Vehicle HVAC Vent Layout Without Partition Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning apparatuses for vehicles are bulky, heavy, and costly due to the installation of a partition wall that increases airflow resistance, noise, and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioning apparatus features a redesigned door arrangement and removal of the partition wall, with a temperature control door between the evaporator and heating device, and rotatable floor doors to optimize airflow paths, reducing the size and weight while minimizing airflow resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a partition wall is installed in the case to control airflow, then air flow regulation is improved, but the size and weight of the air conditioning apparatus increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the partition wall from the case, extracting the problematic structural element that caused increased weight and size. Instead of using a partition wall to control airflow, the design relies on the strategic placement and rotation of door components to achieve airflow regulation without the additional structural burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The door components are designed to serve multiple functions: they control airflow to different vents (face vent, floor vent, defrosting vent) and can be rotated to adjust airflow distribution. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate partition walls, achieving airflow regulation while maintaining a compact, lightweight structure.
2Ease of operation
If a partition wall is installed in the case to control airflow, then air flow regulation is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the partition wall, the invention reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining airflow control capabilities through the door mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both airflow control and vent regulation, reducing the need for additional parts and simplifying the manufacturing process.
3Ease of operation
If a partition wall is installed in the case, then air flow paths are defined, but resistance to air flow increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is removed to eliminate the source of airflow resistance. The open case structure allows air to flow more freely between components, reducing the energy required to move air through the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The door components serve as intermediaries that control airflow without creating the resistance associated with partition walls. The rotatable doors can be positioned to guide airflow smoothly to different vents without blocking passages.
4Ease of operation
If a partition wall is installed in the case, then air flow paths are defined, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is removed to eliminate the source of noise generated by turbulent airflow around and through the partition structure. The open case design allows smoother airflow patterns that reduce noise.
5Ease of operation
If the floor door is installed on the floor vent with a rotating shaft, then airflow control to floor vent is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex linear actuators or motorized mechanisms to control the floor door, the invention uses a simple rotatable door mechanism that can be opened or closed by rotation. This inverted approach simplifies the mechanism while maintaining effective airflow control.
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 smaller, lighter, and more efficient air conditioning system with reduced noise and power consumption, improving product quality and cooling/heating efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator and a heater are disposed downstream of an air inlet, and a temperature control door is provided between the evaporator and the heater to allow air to selectively flow through a cooling flow path and a heating flow path
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator and a heater are disposed downstream of an air inlet, and a temperature control door is provided between the evaporator and the heater to allow air to selectively flow through a cooling flow path and a heating flow path
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning apparatus includes a case having an air inlet, an evaporator disposed toward the air inlet, a heating device disposed downstream of the evaporator, and a temperature control door installed between the evaporator and the heating device. The temperature control door is configured to adjust air flow downstream of the evaporator. The case includes a defrosting vent and a face vent sequentially arranged in a front-to-rear direction of the case and includes a floor vent formed between the defrosting vent and the face vent on at least one of left and right side walls of the case.