HVAC Module Air Path Segmentation for Zonal Climate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC modules for vehicles fail to simultaneously generate air with spatially varying temperature and humidity, making it difficult to provide individually tailored ventilation conditions for different areas of the vehicle interior.
Innovation Solution
The HVAC module divides the air path into a main path and a side path, with control valves that allow for adjustable airflow and temperature/humidity settings, enabling individual adjustment of air supply to different areas of the vehicle interior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single air path is used through the evaporator and heating device, then the structure is simple, but different areas of the vehicle interior cannot receive air with different temperature and humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The air path is divided into a main path that passes through both the evaporator and heating device, and a side path that branches off before the evaporator and rejoins after the heating device. This segmentation allows different portions of air to be treated differently by the temperature and humidity control systems, enabling spatially varying air conditions to be supplied to different vehicle interior areas while maintaining a manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by enabling different air outlets to receive air with specifically tailored temperature and humidity characteristics. The side path allows certain air outlets to receive air that has undergone different thermal and humidification treatments compared to other outlets, creating locally optimized air quality for different zones within the vehicle interior
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valve flaps are added to control airflow paths, then different air outlets can receive individually adjusted air, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The side path configuration serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables individual air outlet control, provides alternative airflow routing, and allows for flexible combination of cooled and heated air supplies. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated control mechanisms for each air outlet, thereby limiting the increase in control system complexity while achieving individual adjustability
Solution Approach 2:
The valve flaps are designed with multiple adjustable positions (first position, second position, third position) that enable dynamic control of airflow distribution. This dynamic positioning system allows the HVAC module to adapt airflow patterns in real-time based on varying passenger needs, achieving individual area control through a relatively simple mechanical positioning system rather than complex electronic control
3Ease of operation
If air is supplied uniformly to all outlets, then the system operation is simple, but passenger comfort is reduced due to inability to meet individual needs
Solution Approach 1:
The air path segmentation into main and side paths with controlled valve positions enables the system to maintain simple operational modes (such as all valves in default positions for uniform supply) while also allowing transition to individualized control modes when needed. This segmentation provides the structural foundation for both simple and adaptive operation without requiring complex control mechanisms
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 solution allows for individually adjustable ventilation conditions in different parts of the vehicle, enhancing passenger comfort while reducing energy consumption by optimizing the operation of the evaporator and heating device.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator for cooling and dehumidifying the air
Implementation Method 2
a heating device for heating the air
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC module may include an air path through which air is flowable, an evaporator, and a heater. The evaporator and the heater may subdivide the air path into a main path and a side path. The main path may pass through the evaporator and the heater. The side path may branch off from the main path upstream of the evaporator and may open into the main path downstream of the heater. The side path may be fluidically connected to the main path between the evaporator and the heater. A first valve flap may be arranged in the air path and may be adjustable to a closed position and to an open position. A second valve flap may be arranged in the air path and may be adjustable to a first position, to a second position, and to a third position.