Venturi Cargo Ventilator With Ram-Air Suction and Rain Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation techniques for vehicle cargo spaces, such as passive and active ventilators, are inadequate in addressing high solar loading-induced heat transfer, with passive ventilators being ineffective and active ventilators experiencing reduced suction during driving and potential rain ingress.
Innovation Solution
A ventilator system affixed to the external wall of the cargo space, utilizing a ram inlet and venturi effect to generate suction at higher speeds and electric fans at lower speeds, with a moveable flap to optimize airflow based on vehicle speed, and a diffuser to enhance airflow extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If passive ventilators are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ventilation effectiveness deteriorates under high solar loading
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator system dynamically switches between passive mode (relying on vehicle motion and venturi effect) and active mode (electric fan operation) based on vehicle speed and ventilation requirements. The moveable flap dynamically adjusts airflow paths based on speed conditions, optimizing performance across varying operating conditions while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The venturi structure acts as an intermediary element that converts vehicle motion into enhanced airflow through the cargo space. It mediates between the external airflow and the internal cargo space ventilation, multiplying the effect of vehicle motion without requiring additional power sources or complex mechanisms.
2Productivity
If active ventilators with electric fans are used, then ventilation effectiveness is improved, but suction is reduced during driving and rain ingress occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a moveable flap that dynamically adjusts its position based on vehicle speed. At higher speeds, the flap closes the fan inlet to prevent rain ingress and allow passive venturi-driven ventilation. At lower speeds or stationary conditions, the flap opens to enable the electric fan to provide active ventilation. This dynamic adjustment maintains ventilation effectiveness while preventing rain ingress and suction instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The venturi structure provides self-regulating airflow control based on vehicle speed. As vehicle speed increases, the venturi effect naturally strengthens, creating sufficient suction without fan assistance. The system automatically transitions from fan-driven to venturi-driven ventilation, with the moveable flap responding to speed conditions to optimize airflow paths without requiring complex control systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the moveable flap opens at threshold vehicle speed, then rain ingress is minimized, but airflow direction control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable flap is designed to automatically respond to vehicle speed conditions, opening or closing based on predetermined threshold speeds. This self-regulating behavior prevents rain ingress during high-speed driving without requiring complex active control systems, sensors, or power sources. The flap's simple mechanical design maintains low overall system complexity while effectively managing rain protection and airflow direction.
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
Effectively reduces cargo space temperature by leveraging ram air and electric fans to create a high shear that pulls hot air out, maintaining effective ventilation across various speed conditions while minimizing rain ingress.
Implementation Method 1
external airflow enters the ram inlet, gets compressed in the venturi, and travels over the top of the one or more openings in the boundary, generating a high shear that pulls airflow from the cargo space
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide techniques for ventilating an enclosure such as the cargo space of a vehicle. In an example implementation, a ventilator is affixed to an external wall (e.g., the roof) of the cargo space. The ventilator includes a ram inlet that flows into a venturi, along one or more openings in a boundary of the cargo space, and exits at an outlet. When the vehicle is in motion, external airflow enters the ram inlet, gets compressed in the venturi, and travels over the top of the boundary, generating a high shear that pulls airflow from the cargo space, into the diffuser, and out the outlet. The ventilator may include an electric fan that generates suction from the cargo space when the vehicle is stationary, and a moveable flap at the inlet that directs the suction towards the cargo space when the vehicle is stationary.