Vehicle HVAC Heat Exchanger Layout for Lower Dashboard Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning devices in motor vehicles are bulky, which raises the dashboard and limits driver visibility due to constraints in volume and weight.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates strategically arranged shutters and heat exchangers with specific configurations, including sliding and butterfly flaps, to optimize the vertical steric bulk by positioning the second heat exchanger horizontally and the first heat exchanger vertically, along with a bypass path for cold air to maintain low temperature, and a mixing flap for adjusting air flow proportions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional heating, ventilation and air conditioning devices are used to manage airflow for multiple areas, then airflow management efficiency is maintained, but vertical steric bulk increases and driver visibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the heat exchangers from a conventional vertical stacking arrangement to a horizontal and vertical hybrid arrangement. The first heat exchanger is positioned vertically while the second heat exchanger is arranged horizontally, utilizing unused spatial dimensions to reduce the overall vertical height of the device while maintaining all necessary airflow management functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into multiple independent airflow circuits, each with its own distribution flaps and outlet ducts. This segmentation allows for compact organization of components, where each segment can be efficiently routed without requiring excessive vertical space, thereby reducing the overall vertical steric bulk while maintaining comprehensive airflow management capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the dashboard is raised to accommodate the device, then the device can be installed, but driver visibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning from a purely vertical component arrangement to a hybrid horizontal-vertical configuration, the patent reduces the vertical height requirement of the device. This allows the dashboard to maintain its original height position, thereby preserving the driver's field of vision without compromising device installation capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distribution flaps and outlet ducts are included for different passenger areas, then airflow distribution versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes horizontal spatial arrangement for the second heat exchanger and associated airflow circuits, which allows multiple outlet ducts and distribution flaps to be organized in a more compact and systematic manner. This dimensional reorganization reduces the apparent complexity by creating a more orderly and space-efficient layout of the multiple components required for versatile airflow 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
This configuration results in a less bulky device that maintains airflow management efficiency while reducing the vertical height, enhancing driver visibility by minimizing the device's steric bulk.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator which is intended to cool and dehumidify the air flow passing through it
Implementation Method 2
a radiator, possibly associated with an additional radiator, which is intended to heat the air flow passing through it
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a heating, ventilation and/or air-conditioning device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (2) defining a flow channel (3) for an air flow, in which are arranged a first heat exchanger (4), a second heat exchanger (6), the first (4) and second (6) heat exchangers being arranged in substantially orthogonal planes, a bypass path (28) of the second heat exchanger (6) and at least one air outlet duct (12,14,16), each air outlet duct (12,14,16) being configured to guide the air flow in particular towards different regions of a vehicle passenger compartment. According to the invention, a mixing flap (30) comprising a sliding door is arranged in the flow channel (3) so as to be able to close the bypass path (28) and/or the second heat exchanger (6), and a second dispenser flap (22) comprising a sliding door is arranged so as to be able to at least partially close a first of said air outlet ducts (12,14,16). The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising such a device.