Sliding Flap Layout for Rear Cabin Air Mixing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) devices for vehicles have limitations in regulating the flow of air to the rear area of the passenger compartment, particularly in terms of space and early mixing of air flows.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a sliding flap positioned between the air paths and the second mixing chamber allows for the control of the proportion of cold and hot air entering the second mixing chamber, optimizing its volume for improved air mixing and temperature regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rotary flaps are used for regulating air flow to the second mixing chamber, then air flow regulation is achieved, but the mixing chamber volume is reduced and air mixing is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The air paths are divided into multiple separate paths (first air path through second heat exchanger, second air path bypassing it) that open onto the second mixing chamber. The sliding flap segments the regulation function by selectively opening/closing each path independently, allowing air flow control without occupying mixing chamber volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding flap is positioned at the opening of the air paths leading to the second mixing chamber, rather than inside the mixing chamber itself. This spatial repositioning in another dimension (at the entrance rather than within) allows regulation functionality while preserving the mixing chamber volume for effective air mixing.
2Temperature
If rotary flaps are used for regulating air flow, then temperature control is achieved, but more space is required and mixing begins later in the chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding flap is positioned to regulate air flow at the very beginning of the air paths leading to the second mixing chamber, before the air enters the mixing zone. This preliminary regulation action allows the air flows to begin mixing immediately upon entering the chamber, maximizing mixing efficiency and reducing mixing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding flap acts as an intermediary element positioned between the air paths and the second mixing chamber. It controls the proportion of cold and hot air entering the chamber without interfering with the mixing process itself, allowing mixing to begin immediately upon air entry.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the second mixing chamber volume is increased to improve mixing, then air mixing is enhanced, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding flap provides dynamic control of air flow proportions entering the second mixing chamber. By adjusting the flap position, the ratio of cold to hot air can be varied continuously, enabling precise temperature control and effective mixing within a compact chamber volume, eliminating the need for oversized mixing chambers.
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 enhances the mixing of air flows within the second mixing chamber, allowing for more precise temperature control in the rear area of the passenger compartment while maintaining an optimal chamber volume.
Implementation Method 1
The first heat exchanger thus permits cooling of the flow of air entering the device, therefore forming a flow of cold air
Implementation Method 2
the second heat exchanger makes it possible to heat this flow of air, forming a flow of hot air
Implementation Method 3
the sliding flap makes it possible to control a proportion of flow of cold air, otherwise known as the first flow of air, and of the flow of hot air, known as the second flow of air, entering the second mixing chamber
Implementation Method 4
the invention thus relates to a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning device... the device comprising at least one second chamber for mixing of the flow of air which is connected fluidically to the second air outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning device is disclosed. The device includes at least one air inlet, at least one air outlet which is able to direct the flow of air to a front area of the passenger compartment, and a second air outlet which is able to direct the flow of air to a rear area of the passenger compartment. The device also includes one first heat exchanger and one second heat exchanger positioned downstream from the first heat exchanger relative to a direction of circulation of the flow of air within the device. The device also includes one first chamber for mixing the flow of air which is connected fluidically to the first air outlet and at least one second chamber for mixing the flow of air which is connected fluidically to the second air outlet.