HVAC Odor Absorbent Regeneration via Heater Plenum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems in motor vehicles fail to effectively regenerate odor absorbent materials, leading to the re-emission of trapped odors into the passenger cabin when the vehicle is unoccupied or after the ignition is switched off.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC system with a regeneration blower assembly and controller that activates when the ignition is off and the coolant temperature exceeds a predetermined level, drawing warmed air through the heater plenum and odor absorbent to regenerate the material, then releasing odor-producing contaminants into the ambient environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If odor absorbent material is used to trap odors in the HVAC system, then odors are prevented from permeating the passenger cabin, but trapped odors eventually outgas into the passenger cabin through the ducts
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter by using warmed air from the heater plenum to regenerate the odor absorbent material. This thermal parameter change allows the absorbent to release trapped odors and restore its cleaning capability, resolving the contradiction between initial odor trapping and subsequent odor release
Solution Approach 2:
The regeneration process operates periodically when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is off, allowing the odor absorbent to be refreshed at intervals. This periodic thermal regeneration prevents continuous odor accumulation and maintains long-term effectiveness of the odor trapping function
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the HVAC system runs continuously to maintain cabin air quality, then odors are filtered, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary odor absorbent regeneration while the vehicle is still running or just parked, preparing the absorbent material before the next driving cycle. This advance regeneration ensures the HVAC system can be turned off or reduced during driving without compromising odor filtration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The odor absorbent regeneration uses waste heat from the engine coolant through the heater plenum, allowing the system to self-regenerate without requiring additional energy input. The thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted is utilized to restore the odor absorbent material
3Ease of operation
If the regeneration process is activated when the ignition is off, then odor absorbent is regenerated without interfering with driving, but the system must wait for sufficient coolant temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors coolant temperature and ignition status in real-time, using this feedback to determine the optimal moment to initiate regeneration. This feedback mechanism ensures regeneration starts only when conditions are favorable (ignition off and sufficient coolant temperature), balancing operational convenience with process effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors and responds to changes in temperature and ignition state parameters, activating regeneration only when the coolant temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold and the ignition is off. This parameter-based control optimizes the timing to minimize delay while ensuring proper regeneration conditions
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
Effectively regenerates odor absorbent materials, preventing odors from re-entering the vehicle cabin and ensuring a fresher interior by actively releasing contaminants outside when the vehicle is unoccupied or after ignition is switched off.
Implementation Method 1
heating and regenerating, by a controller, the odor absorbent using heat from a heater core of the HVAC system
Implementation Method 2
The warmed air is then drawn through the first duct to the blower fan and then forced by the blower fan through the second duct and the odor absorbent
Implementation Method 3
air filters including odor absorbent material, such as activated carbon, to trap odors
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC system is provided for a motor vehicle. That HVAC system includes a heater plenum, a fresh air inlet, an odor absorbent and a regeneration blower assembly that is connected between the heater plenum and the fresh air inlet. The HVAC system further includes a controller configured to regenerate the odor absorbent when an ignition system of the motor vehicle is switched off and a coolant temperature of the motor vehicle exceeds a predetermined coolant temperature required for odor absorbent regeneration.