Segmented Thermal Conditioning for Vehicle Space Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles for urban use, the compact dimensions restrict the installation of conventional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, making it difficult to maintain comfort due to space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A thermal conditioning installation with a heat treatment module in the front compartment and an air distribution module in the passenger compartment, featuring exterior and interior air inlets with adjustable flaps and internal partitions to optimize space usage, allowing for compact design and improved airflow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning installation is installed in the passenger compartment, then thermal comfort is ensured, but the available space in the passenger compartment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal conditioning installation is divided into two separate modules: a heat treatment module positioned in the front compartment and an air distribution module positioned in the passenger compartment. This segmentation allows the system to maintain thermal comfort functions while reducing the space occupation in the passenger compartment, as the bulk of the system (heat treatment module) is relocated to the front compartment where space is more readily available.
2Length of moving object
If the vehicle dimensions are reduced for urban use, then urban maneuverability is improved, but the installation of thermal conditioning systems becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the thermal conditioning installation into two modules positioned in different compartments, the system adapts to the reduced overall vehicle dimensions suitable for urban use. The air distribution module in the passenger compartment can be compact while the heat treatment module in the front compartment handles the bulk of thermal processing, enabling installation in space-constrained urban vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the longitudinal dimension of the vehicle by distributing components across different zones (front compartment vs. passenger compartment) rather than concentrating everything in the transverse plane of the passenger compartment. This dimensional redistribution allows the system to accommodate reduced vehicle dimensions while maintaining installation feasibility.
3Area of stationary object
If the dashboard size is reduced to maintain comfort, then passenger space is increased, but the thermal conditioning installation cannot be positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal conditioning installation is segmented into two independently positionable modules: the heat treatment module in the front compartment and the air distribution module in the passenger compartment. This segmentation provides installation flexibility, allowing the air distribution module to be positioned in the passenger compartment regardless of dashboard size, while the heat treatment module is positioned in the front compartment where dashboard reductions do not impact available space.
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
This configuration reduces the overall size of the thermal conditioning system, increasing passenger compartment space while maintaining effective airflow and temperature control, enhancing occupant comfort.
Implementation Method 1
A heat exchanger is arranged in the circulation channel in order to modify the temperature of the air flow before being diffused into the passenger compartment
Implementation Method 2
the selection means is constituted by at least one flap, capable of allowing the opening and/or closing of the exterior air inlet and/or of the interior air inlet
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a thermal conditioning apparatus (3) for a motor vehicle, capable of enabling an aerothermal adjustment of an air flow to be distributed in a passenger compartment (H) of the vehicle, including at least one heat treatment module (8), capable of heat-treating the air flow, comprising at least one air intake housing (24) enabling the air flow to enter the heat treatment module (8) and an electric fan unit (18) for circulating the air flow inside the heat treatment module (8). The air intake housing (24) is arranged above the electric fan unit (18), in a vertical direction (y).