HVAC inlet subassembly

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing two-layer HVAC systems for vehicles lack an efficient and cost-effective means to manage airflow independently between the upper and lower cabin, leading to suboptimal heating efficiency and window fogging prevention.

Innovation Solution

An improved inlet subassembly with a fresh air inlet and recirculation air inlet, featuring a partition that defines separate airflow channels and a rotatable recirculation air door to control airflow, allowing for fresh air and recirculated air to be directed independently through the system, reducing mixing and enhancing separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing two-layer HVAC systems are used, then independent airflow management in upper and lower cabin is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent airflow managementVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple airflow control functions into a single recirculation door that can selectively direct recirculated air to either the first airflow channel, second airflow channel, or both simultaneously. This merging of control functions reduces the total number of doors needed while maintaining independent airflow management capability for two-layer HVAC systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing two-layer HVAC systems are used, then independent airflow management in upper and lower cabin is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent airflow managementVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple airflow control functions into a single recirculation door that can selectively direct recirculated air to either the first airflow channel, second airflow channel, or both simultaneously. This merging of control functions reduces the total number of doors needed while maintaining independent airflow management capability for two-layer HVAC systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If more airflow control doors are used, then airflow control precision is improved, but system complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow control precisionVSAvoidassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The recirculation door is designed with multi-functionality, capable of directing recirculated air to the first airflow channel alone, second airflow channel alone, or both channels simultaneously. This universal control mechanism maintains precise airflow control while reducing the total number of components and simplifying assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11364768B2HVAC inlet subassembly

Publication Date: 2022.06.21 DENSO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA INC

AI summary

An inlet subassembly for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The inlet subassembly includes a fresh air inlet and a fresh air door movable to control fresh airflow through the fresh air inlet. The inlet subassembly further includes a recirculation air inlet and a partition defining a first airflow channel and a second airflow channel extending from the recirculation air inlet. A recirculation air door is adjacent to the recirculation air inlet and is movable to a closed position restricting recirculated airflow into both the first airflow channel and the second airflow channel, an open position permitting recirculated airflow into both the first airflow channel and the second airflow channel, and a two-layer position in which the recirculation air door restricts recirculated airflow into the first airflow channel and permits recirculated airflow into the second airflow channel.