Vehicle Air-Conditioning Unit Sensor Placement for Simplified Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning units for vehicles face complexity in adapting the operating powers of the evaporator and heating element due to the placement of the temperature sensor in different air ducts, requiring separate adaptations for cold and hot seasons.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning unit design where a temperature sensor is positioned longitudinally opposite a transverse plate upstream of the evaporator, creating a measurement zone between two air flows, allowing for unified control of the evaporator and heating element regardless of the sensor's location, with the transverse plate dimensions optimized to minimize flow disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the temperature sensor is placed in different air ducts (first or second duct) to measure temperature for controlling evaporator and heating element, then the system can adapt to seasonal temperature differences, but the control system complexity increases due to requiring different setpoint temperatures and control adaptations for sensor positions
Solution Approach 1:
A longitudinal partition wall is introduced as an intermediary structure that creates spatial separation between first and second air flows while allowing a single temperature sensor to measure both flows at different locations. The partition wall with its specific geometry (extending upstream to an end close to the evaporator) enables the sensor to be positioned in a location where it can effectively monitor both air streams, eliminating the need for multiple sensors or complex seasonal adaptations.
2Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is arranged in the first duct, then the setpoint temperature can be adapted for cold season operation, but the system requires different control parameters when the sensor is located in the second duct for hot season operation
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is designed with universal functionality to measure both first and second air flows regardless of seasonal conditions. By positioning the sensor in a location where it can access both air streams through the partition wall structure, the same sensor and control logic can be used year-round, eliminating the need for seasonal control parameter changes while maintaining precise temperature measurement for both cold and hot season operations.
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
This configuration simplifies the control system by allowing consistent temperature measurement and adaptation across seasons, reducing the complexity associated with sensor placement in conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first flow of air F1 and a second flow of air F2 to be treated circulate through an evaporator 2
Implementation Method 2
one heating member 3... the heating element 3 is a radiator of heat exchange
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention mainly relates to an air-conditioning unit in which at least one first air stream and one second air stream to be treated flow through an evaporator, defined by a longitudinal separation wall, one portion of which extends upstream from the evaporator to an end located near the evaporator. The air-conditioning unit of the invention is essentially characterised in that a temperature sensor (9, 9a, 9b) is arranged: longitudinally facing the end (7) of the portion (6a) of the longitudinal separation wall (6) located upstream from the evaporator (2); and between the first (F1a) and second (F2a) air streams passing through the evaporator (2).