HVAC Filter Desorption via Heater and Ambient Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC systems for motor vehicles have limited capacity to remove odors, gases, and moisture from cabin air, leading to filter saturation and inefficiency, with desorption processes being uncontrolled.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC system that includes a filter to absorb and desorb odors and gases, utilizing a heater to control desorption during cool conditions and warm ambient air to heat the filter, with a duct to direct heated air for efficient desorption and a blower to reverse airflow for enhanced purging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the filter continuously absorbs odors, gases, and moisture from cabin air, then the filter capacity is utilized, but the filter becomes saturated and requires replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers absorbed odors, gases, and moisture from the saturated filter through controlled desorption using heat and vacuum, then purges these contaminants outside the vehicle. This allows the filter to be regenerated and reused, extending its service life while maintaining absorption capacity.
2Quantity of substance
If the filter absorbs moisture from cabin air, then dehumidification is achieved, but the desorption process becomes uncontrolled
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to monitor moisture levels and desorption progress, providing feedback to the control system. This enables precise control of the heating and vacuum processes during desorption, ensuring moisture is effectively removed from the filter without uncontrolled release into the cabin.
Solution Approach 2:
The desorption process operates in periodic cycles, alternating between absorption mode (normal operation) and desorption mode (regeneration). During desorption cycles, heat is applied and vacuum is activated to periodically purge accumulated moisture and contaminants from the filter, maintaining controlled operation.
3Productivity
If heated air is used to desorb odors and gases from the filter, then desorption efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heater serves multiple functions: it provides cabin heating during normal operation and activates during desorption cycles to heat the filter. By utilizing the same heating system for both cabin comfort and filter regeneration, the patent avoids additional energy-consuming components while achieving efficient desorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing thermal energy resources (engine heat, exhaust heat, or cabin heating system) to drive the desorption process. This self-service approach leverages already-generated heat that would otherwise be wasted, reducing the need for additional energy input specifically for desorption.
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 effectively extends filter capacity and efficiency by controlled desorption and purging of odors and gases, improving cabin air quality and comfort by optimizing the use of heat sources and airflow.
Implementation Method 1
a filter that absorbs odors and gases in a cabin of the motor vehicle
Implementation Method 2
desorbs the odors and gases when heated
Implementation Method 3
a heater that is turned on to heat the filter during cool ambient conditions
Implementation Method 4
warm ambient air is utilized to heat the filter
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC system for a motor vehicle includes a filter that absorbs odors and gases in a cabin of the motor vehicle and desorbs the odors and gases when heated, and a heater that is turned on to heat the filter during cool ambient conditions. The heater is turned off during warm ambient conditions and warm ambient air is utilized to heat the filter. The desorbed odors and gases are purged from the cabin of the motor vehicle.