HVAC Partition Wall Filter Support for Airflow Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems for motor vehicles face challenges in efficiently separating and filtering external and recirculated air flows, particularly in winter conditions, where low humidity external air can be difficult to heat and recirculated air may lead to mist on the windshield, while also requiring easy filter replacement to maintain airflow quality.
Innovation Solution
A device with a main body featuring separate air circulation channels, an air inlet box with an air filter housed in a placement zone, and a partition wall that serves as a support to prevent filter deformation, allowing for the use of a single filter for both air flows and facilitating easy filter replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single filter is used for both external and recirculated air flows, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but it becomes difficult to ensure effective separation of the two air flows
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into two distinct zones: a first filtration zone for external air and a second filtration zone for recirculated air. These zones are separated by a partition wall that extends through the filter housing, ensuring that the two air flows remain physically separated while passing through their respective filtration zones. This segmentation allows a single filter assembly to handle both air flows effectively without compromising separation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the filter are designed with different characteristics to suit the specific requirements of each air flow. The first filtration zone is positioned and configured for external air filtration, while the second filtration zone is optimized for recirculated air. The partition wall creates localized filtration zones with distinct airflow paths, allowing each zone to be optimized for its specific function while using a single filter assembly.
2Ease of operation
If the filter is positioned to allow easy removal and replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but the filter may deform by bending when crossed by strong air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is pre-positioned to extend into the filter housing in a way that provides structural support to the filter before strong air flows occur. This preliminary structural arrangement prevents the filter from deforming under air flow pressure, while still allowing the filter to be easily removed by detaching it from the partition wall support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall serves as an intermediary structural element between the filter and the filter housing. It provides mechanical support to the filter, distributing the forces from strong air flows and preventing bending deformation, while still allowing the filter to be easily detached and replaced by removing it from the partition wall support structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If external air is used for heating in winter conditions, then the risk of windshield fogging is reduced, but the heating efficiency is lowered due to low humidity and cold temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC system dynamically switches between external air and recirculated air based on operating conditions. In winter conditions, the system can use external air for de-icing nozzles to prevent windshield fogging, while using recirculated air for foot-level heating where quick temperature response is needed. This dynamic air source selection optimizes both fogging prevention and heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different air sources are used for different spatial zones within the vehicle. External air is directed to de-icing nozzles near the windshield where fogging prevention is critical, while recirculated air is used for foot-level vents where rapid heating is prioritized. This localized air source assignment optimizes the performance for each specific zone's requirements.
4Speed
If recirculated air is used for foot-level heating, then heating speed is improved, but the humidity increases which may contribute to mist formation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls the mixing ratio of external and recirculated air based on humidity sensors and temperature requirements. When recirculated air is used for foot-level heating to achieve fast heating, the system simultaneously introduces a controlled amount of external air to maintain humidity balance and prevent excessive moisture that could lead to mist formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recycles humid air from the cabin for foot-level heating where its warmth is most needed, while discarding or redirecting this humid air away from the windshield area where it could cause fogging. The partition wall and air circulation channels ensure that humid recirculated air is delivered to appropriate zones while fresh external air is provided to areas sensitive to moisture.
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 separates and conditions air flows to reduce the risk of windshield misting while ensuring efficient heating and filtration, with a single filter capable of handling both external and recirculated air, and allows for easy filter maintenance to prevent pressure drops.
Implementation Method 1
an air filter mounted upstream of said circulation channels of the main body
Implementation Method 2
the main body comprising a partition separating the upstream end of the first circulation channel (5) and the upstream end of the second circulation channel (6)
Implementation Method 3
after heating through the aforementioned device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning device (1) for a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a main body (2, 3, 4) having at least one first air circulation channel (5) intended to supply a first part of a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, a second air circulation channel (6) intended to supply a second part of the passenger compartment, an air inlet housing (11) mounted on the main body (2, 3, 4), upstream of said first and second circulation channels (5, 6) of the main body with respect to the direction of airflow, a filter mounted upstream of said circulation channels (5, 6) of the main body (2, 3, 4), with respect to the direction of airflow, the main body (2, 3, 4) having a partition wall (10) separating the upstream end of the first circulation channel (5) and the upstream end of the second circulation channel. (6), the filter being housed, at least in part,in a placement zone (15) of the air inlet housing (11), the filter resting at least partially on said separating wall (10) of the main body (2, 3, 4).