Multi-Zone Air Conditioner Ion Space for Shared Cabin Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicular air conditioners with air conditioning cases divided into multiple passages for individual temperature control, installing an ion generator in each passage is costly and space-constrained, and placing it upstream of the heat exchanger results in ion loss due to interaction with components.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular air conditioner design where a single function adding device, such as an ion generator, is used in a shared function addition space that communicates with multiple passages via strategically positioned communicating portions, ensuring that air with added functions can be supplied from any passage, eliminating the need for multiple devices and minimizing ion loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single function adding device is installed upstream of the heat exchanger, then device complexity is reduced, but the amount of ions supplied to the cabin becomes insufficient due to ion loss from contact with heat exchanger and other components
Solution Approach 1:
A common function addition space is introduced as an intermediary region between the heat exchanger and the divisional passages. The single ion generator discharges ions into this common space, which then distributes the ions to multiple divisional passages through communicating portions, preventing direct contact between ions and heat exchanger components while enabling supply to multiple passages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by creating a common function addition space that is separate from the traditional divisional passage structure. This additional space allows ions to be distributed to multiple passages through communicating portions, effectively solving the ion loss problem while maintaining single-device simplicity.
2Device complexity
If an ion generator is disposed in one of the divisional passages, then device complexity is reduced, but ions cannot be added to air blown out of other divisional passages
Solution Approach 1:
The common function addition space serves multiple purposes: it receives ions from a single ion generator and distributes them to multiple divisional passages. This universal space enables one ion generator to perform the function of multiple generators, allowing ion-added air to be supplied to any cabin area regardless of which passage is active.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function addition capability into a common space that is shared by all divisional passages. Instead of having separate ion generators in each passage, the ion addition function is combined into a single common region that communicates with all passages, enabling versatile ion distribution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ion generators are provided for each divisional passage, then the ability to supply ion-added air to any cabin area is improved, but costs increase and installation becomes difficult due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The common function addition space provides universal ion distribution capability to all divisional passages through communicating portions. This single universal space replaces the need for multiple separate ion generators, reducing both cost and installation complexity while maintaining the ability to supply ion-added air to any cabin area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple ion generation functions into a single common space that serves all divisional passages. By merging the function addition capability into one location with communication paths to all passages, the system achieves versatile ion distribution without requiring multiple devices, thus reducing cost and installation difficulty.
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
This configuration allows for efficient and cost-effective distribution of added functions like ions or fragrance to any cabin area, regardless of the passage, without the need for multiple ion generators, enhancing functionality and reducing installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger disposed in the air conditioning case and configured to perform heat exchange of the intake air
Implementation Method 2
a function adding device disposed on the wall portion or the space defining wall member and configured to add a predetermined function to the air flowing through the function addition space
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
An air conditioning case (2) includes a wall portion (2a) to change a flowing direction of air that has passed through heat exchangers (4, 5). A space defining wall member (40) and a function adding device (43) are disposed on the wall portion (2a). The space defining wall member (40) defines a function addition space (41) not divided by a partition wall (7). The function adding device (43) adds a predetermined function to the air flowing through the function addition space (41). The function addition space (41) communicates with each of divisional passages (3a, 3b) via at least two communicating portions (401a, 401b). At least one of the communicating portions (401a, 401b) in each of the divisional passages (3a, 3b) is opened toward one of a plurality of blowout openings (10, 20a, 20b, 30a, 30b)so that a pressure in the at least one of the communicating portions (401a, 401b)is lower than a pressure in another of the communicating portions (401a, 401b) in a predetermined blowout mode.