations, significantly reducing maintenance time and costs while preserving the HVAC system's structural integration into the vehicle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This design reduces the duration and costs associated with HVAC maintenance by allowing components to be removed and serviced externally, improving efficiency and reducing the complexity of maintenance procedures.

Implementation Method 1

The housing includes at least one mounting assembly configured to support at least one heat exchanger within the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchanger: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

The tank is configured to receive an evaporator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

the drain is configured to direct water out of the tank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 4

The HVAC system also includes a heater core and a conduit extending from the heater core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS11135896B2Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system of a work vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.10.05 BLUE LEAF I P INC
  • US11135896B2 patent drawing
  • US11135896B2 patent drawing
  • US11135896B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A heating, ventilation, and air condition (HVAC) system of a work vehicle includes a housing configured to mount to a structure of a cab of the work vehicle. The housing includes at least one mounting assembly configured to support at least one heat exchanger within the housing, and the at least one mounting assembly is configured to position the at least one heat exchanger such that the at least one heat exchanger extends through the structure from an interior of the cab to an exterior of the cab while the at least one heat exchanger is coupled to the at least one mounting assembly.