Two-Layer Vehicle Air Conditioner Drainage to Prevent Blower Backflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-layer type vehicle air conditioners face issues with water backflow into the blower due to higher static pressure towards the evaporator, increased component count, and manufacturing costs, especially when draining water from the outside air intake.
Innovation Solution
A two-layer type air conditioner design featuring a drain pipe and drain passage system that communicates the intake duct with the condensed water outlet, with the drain passage located lower than the drainage space beneath the evaporator, preventing backflow and using a drain guide pipe or recessed structure to facilitate water drainage without obstructing airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional drain pipe system is used to drain water from the blower, then water drainage is achieved, but water backflows to the blower due to higher static pressure towards the evaporator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional drainage approach by positioning the drain passage outlet below the drainage space rather than above it. This inversion allows water to drain naturally from the blower through gravity while preventing backflow, as the lower outlet position creates a drainage path that does not conflict with the upward static pressure from the evaporator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the existing drainage space structure beneath the evaporator as a template for designing the drain passage. By copying the spatial arrangement and utilizing the same gravitational drainage principle, the system achieves reliable water drainage without introducing complex additional components or mechanisms.
2Reliability
If multiple components are added to prevent water backflow and facilitate drainage, then water drainage capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drain pipe and drainage passage into a single integrated drainage system. The drain passage is formed as an integral part of the housing structure, combining the functions of water collection, transport, and discharge into one unified component, thereby reducing the total number of parts and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage space beneath the evaporator serves multiple functions: it acts as both the condensation drainage space for the evaporator and the drainage passage for the blower. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate drainage systems, reducing component complexity while maintaining effective water drainage capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the drain passage outlet is positioned above the drainage space, then drainage is facilitated, but water may backflow to the blower due to static pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional drainage outlet positioning by placing the drain passage outlet below the drainage space rather than above it. This inverted configuration allows water to flow naturally downward through gravity while preventing backflow, as the lower outlet position is not exposed to the upward static pressure generated by the evaporator's condensation drainage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the drain passage outlet at a lower elevation to create a gravitational potential difference that drives water drainage. By establishing this elevation difference, the system uses gravity as the driving force for water flow, ensuring that water naturally drains from the blower without being affected by static pressure variations in the evaporator drainage system.
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
Effectively drains water from the blower to the condensed water outlet without backflow, reducing component complexity and manufacturing costs, while maintaining efficient airflow and preventing water from entering the blower, even in rainy conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the drain passage having an outlet located lower to a predetermined height than a drainage space formed beneath the evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
A two layer type air conditioner for vehicles facilitates drainage of water induced into a blower through an outside air intake to a condensed water outlet and prevents backflow of water to the blower. A blower has an intake duct for inhaling inside air and outside air. A double suction type scroll case mounted on the intake duct is divided into two passages by a partition plate. A blower fan is rotatably mounted in the two passages. A motor turns the blower fan. A case for the air conditioner includes an evaporator for cooling the air blown from the blower and a condensed water outlet for draining condensed water generated from the evaporator. The case is divided into two passages corresponding to those of the scroll case. A drain drains water induced into the blower to the condensed water outlet.