Vehicle HVAC Mixing Chamber Distribution Flap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installations in motor vehicles are bulky, with complex connections between air distribution channels and mixed air outlets, leading to reduced efficiency and increased pressure drops due to constricted spaces.
Innovation Solution
A compact distribution flap system integrated with a mixing chamber, where the distribution flap is rotatable and positioned to minimize space usage, allowing for efficient air flow distribution with reduced pressure drops by simplifying the air distribution channel's conformation and aligning it with the mixed air outlet for optimal ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex connection method is used between air distribution channel and mixed air outlet, then the air distribution can be controlled, but the installation becomes bulky and pressure drops increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution flap is integrated directly into the mixed air outlet, merging the distribution control function with the outlet structure. This eliminates the need for separate complex connection channels, reducing installation volume while maintaining distribution control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixed air outlet is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the outlet for mixed air and the control mechanism for air distribution through the integrated distribution flap. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, decreasing overall installation size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distribution channel has complex conformation, then air can be routed to specific zones, but pressure drops increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution is segmented into different zones (front, rear, right, left) with dedicated outlets and distribution flaps for each zone. This allows independent control of air flow to specific areas without requiring complex routing channels, maintaining simple channel conformation while achieving zonal ventilation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of routing air through complex three-dimensional channels to reach different zones, the system uses multiple outlets positioned at different locations and orientations. The distribution flaps control air flow direction in three dimensions from simple outlet positions, eliminating the need for complex channel conformation.
3Volume of stationary object
If the mixed air outlet is placed in difficult to access zone, then the installation can be compact, but the distribution channel conformation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution flap is designed as a movable component that can rotate between open and closed positions. This dynamic element allows the outlet to be positioned in compact locations while the flap itself controls the complex air distribution paths, separating the positioning function from the routing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution flap acts as an intermediary element between the simple mixed air outlet position and the complex zonal distribution requirement. It translates the simple air flow from the outlet into directed flow patterns that reach specific zones without requiring complex channel conformation.
4Ease of operation
If the distribution flap is articulated on housing or distribution channel, then air circulation can be controlled, but the connection methods become complex and increase installation size
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution flap is merged with the mixed air outlet structure, eliminating the need for separate articulation mechanisms on the housing or distribution channel. The flap becomes an integral part of the outlet, simplifying the connection method while maintaining air circulation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixed air outlet structure is designed to provide both the air passage function and the articulation support for the distribution flap. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate connection mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining operational control.
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 solution enhances the compactness and efficiency of air flow distribution, reducing pressure drops and improving thermal performance by allowing easy aeraulic communication between the distribution channel and mixed air outlet, effectively ventilating specific areas of the passenger compartment.
Implementation Method 1
The distribution shutter (19) consists of a wall (20) delimited by a peripheral perimeter (36) and rotatable on itself around an articulation element (21)
Implementation Method 2
The mixing chamber (10) is delimited by an envelope (17) constituting the casing. This envelope is provided with a cold air flow inlet opening, a hot air flow inlet opening and at least one mixed air flow outlet opening
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device has a mixing chamber for placing a mixing shutter (22), where the chamber comprises a distribution shutter (19) movable in rotation around a hinge element (21). The mixing shutter comprises a lateral passage (33) allowing the rotation of the distribution shutter. The mixing shutter comprises flanges (30, 31) forming a connection between a closure wall (28) and a rotation axis (25). The hinge element is orthogonal to the rotation axis of the mixing shutter, and is articulated on a cover delimiting the mixing chamber.