Seat-Integrated HVAC Ducting for Cabin and Cargo Bay Ventilation
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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 spaces, as they require separate HVAC systems and do not effectively 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 through an interface device and controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate HVAC system is used for cargo space, then heating and cooling of separated areas is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the existing HVAC system to serve dual purposes: conditioning both the cabin and the cargo space through the seat's integrated ductwork. The seat becomes a universal platform that distributes conditioned air to multiple zones (cabin and cargo bay) without requiring separate HVAC systems, thus achieving extended coverage while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cargo space ventilation function with the existing seat HVAC system. By integrating duct sections within the seat structure that can direct air both to the cabin and to the cargo bay, the system combines multiple functions into a single integrated solution, eliminating the need for separate ventilation systems for different zones.
2Productivity
If roof fans are used for cargo space temperature control, then air circulation is achieved, but heating and cooling capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the seat's ductwork as an intermediary mechanism to transfer conditioned air from the HVAC system to the cargo space. Instead of using roof fans that only circulate air, the ducted system acts as a mediator that delivers temperature-controlled air directly to the cargo bay, enabling both circulation and temperature control functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using pressurized air flow through ducts to deliver conditioned air to the cargo space. The HVAC system generates pressurized air that travels through the seat-integrated ductwork and exits into the cargo bay, providing controlled temperature air delivery rather than relying on passive convection from roof fans.
3Volume of moving object
If duct sections are integrated within the seat, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing duct sections inside the seat structure. The ducts are nested within the seat's internal volume, utilizing the existing seat space for dual purposes (seating and air distribution). This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization without requiring additional external components or increasing overall vehicle volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the duct system into multiple sections (first duct section, second duct section, third duct section) that can be independently configured and assembled. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing and assembly, reducing the complexity of creating a single complex integrated duct while still achieving the desired space utilization and air distribution 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
Enables efficient and controlled temperature distribution to both the cabin and cargo bay, enhancing comfort and utility by integrating HVAC functions within a single system.
Implementation Method 1
air convection, not conditioning, such as with roof fans may be used to control temperature
Data Source
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.