Nested HVAC Air Throttling Assembly for Compact Cabin Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle HVAC systems face size constraints, particularly in electric vehicles, internal combustion engine vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, where space behind and below the instrument panel is limited, necessitating a compact ram air throttling mechanism to efficiently manage airflow between ram air and recirculated cabin air.
Innovation Solution
A ram air throttling assembly with a housing defining ram air and recirculation air inlets and an outlet, featuring a movable barrel door and a slidably movable plate door with gear teeth, allowing for adjustable airflow control through the use of a motor-rotated gear to position the doors between open, closed, and intermediate positions, effectively throttling airflow and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional HVAC system is used with sufficient space for airflow management, then airflow control is effective, but the system size increases and reduces passenger cabin space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested door mechanism where a second door is positioned within a pocket of the first door assembly. The second door can slide in and out of the pocket to provide additional airflow control. This nesting arrangement allows two door mechanisms to occupy the same spatial envelope, effectively reducing the overall HVAC system footprint while maintaining comprehensive airflow management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the depth dimension by positioning the second door within a pocket of the first door assembly. The second door slides in and out of the pocket along a path that exploits the depth dimension, allowing airflow control without increasing the front-to-back depth of the overall HVAC assembly. This dimensional strategy reduces the HVAC system's footprint while preserving airflow control effectiveness.
2Volume of moving object
If space is reduced to increase passenger cabin area, then passenger cabin space increases, but airflow management becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The nested door configuration allows the HVAC system to maintain full airflow management versatility within a reduced footprint. The first door provides primary airflow control, while the second door nested within its pocket provides secondary control. Together, they can independently and cooperatively adjust airflow from multiple positions, compensating for the reduced space and maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the airflow control function into two separate door mechanisms: a first door for primary control and a second door for secondary control. Each door can be independently actuated and positioned, allowing segmented control of airflow. This segmentation enables versatile airflow management despite the constrained space, as each door can operate autonomously or in coordination with the other.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact throttling mechanism is implemented, then HVAC system footprint is reduced, but mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested door mechanism reduces the overall HVAC system footprint by positioning the second door within a pocket of the first door assembly. While this nesting reduces space requirements, it does increase mechanism complexity by adding a second movable door with its own actuation system. The complexity is justified by the significant reduction in HVAC system volume and the enhanced airflow control versatility it provides.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle HVAC system including a ram air throttling assembly. The ram air throttling assembly includes: a housing defining a ram air inlet, a recirculation air inlet, and an outlet; a first door within the housing, the first door movable to direct airflow from at least one of the ram air inlet and the recirculation air inlet to the outlet; and a second door slidably movable to throttle airflow into the housing through the ram air inlet.