Preassembled HVAC Air Duct Module for Heavy Vehicle Cabin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tractor cabin HVAC systems lack an integrated recirculation air system, leading to inefficient energy use and increased pollution risk, and have complex installations that complicate assembly and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A preassembled module comprising an air duct assembly with both fresh air and recirculation air ducts, along with supporting means for electronic devices, allowing for simplified installation and maintenance, and a three-position flap door for selecting air supply modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If HVAC systems use only fresh air from outside the cabin, then the system is simpler to design, but energy efficiency deteriorates and pollution risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHVAC system designVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The air duct assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both fresh air intake and recirculation air pathways through integrated ducts. The first air duct receives fresh air from outside the cabin while the second air duct enables recirculation of conditioned air back to the air processing unit, allowing the system to switch between fresh air mode and recirculation mode for improved energy efficiency without requiring separate complex systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If HVAC systems include recirculation air supply, then energy efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidHVAC system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air duct assembly merges fresh air intake and recirculation air supply functions into a single integrated structure. The first air duct and second air duct are combined in one assembly that attaches to the air processing unit, eliminating the need for separate complex installation procedures and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining both fresh air and recirculation capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple elements are mounted in the cabin between electronic devices, then functional requirements are met, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional requirementsVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air duct assembly combines multiple functional elements including the first air duct for fresh air intake, the second air duct for recirculation, and supporting means for electronic devices into a single pre-assembled module. This integrated assembly can be installed as one unit in the cabin rear, significantly reducing installation complexity compared to mounting separate elements individually between structural components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If elements are installed individually in the cabin, then flexibility in positioning is achieved, but installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The air duct assembly is pre-assembled outside the cabin with all ducts, supporting means, and electronic device mounts already integrated. This preliminary assembly allows for quality control and configuration before installation, and the complete module can then be quickly installed as one unit in the cabin, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining the flexibility to position the entire assembly at the optimal location

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

5Adaptability or versatility

If electronic devices are installed inside the cabin, then integration is achieved, but maintenance difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveintegrationVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The air duct assembly is designed as a separable module that can be easily removed from the cabin as a complete unit. The supporting means for electronic devices are integrated into this removable assembly, allowing all electronic devices to be accessed, removed, and maintained outside the cabin without disassembling interior panels or disturbing other cabin components, thus maintaining integration benefits while enabling easy maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2428376B1Preassembled rear module of a cabin of a heavy vehicle.
Publication Date: 2013.08.21 CLAAS TRACTOR
  • EP2428376B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2428376B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2428376B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Vehicle such as a land tractor having a cabin (1) with a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system, said cabin (1) comprising an air duct assembly (12) with at least a first air duct (14) configured to be coupled to the intake of an air processing unit (2) of the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system, and supporting means for attaching electronic devices (40), the air duct assembly (12) and the supporting means being preassembled together so as to form one single module (13).