Claims:We claim:

1. A fluid-flow control system (100, 200, 300) for controlling fluid-flow there through, comprising:

at least one flexible conduit (102) defining a fluid-flow path there-through, and
a sleeve (104) encapsulates a length of the conduit (102), the sleeve (104) is coupled to a driving unit (106),
wherein the driving unit (106) adapted to move the sleeve (104) along with the conduit (102) to effect an inward movement or an outward movement, wherein the inward movement and the outward movement compress and decompress the conduit (102), respectively, to vary the area of the fluid flow path and provide a range of fluid-flow rate.

2. The fluid-flow control system (100, 200, 300) of claim 1, wherein the sleeve (104) having a first side movably coupled to the driving unit (106) and an opposing second side configured as a stationary side.

3. The fluid-flow control system (100, 200, 300) of claim 1, wherein the sleeve (104) is constituted by one or more sleeve sections (104E, 104F, 104G, 104H), and wherein each sleeve section (104E, 104F, 104G, 104H) coupled to the adjacent sleeve section (104E, 104F, 104G, 104H) thereto.

4. The fluid-flow control system (100, 200, 300) of claim 2, further comprises a frame (204) to support the stationary side of the sleeve (104).

5. The fluid-flow control system (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, 2 and 4, further comprises an arm (202) disposed in a side opposing to the frame (204), wherein the arm (202) is driven by the driving unit (106) and configured to move the first side of sleeve (104).

6. The fluid-flow control system (100, 200, 300) of claim 1, wherein the conduit (102) is a square shaped conduit.

7. The fluid-flow control system (100, 200, 300) of claim 1 and 6, wherein the sleeve (104) is constituted by:
a first sleeve section (104A);
a second sleeve section (104B) parallel to the first sleeve section (104A);
a third sleeve section (104C) driven by the driving unit (106) and pivotally connected between one end of the first (104A) and second sleeve section (104B), and
a fourth sleeve section (104D) pivotally connected between an opposing another end of the first (104A) and second sleeve section (104B),
wherein the first sleeve section (104A), the second sleeve section (104B), the third sleeve section (104C) and the fourth sleeve section (104D) collectively forms a four bar linkage mechanism, and the driving unit (106) adapted to move the four-bar linkage mechanism to compress and decompress the conduit (102).

8. The fluid-flow control system (100, 200, 300) of claim 1, wherein the sleeve (104) comprises at least two sleeve sections (302, 304) opposingly surrounds the conduit (102), each sleeve section (302, 304) has a middle portion (302C, 304C) that contours over the conduit (102), and a first end (302A, 304A) and an opposing second end (302B, 304B) extends from the middle portion (302C, 304C).

9. The fluid-flow control system (100, 200, 300) of claim 1, and 8, wherein the first ends (302A, 304A) of the sleeve sections (302, 304) are fastened together with a first clip (306) and a second ends (302B, 304B) of the sleeve sections (302, 304) are fastened together with a second clip (308).

10. The fluid-flow control system (100, 200, 300) of claim 1, 8 and 9, further comprises:
a frame unit (310) having:
a base (312);
a first side wall (314) and an opposing second sidewall (316) extends from the base (312);
a channel (318) across the base (312) and sidewalls (314, 316) to support the conduit (102);
a first pair of opposing slots (320A, 320B) is provided at one end of the sidewalls (314, 316) and configured to receive the first clip (306), and
a second pair of opposing slots (322A, 322B) is provided at another end of the sidewalls (314, 316) and configured to receive the second clip (308), and
an arm (324) disposed in a side opposing to the frame unit (310), wherein the arm (324) driven by the driving unit (106) and configured to move the sleeve (104).

11. The fluid-flow control system (100, 200, 300) of claim 1 is mounted across a fluid-flow channel of at least one of a HVAC module, an air-re-circulation system and a vehicle cooling and heating system.

12. A HVAC module comprising: a housing, at least one heat exchanger received in the housing; a blower adapted to generate pressure difference across the heat exchanger, and the fluid-flow control system (100, 200, 300) as claimed in claims 1 to 9 adapted to regulate flow of fluid processed by the at least one heat exchanger.
, Description:A FLUID-FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention generally relates to a fluid-flow control system, more particularly to a fluid-flow control system for a vehicle heating and cooling system.

BACKGROUND

A vehicle heating and cooling system, for example a HVAC system, is provided with doors to control the amount of airflow in a passage of the system. Generally, the HVAC system includes a housing having a heat exchanger, an inlet disposed at one end of the housing for receiving airflow, and at least one outlet disposed at another end of the housing for delivering the airflow to the passenger’s cabin. Here, the inlet is disposed at an upstream position with respect to the heat exchanger and the outlet is disposed at a downstream position with respect to the heat exchanger. In one example, the outlet is connected with conduits to provide the conditioned air to the passenger’s cabin.

Generally, the doors may be provided in the housing to redirect the airflow across various elements disposed in the system. For example, the door may enable airflow across the heat exchanger and disable the airflow across the heat exchanger. In another example, the door may be provided at the outlet to control/redirect the airflow into the different portions of the passenger’s cabin. Conventionally, various types of doors such as flap-type door, butterfly door were used to control/restrict the airflow in the housing.

In case the doors are flaps, the flaps may be rotatably disposed within the housing to vary the cross section of the flow passage and regulate the fluid-flow there through. The flaps are generally actuated from the vehicle dashboard to distribute the fluid over the vehicle according to the settings specified by the vehicle occupants. Since the flaps are disposed across the flow passage, a portion of airflow flows along the flap and could create low-pressure vortices. The formation of vortices is called as vortex shedding. When this occurs, the flap tends to move toward an area of lower pressure, causing the flap to vibrate and flutter. Thus, the vortex shedding leads in the generation of large unsteady forces, or even strong vibrations, which have the potential to violently move or damage the entire structure of the fluid distribution flap. Addition to that, sudden variation of cross section of the flow area results in pressure drop across the flap, which in turn affects the fluid-flow distribution leading to vortex shedding, noise and vibration.

Therefore, there is a need for a fluid-flow control system that gradually closes the conduit or opens the conduit to control the flow of fluid while simultaneously reducing the pressure drop, turbulence and vortex shedding associated with noise and vibration. Further, there is another need for a system to control the flow of fluid without obstructing the fluid-flow path by disposition of system across the fluid-flow path.

SUMMARY

In the present description, some elements or parameters may be indexed, such as a first element and a second element. In this case, unless stated otherwise, this indexation is only meant to differentiate and name elements, which are similar but not identical. No idea of priority should be inferred from such indexation, as these terms may be switched without betraying the invention. Additionally, this indexation does not imply any order in mounting or use of the elements of the invention.

In view of forgoing, the present invention discloses a fluid-flow control system for controlling the flow of fluid there through. The system comprises at least one flexible conduit defining a fluid-flow path there through, and a sleeve that encapsulates a length of the conduit. The sleeve have a first side movably coupled to a driving unit and an opposing second side configured as a stationary side. In one embodiment, the first side and the second side may be configured as a movable side. The driving unit is adapted to move the sleeve along with the conduit to effect an inward movement or an outward movement. The inward movement and the outward movement compress and decompress the conduit, respectively, to vary the area of fluid-flow path and provide a range of fluid-flow rate.
In one embodiment, the sleeve is constituted by one or more sleeve sections. Each sleeve section is coupled to the adjacent sleeve sections. The system further comprises a frame to support the stationary side of the sleeve. The system further comprises an arm disposed in a side opposing to the frame. The arm driven by the driving unit is configured to move the first side of the sleeve. In one embodiment, the conduit is a square shaped conduit.

In another embodiment, the fluid-flow control system comprises at least one flexible conduit defining a fluid-flow path there through, a sleeve encapsulating the length of a conduit and a driving unit. The sleeve is constituted by a first sleeve section, a second sleeve section, a third sleeve section and a fourth sleeve section. The first sleeve section is parallel to the second sleeve section and the third sleeve section is parallel to the fourth sleeve section. The third sleeve section driven by the driving unit is pivotally connected between one end of the first sleeve section and the second sleeve section. The fourth sleeve section is pivotally connected between an opposing another end of the first sleeve section and the second sleeve section. The first sleeve section, the second sleeve section, the third sleeve section and the fourth sleeve section collectively forms a four bar linkage mechanism. The driving unit is adapted to move the four-bar linkage mechanism to compress and decompress the conduit. The driving unit is adapted to move the sleeve along with the conduit to effect an inward movement or an outward movement. The inward movement and the outward movement compress and decompress the conduit, respectively, to vary the area of the fluid-flow path area and provide a range of fluid-flow rate.

In yet another embodiment, the fluid-flow control system comprises at least one flexible conduit defining a fluid-flow path there through, a sleeve encapsulating a length of the conduit and a driving unit. The sleeve comprises at least two sleeve sections that opposingly surrounds the conduit. Each sleeve section has a middle portion that contours over the conduit, and a first end and an opposing second end extends from the middle portion. The first end of the two sleeve sections are fastened together with a first clip and a second end of the two sleeve sections are fastened together with a second clip.

The system further comprises a frame unit having a base, a first sidewall and an opposing second sidewall extends from the base, and a channel extends across the base and sidewalls to support the conduit. The frame unit further comprises a first pair of opposing slots and a second pair of opposing slots. The first pair of opposing slots is formed at one end of the sidewalls and is configured to receive the first clip. The second pair of opposing slots is formed at another end of the sidewalls and is configured to receive the second clip. The system further comprises an arm disposed in a side opposing to the frame unit. The arm driven by the driving unit is configured to move the sleeve along with the conduit to effect an inward movement or an outward movement. The inward movement and the outward movement compress and decompress the conduit, respectively, to vary the area of the fluid flow path and provide a range of fluid-flow rate.

In one embodiment, the fluid-flow system is mounted across a fluid-flow channel of a HVAC module. In one embodiment, the HVAC module comprises a housing, at least one heat exchanger received in the housing, a blower adapted to generate pressure difference across the heat exchanger and the fluid-flow control system adapted to regulate flow of fluid processed by the at least one heat exchanger.

In another embodiment, the fluid-flow system is mounted across a fluid-flow channel of vehicle cooling and heating system.

In yet another embodiment, the fluid-flow system is mounted across a fluid-flow channel of air re-circulation system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention can be inferred from the description of the invention hereunder. A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures, wherein:
FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the fluid-flow control system incorporated in a HVAC module;

FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a conduit at least partially compressed by the fluid-flow control system of FIG. 1 to vary the fluid-flow rate;

FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a side view of the conduit at least partially compressed by the fluid-flow control system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the conduit compressed by the fluid-flow control system of FIG. 1 to completely close the fluid-flow path;

FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a fluid-flow control system, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 exemplarily illustrates a front view of the fluid-flow control system of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a conduit at least partially compressed by the fluid-flow control system of FIG. 5 to vary the fluid-flow rate;

FIG. 8 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the conduit compressed by the fluid-flow control system of FIG. 5 to completely close the fluid-flow path;

FIG. 9 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a fluid-flow control system, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 exemplarily illustrates a front view of a fluid-flow control system of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a conduit at least partially compressed by the fluid-flow control system of FIG. 9 to vary the fluid-flow rate, and

FIG. 12 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the conduit compressed by the fluid-flow control system of FIG. 9 to completely close the fluid-flow path.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It must be noted that the figures disclose the invention in a detailed enough way to be implemented, said figures helping to better define the invention if needs be. The invention should however not be limited to the embodiment disclosed in the description.

The present invention discloses a fluid-flow control system for a vehicle heating and cooling system. The system is adapted to be disposed at an exterior side of the fluid-flow path to control the rate of flow of fluid there though. Thereby, the system overcomes the vortex shedding caused by the conventional flap door disposed across the fluid-flow path. Further, the proposed system replaces the existing ducts with a flexible conduit that may be gradually compressed or decompressed to gradually vary the fluid-flow rate across the fluid-flow path without increasing the pressure drop. As the sudden variation of fluid-flow rate is addressed, the associated problems such as turbulence and vortex shedding associated with noise and vibration is reduced.

FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a fluid-flow control system 100 incorporated in a HVAC module, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Although the present invention is described below for use in an HVAC environment, the system 100 of the present invention can be utilized in any fluid-flow application of the vehicle cooling and heating system. The system 100 comprises at least one flexible conduit 102 defining a fluid-flow path there through, and at least one sleeve 104 configured to encapsulate a length of the conduit 102. In one example, the conduit 102 is a square shaped conduit having at least four sides. The four sides includes a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side. In another example, the conduit 102 may have any other shape, and the sleeve 104 may have a shape complementary to the conduit 102. The sleeve 104 is formed of one or more sleeve sections 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D. The one or more sleeve sections (104A – 104D) includes a first sleeve section 104A, a second sleeve section 104B, a third sleeve section 104C and a fourth sleeve section 104D.

The first sleeve section 104A is configured to conform over the first side of the conduit 102. The second sleeve section 104B is parallel to the first sleeve section 104A and conforms over the second side of the conduit 102. The third sleeve section 104C is configured to conform over the third side of the conduit 102 and the fourth sleeve section 104D is configured to conform the fourth side of the conduit 102. The third sleeve section 104C is parallel to the fourth sleeve section 104D. The system 100 further comprises a driving unit 106. The third sleeve section 104C is coupled to the driving unit 106. Further, the third sleeve section 104C is pivotally connected between one end of the first sleeve section 104A and the second sleeve section 104B. The fourth sleeve section 104D is pivotally connected to an opposing another end of the first sleeve section 104A and the second sleeve section 104B. Thus, the first sleeve section 104A, the second sleeve section 104B, the third sleeve section 104C and the fourth sleeve section 104D collectively forms a four bar linkage mechanism. Further, a centre portion of the fourth sleeve section 104D is coupled to a shaft (not shown) of a pivotal member 120, for example, bearing member. The fourth sleeve section 104D is configured to pivot around the shaft of the pivotal member 120. The driving unit 106 is adapted to move the four bar linkage mechanism to compress and decompress the conduit 102 to vary the area of the fluid-flow path and provide the range of fluid-flow rate.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the fluid-flow control system 100 is incorporated at an outlet 108 of a HVAC module. In this example, the fluid-flow control system 100 is mounted at one of the outlet 108 to control the rate of flow of fluid through the outlet 108. In an example, the fluid may be air. In another example, the fluid may be liquid. In another example, the fluid-flow control system 100 may be mounted at one or more outlets 108 of the HVAC module. In yet another embodiment, the fluid-flow control system 100 may be mounted across a cool air path of the HVAC module. In yet another example, the fluid-flow control system 100 may be mounted across the hot air path of HVAC module. In yet another embodiment, the systems 100 may be mounted across two or more flow paths and the system 100 may be individually controlled for mixing of fluids or steams from the two or more flow paths.

FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the conduit 102 at least partially compressed by the fluid-flow control system 100 of FIG. 1 to vary the fluid-flow rate. FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a side view of the conduit 102 at least partially compressed by the fluid-flow control system 100 of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the driving unit 106 may include a driving housing with a drive motor adapted to exert torque onto a drive shaft 110. This drive shaft 110 is pivotally connected to the third sleeve section 104C. In one example, the drive shaft 110 is pivotally connected at a centre portion of the third sleeve section 104C. The third sleeve section 104C may pivot about the shaft 110. In an example, the drive motor is an electric motor. In another embodiment, the drive motor is a stepper motor. In yet another embodiment, the stepper motor may be any conventional motor, which has the capability of operating at different rates, i.e., a different number of steps for fixed time increment or cycle. Variable speed stepper motor drives are well known in the art and any conventional variable speed stepper motor may be used. The drive motor adapted to rotate in a first rotational direction to move the shaft 108 and the sleeve sections (104A -104D) to gradually close the flow passage of the conduit 102. The drive motor is adapted to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite to that of the first rotational direction to move the shaft 110 and the sleeve sections (104A – 104D) to gradually open the flow passage of the conduit 102. In yet another embodiment, the driving unit 106 may include may include any conventional mechanism, which has the capability to provide the rotational motion at variable speed.

The driving unit 106 adapted to move the third sleeve section 104C at an angle, which in turn moves the pivotally connected second sleeve section 104B and the fourth sleeve section 104D. Further, the fourth sleeve section 104D pivots about the pivotal member 120 and moves the first sleeve section 104A. As the sleeve sections (104A – 104D) are configured to conform over the conduit 102, the movement of the sleeve sections (104A -104D) causes the conduit 102 to compress or decompress. In an example, the movement of the shaft 110 in the first rotational direction is configured to move the third sleeve 104C section for an angle, for example “+20o”, then the linked first sleeve section 104A, the second sleeve section 104B and the fourth sleeve section 104D also moves an angle “+20o”. This movement in turn moves the sleeve sections (104A – 104D) along with the conduit 102 and at least partially compresses the conduit 104. In another example, the movement of the shaft 110 in the second rotational direction is configured to move the third sleeve section 104C for an angle, for example “ –20o”, the linked first sleeve section 104A, the second sleeve section 104B and the fourth sleeve section 104C also moves an angle “ –20o”. This movement in turn retracts the sleeve sections (104A -104D) along with the conduit 102 and at least partially decompresses the conduit 102. Referring to FIG. 4, the driving unit 106 is adapted to move the sleeve sections (104A – 104D) to completely flatten the sleeve sections (104A – 104D) and the conduit 102, which in turn closes the fluid-flow path.

The system 100 further comprises a control system (not shown) including a controller connected to the driving unit 106. In an example, the control system may be an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle. The control system is configured to provide input to drive the driving unit 106 based on the input received from the user interface provided by a user. Based on the input from the control system, the driving unit 106 controls the compression and decompression of the conduit 102 to vary the fluid-flow path area. Further, the movement of the stepper motor provides an indication of the position of the motor, whereby the area of fluid-flow path is determined and controller by the controller. Further, the position of the motor may be detected by utilizing any conventional detectors. The system 100 may include a line to provide signal to the driving unit 106 and another line to power to the driving unit 106. In another embodiment, the system 100 may employ any other conventional system to send signal and power to the driving unit 106.

FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a fluid-flow control system 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 exemplarily illustrates a front view of the fluid-flow control system 200 of FIG. 5. Referring FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the fluid-flow control system 200 comprises at least one flexible conduit 102 defining a fluid-flow path there through, and a sleeve 104 configured to encapsulate a length of the conduit 102. In one embodiment, the conduit 102 is a square shaped conduit having at least four sides. The sleeve 104 is constituted by at least four sleeve sections 104E, 104F, 104G, 104H. Each sleeve section (104E – 104H) is hindegly coupled to the adjacent sleeve section (104E – 104H) thereto. The at least four sleeve section (104E -104H) collectively defines a four bar linkage mechanism. At least two adjacent sleeve section 104E, 104F together defines a top portion or a first side of the sleeve 104 and at least two adjacent sleeve sections 104G, 104H together defines an opposing bottom portion or a second side of the sleeve 104. The system 100 further comprises an arm 202 coupled to at least two adjacent sleeve sections 104E, 104F defining the top portion of the sleeve 104. The system further comprises a frame 204 to support at least two adjacent sleeve sections 104G, 104H defining the bottom portion of the sleeve 104.

FIG. 7 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the conduit 102 at least partially compressed by the fluid-flow control system 200 of FIG. 5 to vary the fluid-flow rate. The system 200 further comprises a driving unit (not shown) adapted to move the arm 202 linearly downwards, as depicted by arrow “D” to at least partially compress the conduit 102. The arm 202 is coupled to the driving unit through a shaft (not shown). The arm 202 in turn pushes the top portion of the sleeve 104 against the bottom portion of the sleeve 104 and at least partially flattens the sleeve 104 along with the conduit 102. Consequently, the fluid-flow area is varied depending on an input received by the driving unit. The driving unit is adapted to move the arm 202 linearly upwards, as depicted by arrow “U” to at least partially decompress the conduit 102. The arm 202 in turn retracts the top portion of the sleeve 104 upwards causing at least partial decompression of the conduit 102 based on the input received by the driving unit.

FIG. 8 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the conduit 102 compressed by the fluid-flow control system 200 of FIG. 5 to completely close the fluid-flow path. The driving unit is adapted to move the arm 202 linearly downwards to completely compress the conduit 102. The arm 202 in turn pushes the top portion of the sleeve 104 against the bottom portion of the sleeve 104 and completely flattens the sleeve sections (104E–104H) along with the conduit 102 to restrict fluid-flow there through.

FIG. 9 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a fluid-flow control system 300 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 exemplarily illustrates a front view of a fluid-flow control system 300 of FIG. 9. The system 100 is adapted to mount across a fluid-flow channel of a vehicle heating and cooling system. The system 100 comprises at least one flexible conduit 102 defining a fluid-flow path there through, and a sleeve 104 configured to encapsulate a length of the conduit 102. The sleeve 106 includes a first side coupled to a driving unit (not shown) and an opposing second side configured as a stationary side. In another embodiment, the second side of the sleeve 104 is supported by a stationary frame unit 310. In yet another embodiment, the first side and the opposing second side of the sleeve 104 are coupled with the driving unit. The driving unit (not shown) is adapted to move the sleeve 104 along with the conduit 102 to effect an inward movement or an outward movement. The inward movement and the outward moment of the sleeve 104 enables compression and decompression of the conduit 102 to vary the area of the fluid-flow path and provide a range of fluid-flow rate.

In one embodiment, the sleeve 104 is constituted by at least two sleeve sections 302, 304 including a first sleeve section 302 and a second sleeve section 304. The first sleeve section 302 and the second sleeve section 304 extends along opposing exterior side surfaces of the conduit 102, and defines the first and the second sides of the sleeve 104, respectively. The first sleeve section 302 is parallel to the second sleeve section 304. In one embodiment, the conduit 102 is a square shaped conduit and the sleeve sections 302, 304 are shaped to contour over the conduit 102. Each sleeve section 302, 304 includes a middle portion 302C, 304C that contours over the respective side of the conduit 102, and a first end 302A, 304A and an opposing second end 302B, 304B extending from the middle portion 302C, 304C. The first ends 302A, 304A of the sleeve sections 302, 304 are fastened together with a first clip 306 and the second ends 302B, 304B of the sleeve sections 302, 304 are fastened together with a second clip 308.
The system 300 further comprises a frame unit 310. The frame unit 310 comprises a flat rectangular base 312, a first sidewall 314 extending perpendicularly from a side of the base 312 and a second side wall 316 extending parallely from the opposing side of the base 312. Each of the first sidewall 314 and the second sidewall 316 includes a U-shape cut-out portion that extends from the base 312 to the top of the respective sidewalls 314, 316. The cut-out portion of the first sidewall 314 and the second sidewall 316 together defines a channel 318 that runs across the base 312 and the sidewalls 314, 316. The channel 318 is sufficiently wide to support the conduit 302 in both compressed state and decompressed state.

The frame unit 310 further comprises a first pair of opposing slots 320A, 320B and a second pair of opposing slots 322A, 322B, shown in FIG. 11. The first pair of opposing slots 320A, 320B are formed at one end of the sidewalls 314, 316 and are configured to receive the first clip 306. The second pair of opposing slots 322A, 322B are formed at another end of the sidewalls 316 and are configured to receive the second clip 308. In one embodiment, the slots 320A, 320B, 322A, 322B have an arc shaped configuration. The first clip 306 extend across the slots 320A, 320B and the second clip 308 extend across the slots 322A, 322B. The clips 306, 308 are adapted to slide downward and outwards within the slots 320A, 320B, 322A, 322B on compression of the conduit 102. Further, the clips 306, 308 are adapted to slide upward and inward within the slots 320A, 320B, 322A, 322B on decompression of the conduit 102. The system 300 further comprises arm member 324 adapted to move the sleeve 104. The arm member 324 may be coupled to the driving unit.

FIG. 11 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the conduit 102 at least partially compressed by the fluid-flow control system 300 of FIG. 9 to vary the fluid-flow rate. Referring to FIG. 11, the driving unit (not shown) is adapted to move the arm member 324 linearly downwards, as depicted by arrow “D” to at least partially compress the conduit 102. The arm member 324 is coupled to the driving unit through a shaft (not shown). The arm member 324 in turn pushes the first sleeve section 302A against the second sleeve section 302B and at least partially flattens the sleeve sections 302A, 302B along with the conduit 102. Consequently, the fluid-flow area is varied depending on the input received by the driving unit. The driving unit is adapted to move the arm member 324 linearly upwards, as depicted by arrow “U” to at least partially decompress the conduit 102. The arm member 324 in turn retracts the first sleeve section 302 upwards causing at least partial decompression of the conduit 102 based on an input received by the driving unit.

FIG. 12 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the conduit 102 compressed by the fluid-flow control system 300 of FIG. 9 to completely close the fluid-flow path. Referring to FIG. 12, the driving unit is adapted to move the arm member 324 linearly downwards to compress the conduit 102. The arm member 324 in turn pushes the first sleeve section 302 against the second sleeve section 304 and completely flattens the sleeve sections 302, 304 along with the conduit 102 to restrict fluid-flow there through. Referring to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the area occupied by the conduit 102 within the channel 318 may increase on compression of the conduit 102 and the sleeve sections 302, 304 may also flattens along with the compression of the conduit 102. The provision of the arc shaped slot 320A, 320B, 322A, 322B and wide channel 318 guides the clips 306, 308 move outward and downward while the conduit 102 is compressed. The clips 306, 308 may move outward and downward tracing along the path of the slots 320A, 320B, 322A, 322B during compression of the conduit 102. The clips 306, 308 may move inward and upward, simultaneously, tracing along the path of the slots 320A, 320B, 322A, 322B during decompression of the conduit 102.

In one embodiment, similar to system 100, the system 200, 300 may be incorporated in the vehicle heating and cooling system, for example, the HVAC module. In another embodiment, the fluid-flow control system 200, 300 may be mounted at one of the outlet 108 to control the rate of flow of fluid through the outlet 108. In yet another example, the fluid-flow control system 200, 300 may be mounted at all of the outlets 108 of the HVAC module. In yet another embodiment, the fluid-flow control system 200, 300 may be mounted across the cool air path. In yet another embodiment, the fluid-flow control system 200, 300 may be mounted across the heated air path. In yet another embodiment, the systems 200, 300 may be mounted across two or more flow paths and the system 200, 300 may be individually controlled for mixing of fluids or steams from the two or more flow paths.

The system 200, 300 further comprises a control system (not shown) including a controller connected to the driving unit. In an example, the control system may be an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle. The control system is configured to provide input to drive the driving unit based on the input received from a user via a user interface. Based on the input from the control system, the driving unit controls the compression and decompression of the conduit 102 to vary the fluid-flow path area. The system 200, 300 may include a line to provide signal to the driving unit and power to the driving unit. In another embodiment, the system may employ any other conventional system to send signal and power the driving unit. In one embodiment, the driving unit may include any conventional motor, for example stepper motor, and any conventional mechanism, for example, pinion and gear mechanism, to exert linear force onto the arm 202 and arm member 324. The system 100, 200, 300 gradually varies the area of the fluid-flow path and provide a range of fluid-flow rate. The gradual transition of the conduit 102 advantageously reduces pressure drop, vortex shedding and turbulence. The system 100, 200, 300 is adapted to be disposed at an exterior side of the fluid-flow path to control the rate of flow of fluid there though. Thereby, the system 100, 200, 300 overcomes the vortex shedding caused by the conventional flap door disposed across the fluid-flow path. Consequently, turbulence and vortex shedding associated noise and vibration is reduced.

In any case, the invention cannot and should not be limited to the embodiments specifically described in this document, as other embodiments might exist. The invention shall spread to any equivalent means and any technically operating combination of means.