Ventilated Grab Bar for Vehicle Air De-Stratification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passenger transport vehicles experience thermal discomfort due to temperature stratification, with existing solutions either increasing ventilation intensity or requiring significant installation work, which affects comfort and space availability.
Innovation Solution
A grab bar integrated with a ventilation duct that draws air from one end and blows it out from the other, installed between the ceiling and floor, providing both grip and ventilation functions without reducing compartment space, and is reversible for summer and winter operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If ventilation power is increased to de-stratify air, then thermal comfort is improved, but intense air flows are generated which affect passenger comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is segmented into multiple distributed outlets along the longitudinal axis of the grip bar, rather than using a single centralized high-power vent. This segmentation allows the ventilation function to be distributed across multiple low-intensity outlets, effectively de-stratifying air while avoiding intense localized air flows that would discomfort passengers.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip bar serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support as a handhold for passengers, acts as a ventilation duct with distributed outlets, and functions as a thermal management system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate ventilation equipment that would generate intense air flows, while still achieving effective air de-stratification through the distributed outlet architecture.
2Temperature
If ventilation equipment is installed to improve thermal comfort, then air stratification is reduced, but significant installation work is required and floor area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation duct is merged with the grip bar structure itself, integrating the ventilation function into an existing structural element. The grip bar's longitudinal body serves as the ventilation duct, with outlets distributed along its length. This merging eliminates the need for separate ventilation equipment and complex installation work, while effectively reducing air stratification through the distributed outlet configuration.
3Area of stationary object
If ventilation duct is integrated into grip bar, then space availability is maintained, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grip bar is designed as a universal component that simultaneously provides structural support as a handhold and serves as a ventilation duct with distributed outlets. This multi-functionality maintains full compartment space availability while the modular design with integrated outlets keeps manufacturing complexity manageable through standardized production processes.
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 grab bar effectively de-stratifies air, improving thermal comfort by homogenizing temperature without generating unpleasant air flows, enhancing passenger experience while maintaining space and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The gripping bar comprises a ventilation motor member, which is housed in the ventilation duct at the level of the central portion and which is configured to suck in air at the level of one of the two vents and to blow this air at the level from the other vent.
Implementation Method 2
Some parts of the body facing the outside, such as the ceiling or the floor, have little or no thermal insulation and are more likely to transmit temperature variations from the outside, which degrades the comfort perceived by the passengers. For example, in winter cold air, which is denser than heated air, tends to stagnate near the floor following a stratification phenomenon.
Data Source
AI summary
A grab handle (24) for a passenger vehicle (2) body (6), comprising an elongated body (26) with a central portion (26C) situated between two end portions (26A, 26B). The body includes a wall (32) having an external surface (30) and defining a ventilation duct (34), which opens from each of the end portions through a respective vent (36A, 36B). The grab handle includes a ventilation motor (38), which is housed in the ventilation duct at the central portion and is configured to draw air in at one of the two vents and expel this air at the other vent.