Vehicle Side Duct Layout for Radiator Hot Air Confinement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid vehicles, the airflow heated by the front radiator and supplied through the supply duct interferes with the operation of the heat exchanger and air heating/conditioning system, causing inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle design includes S-shaped side ducts and strategically positioned intake mouths that divert cooler air flows between the heated air flow, preventing it from reaching the heat exchanger and maintaining system efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the front radiator supplies heated air through the supply duct and front hood, then the cooling function of the front radiator is improved, but the heated air interferes with the heat exchanger and air conditioning system operation
Solution Approach 1:
The air intake system is segmented into multiple independent pathways: a first pair of intake mouths for the heat exchanger, a second pair for the air conditioning system, and a third pair for the front radiator. This segmentation allows each system to receive air independently, preventing the heated air from the front radiator from interfering with the heat exchanger and air conditioning system.
Solution Approach 2:
A partition wall is introduced as an intermediary structure between the first and second intake mouths. This partition wall with communication holes allows controlled air flow while physically separating the pathways, acting as a mediator that prevents direct mixing of heated and cool air streams while maintaining proper air supply to all systems.
2Reliability
If the supply duct extends through the front hood from the front bumper, then the structural support and air supply path are established, but the heated air flow jeopardizes the correct operation of the heat exchanger and air conditioning system
Solution Approach 1:
The air intake system is divided into separate pathways with dedicated intake mouths for different functions. The first intake mouths supply air to the heat exchanger, the second to the air conditioning system, and the third to the front radiator. This segmentation ensures that the heated air from the front radiator does not contaminate the air supply for the heat exchanger and air conditioning system, maintaining their correct operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A partition wall is positioned between the first and second intake mouths, serving as an intermediary structure. This partition wall with communication holes controls air flow while maintaining physical separation between pathways, preventing heated air from reaching the heat exchanger and air conditioning system while preserving the structural air supply path.
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 ensures the correct operation of the heat exchanger and air conditioning system by isolating the heated air flow, improving the overall performance and efficiency of the vehicle's thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
S-shaped side ducts and strategically positioned intake mouths that divert cooler air flows between the heated air flow
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle has a front compartment obtained within an outer body and delimited by a front bumper and by a front hood, a central duct, which extends between the front bumper and the front hood and opens outwards both through the front bumper and through the front hood, a front radiator mounted along the central duct and two side ducts, which are arranged on opposite sides of the central duct, extend between the front bumper and the front hood and open outwards both through the front bumper and through the front hood so as to confine a central air flow supplied along the central duct between two side air flows supplied along the side ducts.