HVAC system including sterilization unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems fail to effectively clean foreign substances, dust, and sterilize bacteria and molds from the evaporator and heater core, leading to contaminated air and discomfort for vehicle occupants.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC system with a sterilization unit that includes a housing with an irradiation unit and multiple reflective surfaces to reflect light rays multiple times, using LED light to inactivate bacteria and minimize airflow resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning liquid is sprayed on the inlet side to clean foreign substances and dust, then cleaning of the evaporator and heater core is improved, but the system cannot effectively sterilize bacteria and molds, and users must manually inject cleaning solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic sterilization through the sterilization unit that emits light rays to kill bacteria and molds on the evaporator and heater core, eliminating the need for manual cleaning operations by users
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an optical sterilization system that uses light rays to eliminate contaminants, transitioning from mechanical spraying to optical sterilization
2Reliability
If multiple reflection units are added to enhance sterilization performance, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved reflective surfaces that efficiently redirect light rays throughout the housing, achieving comprehensive sterilization coverage with a minimal number of reflection units through optimized geometric design
3Volume of moving object
If the housing size is reduced to minimize vehicle space usage, then space efficiency is improved, but sterilization coverage may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Curved reflective surfaces are strategically positioned within the compact housing to maximize light ray reflection and distribution, ensuring adequate sterilization coverage despite the reduced overall size of the unit
Solution Approach 2:
The reflection units are positioned to create concentrated light ray paths that thoroughly cover critical areas within the compact housing, ensuring effective sterilization in the limited space available
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 system provides effective sterilization of air, reduces airflow resistance, and prevents damage to plastics, while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment by minimizing noise and airflow reduction.
Implementation Method 1
an irradiation unit configured to irradiate a light ray to an inner side of the housing
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of reflection units located on a plurality of surfaces on inner sides of the housing so as to face the irradiation unit
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC system including a sterilization unit is provided, wherein in one embodiment the sterilization unit is located within the HVAC system. The sterilization unit includes a housing configured to envelop an outer side surface of the sterilization unit, an irradiation unit located on one side surface of the housing, and reflection units located in the housing so as to face the irradiation unit.