Multi-Valve Cabin Venting for Fast Door Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure relief valve assemblies in vehicles, particularly in those with electrically operated sliding doors, struggle to efficiently equalize positive pressure buildup during door closure, requiring excessive power to close the door and are not optimally integrated due to design constraints, affecting both functionality and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior ventilation apparatus utilizing multiple pressure relief valves of different types, each with distinct characteristics, is installed in separate receiving openings, allowing for flexible integration and rapid pressure equalization without increasing overall size, and can be positioned near doors or flaps to manage varying pressure situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pressure relief valve assembly is made larger to increase airflow rate, then the pressure equalization efficiency is improved, but the noise ingress from outside increases and the design aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pressure relief valve assembly into multiple individual valves (typically three) arranged in a triangular pattern within the frame. Each valve operates independently to provide airflow pathways. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high total airflow rate while keeping each individual valve opening relatively small, thereby reducing noise ingress and maintaining design aesthetics.
2Productivity
If a single large pressure relief valve is used, then the pressure equalization efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and mounting requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve assembly is segmented into multiple independent valves that can be manufactured and mounted separately. Each valve has its own actuator and sealing mechanism, allowing for modular installation in the vehicle body. This reduces the complexity of mounting a single large valve while achieving the same pressure equalization efficiency through combined airflow from multiple smaller valves.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pressure relief valves are combined within a single frame structure that is mounted in the vehicle body. The frame integrates the mounting interfaces for multiple valves, their actuators, and sealing elements, thereby reducing overall mounting complexity compared to installing multiple separate assemblies while maintaining high pressure equalization efficiency.
3Shape
If the pressure relief valve is positioned away from the door to maintain design aesthetics, then the appearance is improved, but the pressure equalization response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions multiple pressure relief valves at different locations within the vehicle body, including near doors and at other strategic positions. This segmented distribution allows at least one valve to be positioned close to the door for rapid pressure equalization during door closure, while other valves positioned elsewhere maintain design aesthetics and provide additional airflow pathways.
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 solution enables quick pressure equalization, reduces the closing force required for doors, allows for smaller electromotive actuators, and facilitates secure mounting without compromising design aesthetics or increasing noise ingress.
Implementation Method 1
an airflow from the interior of the vehicle can pass outwardly via the vent opening, namely in that this airflow lifts the at least one flap of the pressure relief valve assembly away from the frame due to the adjustment of pressure ratios
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle interior ventilation apparatus having at least one pressure relief valve, in particular of a first type, which is received and/or fixed in a first receiving opening in a vehicle body component, and having at least one pressure relief valve (10), in particular of a second type that differs from the first type, which is received and/or fixed in a second receiving opening separated from the first receiving opening in a vehicle body component.