Single HVAC Door for Temperature and Airflow Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

HVAC systems in vehicles with two doors to control temperature and airflow distribution face packaging challenges due to space constraints and increased complexity and cost, primarily because of the need for multiple parts and linkages.

Innovation Solution

A single rotatable door is used to control airflow through the heater core and direct it to multiple outlets, eliminating the need for complex linkages and reducing the number of parts by integrating temperature and airflow control functions into a single unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two doors are used to control temperature and airflow distribution, then temperature control and airflow distribution are achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control and airflow distributionVSAvoidnumber of parts and linkages

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate doors (temperature control door and airflow distribution door) into a single integrated door assembly. This single door performs both temperature regulation by adjusting airflow through the heater core and airflow distribution to multiple outlets, thereby reducing the number of parts and linkages while maintaining full functional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single door is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls temperature by regulating airflow through the heater core and simultaneously directs airflow to different outlets (face, foot, defrost). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated doors for each function, reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two doors with linkages are used, then temperature and airflow control functions are provided, but packaging space in the vehicle increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveHVAC control functionsVSAvoidpackaging space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the temperature control door and airflow distribution door into a single integrated door, the patent significantly reduces the space required for door mechanisms and linkages. This compact design is particularly beneficial for auxiliary HVAC systems where packaging space is constrained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple doors and linkages are used, then comprehensive airflow control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow control capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of multiple door functions into a single door assembly reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and linked together. This simplification directly reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while preserving comprehensive airflow control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution simplifies the HVAC system by reducing the number of parts and space requirements, lowering costs and complexity while effectively adjusting temperature and airflow distribution, thereby improving the system's efficiency and packaging in vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

The evaporator is positioned downstream from the blower and is operable to cool air flowing through the evaporator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

The heater core is positioned downstream from the evaporator and is operable to heat air flowing through the heater core

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS8661844B2Door for controlling temperature and airflow distribution of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in a vehicle

Publication Date: 2014.03.04 DENSO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA INC

AI summary

A heating, venting, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for a vehicle according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a blower, an evaporator, a heater core, and a single door. The blower is operable to blow air. The evaporator is positioned downstream from the blower and is operable to cool air flowing through the evaporator. The heater core is positioned downstream from the evaporator and is operable to heat air flowing through the heater core. The single door is positioned downstream from the heater core and is rotatable to control airflow through the heater core and to direct airflow to at least one of a first outlet and a second outlet.