Switchable Vehicle Venting Between Window and Occupant Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal conditioning systems in vehicles fail to maintain comfortable interior environments due to their inability to adapt to changing external and internal factors, leading to temperature imbalances and discomfort for occupants.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle environmental conditioning system with a switchable configuration that directs air either indirectly onto windows or directly towards occupants, using a combination of ducts and vents to manage heat transfer and radiation, allowing for automatic or manual adjustment based on environmental sensors and occupant preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air is directed directly toward occupants, then personal comfort is improved, but temperature control of the interior volume deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vent system is segmented into multiple independent vent structures, each capable of selecting between direct and indirect modes. This allows different zones to be conditioned differently - some areas receiving direct air for personal comfort while others receive indirect air for volume temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
Each vent structure includes a switchable mechanism that dynamically changes the air delivery mode between direct and indirect configurations. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to respond to changing environmental conditions and occupancy patterns, optimizing both personal comfort and overall temperature control
2Temperature
If air is directed indirectly onto windows, then interior volume temperature control is improved, but personal comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the ventilation function into separate direct and indirect vent structures, allowing independent control of volume temperature and personal comfort in different spatial zones
Solution Approach 2:
The switchable mechanism enables dynamic transition between indirect mode (for volume temperature control) and direct mode (for personal comfort), allowing the system to adapt to varying operational requirements
3Device complexity
If thermal conditioning systems use fixed vent configurations, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to changing environmental factors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vent structures incorporate switchable mechanisms that enable dynamic reconfiguration between direct and indirect modes, allowing the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions while maintaining a relatively simple base structure
Solution Approach 2:
Each vent structure is designed to perform multiple functions - both direct and indirect air delivery - through a single switchable configuration, eliminating the need for separate fixed vent systems for each mode
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 creates a more temperate and comfortable vehicle cabin by reducing temperature imbalances and effectively managing heat transfer through windows, adapting to changing conditions and occupant preferences.
Implementation Method 1
managing heat transfer and radiation
Implementation Method 2
managing heat transfer and radiation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A vehicle (800) comprising a structural beam (804) defining an interior beam volume, a window (806) adjacent the structural beam (804), an interior cabin defined by the structural beam (804) and the window (806), and an environmental conditioning system including a switch (852) operable between a first position and a second position, an indirect configuration with the switch (852) operating in the first position and a direct configuration with the switch (852) operating in the second position, wherein the indirect configuration can direct the air from the interior beam volume onto the window (806) and the direct configuration can direct the air from the interior beam volume toward the user (801).