Vehicle Air Distribution Duct Layout for Quiet Airflow Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roof-mounted air conditioners in recreational vehicles generate operational noise due to airflow delivery through ceiling-mounted air distribution apparatuses, and reducing fan speed to minimize noise results in reduced airflow coverage.
Innovation Solution
An air distribution apparatus with an internal supply duct that evenly splits conditioned airflow to multiple outlet ports, using a raised splitter formation and diverging leg design to reduce airflow velocity and noise, while maintaining effective airflow coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If fan speed is reduced to minimize operational noise, then noise level is reduced, but airflow coverage distance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution apparatus is divided into multiple outlet ports positioned at different locations (front, rear, and side outlets) rather than a single central outlet. This segmentation allows airflow to be distributed to multiple zones simultaneously, extending the effective coverage area without requiring high fan speeds that generate noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-direction airflow (typically front-facing) to multi-dimensional airflow distribution by incorporating outlet ports at the front, rear, and sides of the apparatus. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions enables comprehensive coverage of the vehicle interior without increasing fan speed or noise levels.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fan speed is reduced to minimize airflow noise across outlet ports, then noise level is reduced, but velocity and reach of airflow is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the airflow output into multiple separate outlet ports rather than one large outlet, the patent reduces the velocity required at each individual outlet to achieve the same overall coverage. This segmentation allows lower fan speeds while maintaining effective airflow distribution across the vehicle interior.
Solution Approach 2:
Different outlet ports are positioned at specific locations (front, rear, sides) to deliver airflow to different zones of the vehicle interior. Each outlet provides localized airflow appropriate for its position, eliminating the need for high-velocity airflow from a single outlet and thereby reducing noise while maintaining effective distribution.
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 apparatus reduces operational noise and maintains effective airflow distribution by evenly splitting airflow and reducing velocity at outlet ports, thus providing better air conditioning coverage without excessive noise.
Implementation Method 1
an internal supply duct adapted to evenly split the conditioned airflow to each the outlet port
Implementation Method 2
each leg includes an upper convex surface for substantially redirecting the conditioned airflow
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments relate to an air distribution apparatus for distributing conditioned airflow from a roof mounted air conditioner to the inside of a vehicle, which includes an inlet port adapted to receive the conditioned airflow from the roof mounted air conditioner. An outlet port, which is disposed adjacent to each longitudinal end of the apparatus, delivers conditioned airflow to the vehicle. An internal supply duct is adapted to evenly split the conditioned airflow to the outlet ports.