Device for the distribution of a flow of air in at least two areas of a vehicle and associated vehicle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air diffusion devices in railway vehicles experience significant pressure drops due to deflector structures, necessitating high-power pumps to circulate air effectively across multiple zones.

Innovation Solution

A diffusion device with a streamlined deflection member comprising two deflectors and a wall, forming an aerodynamic profile that separates air flow between main and secondary circulation channels, reducing pressure drops by optimizing airflow separation and turbulence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a deflector consisting of a wall arranged substantially orthogonally to the air flow is used to separate air flow between ducts, then air can be directed towards one of the two ducts, but pressure drops significantly increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow direction controlVSAvoidpressure drops
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The deflection member is designed with a streamlined, curved profile instead of a sharp orthogonal wall. The curvature radius R is specifically defined to be between 0.05m and 0.15m, creating smooth airflow transitions that reduce turbulence and pressure drops while maintaining effective flow separation between the first and second ducts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Productivity

If a high power pump is used to circulate air through the diffusion device, then air circulation is maintained despite high pressure drops, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair circulationVSAvoidpump power
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The streamlined curved profile of the deflection member reduces flow separation and turbulence, directly lowering pressure drops in the air circulation path. This allows the pump to operate at lower power levels while maintaining the same air circulation productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

The solution reduces pressure drops and enhances air diffusion efficiency across vehicle zones, allowing for effective air circulation with lower power requirements while maintaining good airflow distribution.

Implementation Method 1

a deflection member (26) arranged in the main circulation channel (22) at the level of the passage orifice (28)... capable of directing part of the air flow (F) towards the passage orifice (28)... The deflection member 26 forms an aerodynamic profile capable of separating the air flow F

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerodynamic profile: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 2

The leading edge 34 makes it possible to separate this flow of air F between a part continuing to circulate in the main circulation channel 22 and a part oriented towards the passage orifice 28

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow separation: Flow Separation

Data Source

PatentEP3878710B1Device for the distribution of a flow of air in at least two areas of a vehicle and associated vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.07.20 ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECH SAS
  • EP3878710B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3878710B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3878710B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (20) for diffusing an airflow (F) into at least two zones of a vehicle (10), comprising: - a main circulation channel (22) adapted to direct the airflow towards the first zone along a main direction (A-A') and defining a passage orifice (28) for the airflow (F) towards the second zone; - a deflector element (26) disposed in the main circulation channel (22) at the passage orifice (28), the deflector element (26) being adapted to direct a portion of the airflow (F) towards the passage orifice (28). The deflector element (26) comprises two deflectors (30) extending along the main direction (A-A') between different leading edges (34) and the same trailing edge (36).