Modular Vehicle HVAC Housing for Easy Filter Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in vehicles face challenges in reducing spatial requirements, particularly around the dashboard, while also allowing for easy replacement of air filters.
Innovation Solution
A modular HVAC system is proposed, comprising a detachable inlet module with an air filter and a distribution module, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly. This configuration reduces spatial requirements and enables easy filter replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the HVAC system uses a traditional integrated housing design, then the structural integrity and sealing are improved, but the spatial requirements increase and filter replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC system is divided into two detachable modules: an inlet module containing the air filter and a distribution module containing the air outlets. This segmentation allows the filter to be accessed and replaced independently by removing only the inlet module, while maintaining the integrated functionality of the complete system when assembled together.
2Volume of moving object
If the HVAC system uses a traditional integrated housing design, then the structural integrity is improved, but the dashboard spatial requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into separate inlet and distribution modules that can be installed in different locations. The distribution module with air outlets can be positioned in the dashboard area, while the inlet module with the filter can be located elsewhere, thereby reducing dashboard spatial requirements while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A detachable connection mechanism serves as an intermediary between the inlet module and distribution module, allowing the two parts to be easily assembled and disassembled while maintaining structural integrity during operation. This enables flexible installation arrangements that reduce dashboard space requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the HVAC system uses a modular detachable design, then the filter replacement ease and spatial requirements are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two functional modules (inlet module with filter, distribution module with outlets) connected by a simple detachable mechanism. This segmentation simplifies maintenance operations by allowing independent access to the filter, while the detachable connection keeps the assembly process straightforward despite the modular structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning device (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (12) defining an air duct (11) for the passage of an airflow comprising—an inlet module (8), comprising at least one air inlet (15, 16), an air filter (70) being arranged within the inlet module (8), and—a distribution module (9) comprising at least one air outlet (27, 29, 30), the inlet module (8) and the distribution module (9) being detachably assembled to one another; according to the invention, the inlet module (8) is configured to be arranged in a first area of the vehicle, and the distribution module (9) is configured to be arranged in a second area of the vehicle, the air filter (70) being able to be removed from the second area of the vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising such a device.