Rotatable Trough Control Element for Dual-Mode Condensate Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioning systems for vehicles require flexibility to handle condensation drainage either through a pipe system or direct openings, necessitating the design of dual variants or replacement of components, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning system with a removal device featuring a rotatable control element that directs condensation either through a pipe system or directly to the outside, allowing for easy switching between drainage methods, including a design with a hollow cylinder and reinforcing ribs for stability and efficient water collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pipe system is used for condensate drainage, then the condensate can be routed to drainage points inside the vehicle, but the system becomes vulnerable to blockages and freezing
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the drainage path parameter from internal pipe routing to external direct discharge, bypassing the vulnerable pipe system when freezing or blockage occurs. The rotatable control element enables switching between different drainage configurations to adapt to changing conditions.
2Reliability
If direct openings are used for condensate discharge, then the system is simpler and less prone to blockages, but the condensate cannot be routed to specific drainage points
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable control element introduces dynamic adaptability, allowing the system to switch between direct discharge mode (reliable, simple) and pipe routing mode (versatile, controlled). This dynamic element enables the system to adapt its drainage configuration based on operational requirements and environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control element serves multiple functions: it acts as a valve for direct discharge, a connector for the pipe system, and a switching mechanism between the two modes. This multi-functionality allows a single component to provide both direct discharge reliability and pipe routing versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual variants of air conditioning systems are designed to accommodate both drainage options, then all drainage requirements can be met, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the direct discharge mechanism and the pipe system into a single integrated drainage device. The rotatable control element combines both drainage approaches in one unit, eliminating the need for separate systems while maintaining both functional options.
Solution Approach 2:
The control element is designed as a universal component that can operate in two distinct modes: direct discharge to the exterior and connection to the internal pipe system. This universality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require two separate system configurations.
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
Enables efficient and adaptable condensation drainage, preventing blockages and ensuring continuous operation even if the pipe system is frozen, while allowing user-controlled rotation for optimal drainage.
Implementation Method 1
the control element, in the first rotational position, guides the condensate water within the line system and, in the second rotational position, creates a continuous connection between a drip point for the condensate water and an outside area
Data Source
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AI summary
An air conditioning system having a discharge device (10) for discharging condensed water from the air conditioning system, wherein the discharge device has a pipe system (2) for conveying the condensed water, wherein the discharge device has a control element (3) and the control element is configured as an open trough that can be rotated about a longitudinal axis (4), between a first rotation position and a second rotation position. The control element (3) is configured and arranged in such a way that, in the first rotation position, the control element conveys the condensed water within the pipe system (2) and, in the second rotation position, the control element establishes a continuous connection between a drop-off point for the condensed water and an external region around the air conditioning system.