Telescoping HVAC Duct for Variable Air Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems in motor vehicles often struggle to effectively distribute air to a wide range of seating positions and orientations, leading to inconsistent comfort and satisfaction for vehicle occupants.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping duct assembly with an inner and outer duct section, a receiver, an elongated port, and an air register with adjustable vanes, which allows for flexible mounting and air distribution, including a guideway with guide tracks and a seal for connection to the HVAC system, enabling air to be directed efficiently across various seating configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed duct assembly is used in the HVAC system, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the air distribution range is limited and cannot accommodate diverse seating positions
Solution Approach 1:
The duct assembly is made dynamic through the telescoping mechanism that allows the inner duct section to slide relative to the outer duct section. This dynamic structure enables the air distribution range to be adjusted according to different seating positions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct assembly is divided into multiple sections (inner duct section and outer duct section) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the system to achieve variable air distribution patterns while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easy to manufacture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a telescoping duct assembly is implemented to expand air distribution range, then adaptability to different seating positions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner duct section is nested within the outer duct section, allowing one duct to slide inside the other. This nesting arrangement provides the telescoping functionality needed to accommodate diverse seating positions while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as the nested structure is space-efficient and mechanically straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping mechanism is implemented locally at specific positions within the duct assembly rather than throughout the entire system. This localized application of complexity allows the system to achieve the required adaptability for different seating positions while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple and manageable.
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 enhances air distribution to accommodate diverse seating arrangements, improving occupant comfort by ensuring consistent air delivery regardless of seating position or orientation, thereby increasing consumer satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
an inner duct section received for sliding movement within an outer duct section
Implementation Method 2
a seal carried on the open end of the outer duct section adapted to connect with an air distribution duct of the HVAC system
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus allows for the distribution of air over a wider range of area. That apparatus includes a telescoping duct assembly, having an inner duct section received for sliding movement in an outer duct section, a receiver in the inner duct section, an elongated port in the outer duct section and an air register held in the receiver and projecting through the elongated port.