Van Cargo Temperature Control with Roof-Floor Air Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control systems in small vans face challenges such as inefficient air distribution, high installation costs, model-specific designs, and slow temperature achievement, making it difficult to maintain a narrow temperature window and retrofit existing vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An electrically driven air conditioning system with a floor panel featuring air ducts, a roof-mounted module, and spacer bars for even air distribution, combined with a thermal energy-supplied heater and interval operation to manage generator output, allowing for easy conversion between vehicles and reduced assembly effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanically driven cooling compressor is used, then cooling function is achieved, but assembly effort is considerable and the system is only suitable for the corresponding vehicle model
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanically driven V-belt compressor with an electrically driven compressor. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical coupling to the engine, reducing assembly complexity and making the system adaptable to different vehicle models without requiring model-specific mechanical drive arrangements.
2Reliability
If air intake and outlet are close together at roof height, then cooling function is achieved, but air distribution is poor and temperature distribution is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces air outlets in the floor panel at a different vertical level, creating a three-dimensional air circulation pattern. This dimensional change allows air to be distributed throughout the cargo compartment volume rather than just at the top level, achieving even temperature distribution without requiring the air intake and outlet to be far apart horizontally.
3Ease of operation
If complex insulation and combined heating/air conditioning units are used, then even temperature distribution is achieved, but installation costs are high and conversion to another vehicle is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature control system into separate functional modules: a heating unit and a cooling unit, each capable of independent installation. The floor panel with integrated air outlets is designed as a standalone component that can be adapted to different vehicle types. This modular segmentation enables the system to be converted between different vehicle models without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor panel design serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the cargo, acts as an air distribution manifold with integrated outlets, and facilitates even temperature distribution throughout the cargo compartment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and enables universal application across different vehicle types.
4Reliability
If the cooling compressor is driven by the vehicle engine, then cooling is achieved, but the system requires considerable assembly effort and is model-specific
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanically driven V-belt compressor with an electrically driven compressor. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical coupling to the engine, reducing assembly complexity and making the system adaptable to different vehicle models without requiring model-specific mechanical drive arrangements.
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 system achieves rapid and even temperature distribution throughout the cargo area, maintaining a narrow temperature window with lower installation costs and ease of conversion, ensuring efficient temperature control during loading and unloading.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling compressor is driven by the vehicle's engine using a V-belt
Implementation Method 2
an additional heater, which is supplied with thermal energy by the vehicle engine
Implementation Method 3
The air flows from the roof module into the interior of the car and back into the roof module
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The device for controlling the temperature in the loading space of small vans, in particular as an installation kit for retrofitting, with a cooling system (1, 7), a heater (2) and a control unit, the cooling system (1, 7) being mountable on the roof of the small van is characterized in that the cooling system (1, 7) has at least one outlet opening, which is directed forwards in the direction of the vehicle, for the cooled air and at least one inlet opening, which is directed backwards in the direction of the vehicle, for the sucked-in air, that the heater (2) has at least one inlet opening for the sucked-in air and the at least one inlet opening is arranged in the loading space at the front - viewed in the direction of the vehicle - that air ducts with outlet openings (3) for the heated air are provided on the floor (9) of the loading space and that these outlet openings (3) only are provided in the middle to rear area of the cargo area.