Vehicle Air Conditioner with Integrated Dryer for Wet Items
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle air conditioners do not effectively address the issue of passenger discomfort due to wet clothes or shoes from rain or leisure activities, as they fail to provide a solution for drying these items while maintaining temperature and humidity control within the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle air conditioner system that includes a dryer integrated with the air conditioning unit, featuring a drying space, a controller to manage airflow, and adjustable doors to direct air flow for temperature and humidity control, allowing dehumidified and heated air to dry items while maintaining indoor comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vehicle air conditioner only provides temperature and humidity control for the indoor space, then the air conditioning function is simple and reliable, but it cannot dry wet clothes or shoes stored in the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioner system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can condition the indoor air space and simultaneously dry wet clothes or shoes stored in the vehicle. The drying space is integrated into the air conditioner housing, and the same heating elements and airflow control mechanisms serve both air conditioning and drying purposes, allowing one system to fulfill multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated drying equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The drying space is nested within the air conditioner housing structure. The inlet port of the drying space is connected to the heating section of the air conditioner, and the airflow paths are integrated such that the drying function is contained within the overall air conditioner assembly, creating a compact multi-functional unit
2Productivity
If heated air is directed into the drying space to dry wet items, then the drying effectiveness is improved, but the temperature and humidity control in the indoor space may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioner system is divided into functionally independent airflow paths: one path handles indoor space conditioning through the air outlet, while another path directs heated air to the drying space through the inlet port. The dryer door and select door act as flow control mechanisms that can independently regulate these paths, allowing the drying function to operate without compromising the stability of the indoor climate control system
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable doors (dryer door and select door) that can dynamically control airflow distribution between the indoor space and the drying space. These doors can be positioned to direct heated air preferentially to the drying space when drying is needed, while maintaining adequate airflow for indoor conditioning, thereby adaptively balancing drying efficiency with indoor climate stability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the air conditioner system is expanded to include drying functionality, then passenger comfort is enhanced by drying wet items, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
Existing air conditioner components are utilized for dual purposes: the heating section heats air for both indoor conditioning and drying the clothes/shoes, the blower motor generates airflow for both functions, and the control system manages both air conditioning and drying operations. This approach adds drying capability without requiring completely separate heating and airflow generation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The drying function is merged with the air conditioner by integrating the drying space into the air conditioner housing and connecting the inlet port to the heating section. The airflow control doors are integrated into the existing door mechanisms of the air conditioner, creating a unified system where drying and air conditioning share common structural and functional elements
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 effectively dries wet items and maintains comfortable temperature and humidity levels within the vehicle, enhancing passenger comfort by simultaneously managing air conditioning and drying functions.
Implementation Method 1
a heater core disposed at a point downstream of the cooler core
Implementation Method 2
a cooler core, a heater core disposed at a point downstream of the cooler core
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner for a vehicle is provided and includes a dryer which is connected to an indoor air conditioner that adjusts the temperature and humidity within a vehicle. The air conditioner simultaneously dries a dry subject such as clothes, shoes or the like.