Modular RV HVAC Layout for Open-Cab Temperature Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Recreational vehicles face challenges in providing HVAC systems due to space constraints and thermal management issues, particularly in open-cab vehicles, which affect customer comfort under varying weather conditions.

Innovation Solution

A centralized, modular HVAC system is integrated into the frame assembly of recreational vehicles, featuring a plenum with a heater core, evaporator, blower, and recirculation circuit, along with ducts that direct conditioned air to strategic areas like the occupant area, accessories, and garments, and includes a controller for temperature regulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a traditional HVAC system is installed in a recreational vehicle, then heating and cooling functions are provided, but space constraints and thermal management challenges arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupant area temperature controlVSAvoidspace availability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The HVAC system is divided into separate functional modules (heater core, evaporator, blower, recirculation circuit) that can be independently positioned and configured within the limited space of the recreational vehicle, allowing optimized space utilization while maintaining full heating and cooling functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The HVAC components are nested within the existing vehicle structure, with the heater core, evaporator, and blower integrated into the vehicle's frame or existing compartments, effectively utilizing available space without adding significant external volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Loss of energy

If a HVAC system is installed in an open-cab recreational vehicle, then thermal management is attempted, but heat infiltration and energy efficiency issues worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidheat infiltration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system captures waste heat from the vehicle's powertrain and redirects it through the heater core to condition the occupant area, converting the harmful heat infiltration into a useful heating resource that improves energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The recirculation circuit continuously monitors and recirculates conditioned air back through the HVAC system, creating a feedback loop that maintains temperature control and reduces energy loss by reusing already-conditioned air rather than constantly introducing new ambient air

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If a modular HVAC system with recirculation circuit is used, then temperature control and energy efficiency are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidHVAC system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The recirculation circuit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it improves temperature control by maintaining consistent conditions, reduces energy consumption by reusing conditioned air, and provides a straightforward control mechanism that integrates with existing vehicle systems, thereby achieving ease of operation without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system effectively provides conditioned air to specific areas of the vehicle, enhancing comfort by reducing waste heat infiltration and allowing for rapid mode conversion, thus improving occupant comfort despite varying weather conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a heater core disposed in the plenum and operatively coupled to a coolant system of a powertrain of the recreational vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

an evaporator disposed in the plenum and operatively coupled to an air-conditioning circuit of the recreational vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

The blower is disposed in the plenum and configured to move the air through the heater core and the evaporator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20250367999A1Localized HVAC systems for recreational vehicles and methods for same

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 POLARIS IND INC

AI summary

A recreational vehicle having a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operably coupled to a powertrain and coupled with a frame assembly within an occupant area of the vehicle. The HVAC system includes a core configured to selectively heat or cool air, a blower configured to move the air through the core, and a plurality of ducts configured to direct the air to select portions of a cab enclosed by the frame and seating section.