System for an attachment to existing A/C units in vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle air conditioning (A/C) systems require the engine to be running, leading to excessive fuel consumption, as they do not include an auxiliary cooling system for independent operation.
Innovation Solution
A hermetically sealed electric compressor assembly with tee connectors attached to the existing compressor line and a battery-powered inverter system, allowing the A/C system to operate independently of the engine, with optional integration of a liquid receiver filter drier and check valves for efficient refrigerant flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the existing vehicle A/C system is used, then cooling function is provided, but the engine must run causing excessive fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the A/C system into two independent operational modes: the original engine-driven compressor system and the new battery-powered electric compressor system. This segmentation allows the user to choose between engine operation (providing mechanical power to the compressor) and battery operation (powering the electric compressor directly), thereby reducing fuel consumption when the engine is not running while maintaining independent cooling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary electric compressor that can be powered by the battery to drive the refrigerant circulation system. This intermediary component bridges the gap between the battery power source and the A/C cooling function, enabling the system to operate independently of the engine while still providing the necessary mechanical compression force through the electric motor-driven compressor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an auxiliary cooling system is added, then independent operation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the compressor system universal by designing it to accept two different power sources: mechanical power from the engine via the existing belt drive system, and electrical power from the battery via the electric motor. This multi-functionality allows the same compressor assembly to serve both traditional engine-driven operation and new battery-driven independent operation, thereby adding versatility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the original engine-driven compressor system with the new battery-powered electric compressor system into a unified A/C assembly. The electric compressor is integrated into the existing refrigerant circulation paths, sharing common components such as the condenser, evaporator, and expansion devices. This merging approach enables independent operation capability while minimizing the increase in device complexity by reusing existing system infrastructure.
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
Enables A/C operation without engine power, allowing users to save fuel by switching between the auxiliary and existing systems, maintaining cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a hermetically sealed electric compressor assembly
Implementation Method 2
allowing a user to engage the compressor without the need of having an engine running
Data Source
AI summary
A system for an attachment to existing A/C units in vehicles including a compressor assembly and a battery assembly is disclosed herein. The compressor assembly includes a hermetically sealed compressor that can be engaged without the need of the engine of a vehicle. The hermetically sealed compressor is powered by a battery of the battery assembly. The hermetically sealed compressor is mounted as an attachment or replacement to the existing A/C compressor of a vehicle. Furthermore, the hermetically sealed compressor is mounted using tee connectors and tubes. Additionally, check valves are added to allow the refrigerant within the additional tubes to flow in one direction. This system allows a user to engage the A/C unit of a car without needing the engine to be running.