Vehicle HVAC Flap Segmentation for Independent Zone Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-conditioning systems for vehicles can only create two temperature zones and do not allow independent activation of ducts, failing to meet advanced zone separation and temperature layering requirements, especially in the premium segment.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioning system with fluidically arranged temperature regulating flaps downstream of the heat exchanger, including an evaporator, heating devices, and separate mixing spaces, allows for independent control of air flow to different regions, enabling improved zone separation and temperature layering, including the footwell, by using flaps to bypass heating devices and adjust air flow paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sliding element is used to distribute air flow from the main air duct into part ducts, then the air flow distribution is regulated, but only two temperature zones can be formed and independent activation of ducts is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air distribution system into multiple independent part ducts (first part duct to front region, second part duct to rear region, third part duct to footwell) with separate control flaps for each duct. This segmentation allows independent activation and temperature control of each region, enabling flexible temperature zone configurations beyond the limitation of a single sliding element that could only create two zones.
2Temperature
If the evaporator is arranged to cool all air flowing through the main air duct, then complete air flow cooling is achieved, but the ability to provide different temperature zones is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air flow paths after the evaporator by providing separate part ducts with individual temperature regulating flaps. This allows different portions of the cooled air to be directed to different regions (front, rear, footwell) with independent temperature control, achieving both complete cooling capability and flexible temperature zone separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality control by positioning temperature regulating flaps at the inlet of each part duct, allowing each region to receive air with locally optimized temperature characteristics. The front region, rear region, and footwell can each have different temperature settings based on local requirements.
3Temperature
If a single heat exchanger is used for heating, then the heating function is provided, but independent temperature control for different regions is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides separate temperature regulating flaps for each part duct that can independently control the mixing of heated and cooled air for each region. This segmentation enables independent temperature adjustment for the front region, rear region, and footwell, allowing each occupant zone to be optimized separately while using a single heat exchanger.
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 configuration allows for precise temperature control in various regions of the vehicle, including the footwell, and reduces pressure drops, enabling independent temperature adjustments for the front and rear regions, and even side windows, enhancing comfort and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator (3) for cooling an air flow
Implementation Method 2
at least one heating device (4) fluidically arranged downstream of the evaporator (3) for heating the air flow
Data Source
AI summary
An air-conditioning system for air-conditioning a passenger cell with a front region and a rear region may include a housing including an air inlet, a front outlet, a rear outlet, and a footwell outlet. The system may also include an evaporator for cooling an airflow and a heating device for heating the airflow arranged in the housing. A cold air space, a hot air space, a front mixing space, a layering mixing space, and a rear mixing space may be arranged within the housing. The system may also include a front flap configured to control a first connection opening connecting the hot air space to the front mixing space, a layering flap configured to control a second connection opening connecting the hot air space to the layering mixing space, and a rear flap configured to control a third connection opening connecting the hot air space to the rear mixing space.