HVAC Housing Y-Shaped Distribution Zone Shutter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ventilation and air conditioning systems for vehicle passenger compartments face challenges in space constraints, as conventional butterfly-type shutters are not always compatible with the close arrangement of outlet channels, limiting the flexibility in channel layout and air flow control.
Innovation Solution
A Y-shaped distribution zone with a controlled shutter that pivots inside the distribution zone, featuring wings that can alternately open or close adjacent or superimposed outlet channels, allowing for a more compact configuration and precise control of air flow, including maintaining low air flow to the windshield to prevent fogging and ensuring air renewal in the passenger compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional butterfly-type shutter is used to control outlet channels, then the shutter can control two neighboring output channels simultaneously, but the close arrangement of outlet channels is not compatible with space constraints of the ventilation box
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is divided into two separate wings (first wing and second wing) that can independently control different outlet channels. Each wing operates on its own plane, allowing the shutter mechanism to fit within the constrained space of the ventilation box while maintaining the capability to control multiple outlet channels selectively
Solution Approach 2:
The two wings of the shutter are arranged on different planes (first plane and second plane) rather than being coplanar. This spatial arrangement allows the shutter to control outlet channels that are positioned at different locations and orientations within the compact ventilation box, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space to resolve the contradiction between control versatility and space constraints
2Volume of moving object
If outlet channels are arranged closely together, then space constraints are reduced, but the conventional butterfly shutter cannot effectively control the channels
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism is segmented into two independent wings that can be positioned at different orientations and locations. This segmentation allows each wing to be optimally positioned to control specific outlet channels in the compact arrangement, maintaining effective control capability despite the close spacing of channels
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter wings are designed to rotate about axes that are substantially perpendicular to their respective planes, allowing dynamic adjustment of the wing positions. This dynamic capability enables the shutter to adapt to the close arrangement of outlet channels by positioning each wing independently to control its target channel effectively
3Productivity
If all outlet channels are closed simultaneously, then air flow control is maximized, but air renewal in the passenger compartment is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the positions of the shutter wings and the air flow conditions. This feedback ensures that the control system prevents simultaneous closure of all outlet channels by detecting when channels are being closed and adjusting the control signals to maintain at least one open channel for air renewal, while still achieving efficient air flow control for heating and cooling functions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a housing for a heating, ventilation and/or air-conditioning unit, comprising: a distribution channel (5) connected to a first outlet channel (10) and to a second outlet channel (11) via a Y-shaped distribution zone (12); and a controlled shutter (15) which pivots inside the distribution zone (12) according to a rotational axis (Delta) located substantially at the intersection of the outlet channels (10, 11) and which comprises a first flange (20) and a second flange (21) that are substantially parallel to, and radially offset from, the rotational axis (Delta), said flanges being spaced apart from one another so as to define an intermediate channel (22). The shutter is designed to adopt at least three positions (A, B, C).