Modular Zoned Vehicle Air Conditioning With Shorter Airflow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple zoned air conditioning systems for vehicles are complex and inefficient due to long, non-linear fluid flow paths, which increase construction costs and reduce performance.
Innovation Solution
A simplified multiple zoned air conditioning system with a main conditioning module and interchangeable multiple zone modules, utilizing a single first and second heat exchanger to create short, efficient flow paths for mixing cool and warm air flows, allowing for independent temperature control in multiple vehicle zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a modular air conditioning system with interchangeable modules is used, then the construction cost is reduced and adaptability is improved, but the fluid flow path becomes long and non-linear which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioning system is divided into a main conditioning module and interchangeable multiple zone modules. Each module can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing construction costs while maintaining the ability to create efficient flow paths within each segment. The modular design allows the second heat exchanger to engage multiple flow paths effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates multiple three-dimensional flow paths that extend in different spatial dimensions. The second heat exchanger is positioned to engage flow paths in various directions, transforming the two-dimensional planar flow into three-dimensional multi-directional flow, which shortens the effective flow distance and improves efficiency despite the modular configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate heat exchangers are provided for each zone, then independent temperature control is improved, but the device complexity and construction cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second heat exchanger in the main conditioning module serves multiple zones simultaneously by engaging multiple flow paths. This single heat exchanger performs the heating function for several different air flows that are directed to different zones, eliminating the need for separate heat exchangers in each zone while maintaining independent temperature control capability through the modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple flow paths that serve different zones are merged through the second heat exchanger, which handles heating for all zones in a unified manner. The interchangeable multiple zone modules are also merged with the main conditioning module to form an integrated system that provides independent zone control without requiring separate heat exchangers for each zone.
3Device complexity
If the second heat exchanger serves multiple flow paths, then the device complexity is reduced, but the flow path design becomes more challenging to maintain efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The second heat exchanger engages flow paths that extend in multiple three-dimensional directions rather than following a single linear path. By utilizing vertical and horizontal dimensions simultaneously, the system creates short efficient mixing paths that allow the single heat exchanger to serve multiple zones effectively without compromising flow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different flow paths are optimized with locally appropriate characteristics. Each flow path engaging the second heat exchanger is designed with specific local qualities such as path length, angle, and positioning that are tailored to its destination zone, ensuring that each local flow path maintains high efficiency even though they all converge through the same heat exchanger.
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 achieves efficient air conditioning with low internal resistance and noise levels, enabling a single to four zone system with reduced complexity and cost, while maintaining effective fluid flow and temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
The first heat exchanger serves to cool down to a defined temperature incoming ambient air and to dry it as needed
Implementation Method 2
The first heat exchanger serves to cool down to a defined temperature incoming ambient air and to dry it as needed
Implementation Method 3
The second heat exchanger serves to heat the air that has been cooled down to low temperature and dried by the first heat exchanger
Implementation Method 4
The second heat exchanger serves to heat the air that has been cooled down to low temperature
Implementation Method 5
The first heat exchanger serves to cool down to a defined temperature incoming ambient air
Implementation Method 6
The air may flow therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a multiple zoned air conditioning system for providing air conditioning to the interior of an automotive vehicle. The air conditioning system includes a main air conditioning module with a first heat exchanger for cooling and with a second heat exchanger for heating, as well as a multiple zone module. The main air conditioning module creates, in cooperation with the multiple zone module, at least one first air flow conditioned for temperature. The multiple zone module is interchangeably disposed in the main air conditioning module, with the second heat exchanger engaging the multiple zone module so as to allow air flow therethrough, when the multiple zone module is disposed on the main air conditioning module.