Seat Duct Ventilation for Remote Vehicle Cargo Bay Climate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle climate control systems are inadequate for heating and cooling areas separated from the cabin, such as cargo bays, as they require separate HVAC systems and do not efficiently distribute temperature-controlled air.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle HVAC system that includes a seat with duct sections connecting to an air supply source, featuring an exhaust vent to direct air aft of the seat, allowing for simultaneous heating, ventilation, and air conditioning of both the cabin and cargo bay, controlled by an interface device and controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate HVAC system is used for cargo bay, then heating and cooling of separated areas is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing HVAC system multi-functional by enabling it to serve both the cabin and cargo bay through duct extensions. The same air supply source, controller, and interface device control climate in both areas, eliminating the need for a separate HVAC system while maintaining comprehensive climate control coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct system is segmented into multiple sections (first section, second section, third section) that can be independently configured and connected. This segmentation allows flexible routing of air ducts to reach the cargo bay while maintaining a manageable and modular system structure that reduces overall complexity.
2Ease of operation
If roof fans are used for cargo space ventilation, then air circulation is achieved, but temperature control (heating/cooling) is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ventilation function (achieved by roof fans) with the temperature control function (provided by the HVAC system) into a single integrated solution. The HVAC system with extended ducting delivers both conditioned air (heating/cooling) and ventilation to the cargo bay simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate roof fan systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If duct sections are extended to reach cargo bay, then air distribution to remote areas is achieved, but duct complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The duct system is divided into multiple connectable sections (first section, second section, third section) that can be assembled in a modular fashion. This segmentation allows the duct to reach the cargo bay through staged connections rather than requiring a single complex long duct, making installation and configuration more manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct system incorporates flexible or adjustable sections that can adapt to different vehicle configurations and cargo bay positions. This dynamic capability allows the same duct structure to serve multiple routing scenarios without requiring completely different duct designs for each configuration.
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 controlled temperature distribution to both the cabin and cargo bay, enhancing comfort and utility in various vehicle types by integrating HVAC functions into a single system.
Implementation Method 1
air convection, not conditioning, such as with roof fans may be used to control temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative devices, systems, and vehicles for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) functions for an area remote from an HVAC system. In an illustrative embodiment, a device includes a seat having a first section of duct having a first end, a second section of duct couplable to the first section of duct, and a third section of duct couplable to the first section of duct. The second section of duct connects at a first end to an air supply source and at a second end to the first end of the first section of duct. The third section of duct includes an exhaust vent configured to direct air received from the air supply source in a direction aft of the seat.