Rear HVAC Airflow Path Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rear HVAC systems in extended vehicles often have reduced efficiency due to airflow being deflected against housing walls before reaching the heater, limiting passenger cabin space and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A rear HVAC system design where the evaporator and heater are mounted between the vehicle floor and the rear wheel well, with airflow generated by a fan entering the evaporator and heater in a configuration that allows direct airflow path, enhancing efficiency by shortening and straightening airflow paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the evaporator and heater are mounted in a conventional rear HVAC system, then the system can be installed in extended vehicles, but the airflow path becomes deflected against housing walls which reduces operating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporator and heater are arranged in a vertical stacking configuration within the housing, utilizing the vertical dimension between the vehicle floor and the rear wheel well. This dimensional arrangement creates a direct vertical airflow path from the evaporator through the heater to the outlets, eliminating the need for horizontal airflow deflection against housing walls and thereby improving operating efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rear HVAC system is mounted above the rear wheel well, then the system can be installed in extended vehicles, but the amount of passenger cabin space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC system utilizes the vertical space between the vehicle floor and the rear wheel well by mounting the evaporator and heater in a stacked vertical arrangement. This vertical dimension utilization allows the system to be installed in extended vehicles without encroaching on horizontal passenger cabin space, thereby maintaining adaptability while preserving cabin volume
3Adaptability or versatility
If the airflow path is extended and deflected against walls, then the HVAC system can be mounted in extended vehicles, but the airflow efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a direct vertical airflow path by stacking the evaporator and heater vertically within the housing. This vertical arrangement eliminates extended horizontal airflow paths and wall deflections, reducing energy loss while maintaining the ability to be mounted in extended vehicles between the floor and rear wheel well
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
Improves operating efficiency by ensuring direct airflow to the heater and optimizing space usage, allowing for better airflow distribution and increased passenger cabin space.
Implementation Method 1
airflow generated by a fan of the system
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator... Airflow generated by the airflow generator enters the evaporator at the first evaporator side and exits the evaporator at the second evaporator side
Implementation Method 3
a heater... Airflow generated by the airflow generator enters the heater at the first heater side and exits the heater at the second heater side
Data Source
AI summary
A rear HVAC system for a motor vehicle including a housing, an airflow generator, an evaporator, and a heater. The housing is configured to be mounted adjacent to a rear wheel well and a D-pillar of the motor vehicle. The evaporator and the heater are mounted within the housing. Both the evaporator and the heater are between a vehicle floor and a line that is both generally parallel to the floor and tangent to an upper surface of the rear wheel well when the housing is installed in the vehicle.