Vehicle Roof Surround Ventilation for Glazed Element Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with glazed elements, such as roofs and rear windows, experience thermal discomfort due to temperature differentials between the upper and seat zones, leading to increased heat near the glass roof, despite air conditioning, prompting the use of concealment systems like awnings or blinds, which compromise visual pleasure and require additional storage and deployment means.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation device integrated into the structural frame of the vehicle, utilizing a motor-driven fan and air diffusion openings to circulate treated air as a pulsed air curtain along the glazed element, bridging the temperature gap between the hot and temperate zones, thus enhancing occupant comfort without the need for external concealment devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a blackout system (velum or mobile blind) is deployed to isolate the passenger compartment from sun radiation, then the temperature rise of the passenger compartment is reduced, but the visual appeal provided by the translucent glazed element is deprived and additional storage and deployment means are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sunshade function from a separate mechanical blackout system and integrates it directly into the glazed element itself. The structural frame of the glazed element incorporates air diffusion openings that create cooling airflow, eliminating the need for external shading mechanisms while maintaining the glazed element's visual appeal and transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces air circulation as an intermediary mechanism between the sun radiation and the passenger compartment. Instead of directly blocking sunlight with physical shades, the system uses airflow through the structural frame to create a thermal barrier that reduces heat penetration while preserving the glazed element's aesthetic qualities.
2Temperature
If air conditioning is used to cool the passenger compartment, then the temperature is reduced, but a high temperature differential is created between the upper area (hot zone) near the glass roof and the seating area (temperate zone)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating targeted cooling airflow specifically at the upper hot zone near the glazed element. The air diffusion openings are strategically positioned in the structural frame to direct cooled air upward where it is most needed, rather than relying on general air conditioning that creates temperature stratification. This localized approach addresses the hot zone without disrupting the overall thermal comfort of the seating area.
3Illumination intensity
If a glazed element is used to improve passenger comfort through increased natural light, then visual appeal is enhanced, but thermal discomfort occurs due to increased heat near the glass roof
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the optical function (light transmission) and thermal management function within the same glazed element structure. The structural frame of the glazed element is designed with integrated air diffusion capabilities, allowing the system to simultaneously maintain high natural light transmission while actively managing heat buildup through coordinated airflow patterns that cool the interior surface of the glazed element.
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 air circulation system effectively reduces temperature differentials, improving comfort by maintaining a consistent airflow and reducing the need for additional shading mechanisms, while allowing for increased luminosity and a more integrated vehicle design.
Implementation Method 1
a ventilation device (3) integrated into a structural frame (1) of a glazed element... a motor-driven fan... to circulate treated air as a pulsed air curtain along the glazed element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle of the motor vehicle type, comprising a ventilation device (3) arranged in a structural surround (1) of at least one glazed element, the vehicle comprising a bodyshell structure (2) to which the structural surround (1) is attached. The bodyshell structure (2) comprises roof side rails (21) extending in the continuation of the windscreen side uprights (A-pillars)) (22), the said roof side rails (21) being mutually connected to one another by a windscreen top rail and by a rear parcel shelf (23), the structural surround (1) being of hollow cross section. The vehicle is characterized by the structural surround (1) which is in communication with the ventilation device (3) so that air blown near the glazed element is able to circulate through at least one air diffusion opening (11) produced on the structural surround (1).