Voussoir Air Distribution Assembly for Uniform Vehicle Cabin Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems in public transport vehicles face challenges in uniformly distributing conditioned air without increasing costs or reducing available space, and existing conduits complicate maintenance and structure.
Innovation Solution
A voussoir assembly and distribution system with arc-shaped elements and a feeding unit that partitions airflow between front and rear vehicle portions, using a curved conduit design and hinge connections for efficient airflow distribution and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple conduits are provided within voussoirs or ceiling assembly to distribute conditioned air, then uniform air distribution is achieved, but manufacturing assembly time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate conduits into a single integrated conduit structure. The voussoir assembly incorporates multiple air distribution outlets within one unified conduit body, eliminating the need for multiple separate conduits while maintaining uniform air distribution across different zones of the vehicle interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The single conduit structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes conditioned air to multiple different zones, provides structural support, and serves as a mounting platform for various outlets. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed and simplifies the assembly process.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple conduits are provided within voussoirs or ceiling assembly to distribute conditioned air, then air distribution coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is segmented into multiple functional zones with different outlets positioned at various locations and orientations. Each segment serves a specific zone of the vehicle interior, allowing comprehensive coverage while maintaining a unified structural design that reduces overall complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple conduits are provided within voussoirs or ceiling assembly to distribute conditioned air, then air distribution uniformity is improved, but maintenance inspection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple air distribution functions into a single accessible conduit structure, maintenance personnel can inspect and service all outlets and internal components through one main access point, significantly reducing maintenance inspection time compared to accessing multiple separate conduits.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple conduits are provided within voussoirs or ceiling assembly to distribute conditioned air, then air distribution effectiveness is improved, but free available space within inner space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple air distribution outlets into a single conduit structure reduces the total volume occupied by air distribution infrastructure. This consolidated design minimizes space requirements while maintaining effective air distribution to all necessary zones of the vehicle interior.
Data Source
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AI summary
Voussoir assembly for a distribution system (6) for distributing an airflow provided by a conditioning system of a vehicle, the voussoir assembly comprising a voussoir (10) and a support frame being configured to be fixed to a wall of the vehicle, the voussoir (10) being carried by the support frame in order to assume a first configuration wherein it is fixedly carried by the support frame in an air tight manner and a second configuration wherein it is rotatably free carried by a portion of the support frame, wherein in the first configuration the voussoir (10) being fluidly connected to the distribution system (6), the voussoir (10) defining a plurality of openings (27, 28) configured to allow fluidly communication with an inner space of the vehicle.