FORM -2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
Complete Specification
(See Section 10; rule 13)
AIR DISTRIBUTION BY TWO CONCENTRIC FLAPS
BEHR INDIA LIMITED
an Indian Company of Gate No.626/1/2 & 622/1/0, 29 Milestone, Pune-Nasik Highway, Village - Kuruli, Taluk - Khed, Pune - 410501, Maharashtra, India.
NAME OF THE INVENTORS:
1. Suraj Sathyanarayan
2. Amol Baliram Wanjare
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Particularly, the present invention relates to systems for distribution of air from HVAC systems.
Background of the Invention
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are used in various applications such as but not limited to indoor or automotive environmental comfort. HVAC systems play important role in the design of automobiles, medium to large industrial and office buildings, marine environments such as aquariums and the like. More particularly, HVAC systems are designed for regulating temperature, humidity, as well as fresh air inside automobiles, buildings, and marine environments for maintaining safe and healthy conditions therein.
Generally, HVAC systems have five different modes for air distribution such as, Chest, Chest-Foot, Foot, Foot-Demist and Demist/Defrost by which air can be distributed as per passenger requirement in the vehicle. Such distribution of air as per passenger requirement can be achived by using different combinations of flaps. The flaps may be actuated manually by a control panel by means of an actuating device, such as a Bowden cable, motors, and the like. Generally, different louvers/flaps may be used to close and open the respective outlet to regulate the airflow in each of the above mentioned modes.

However, these prior art air distribution systems have various limitations. For example, the prior art air distribution systems requires comparitively more space. Further, the prior art air distribution systems are unable to be used in multiple HVAC platforms. Furthermore, the prior art air distribution systems have comparitively complex structures.
Accordingly, there is a need for a system for distribution of air from HVAC systems in an effective way. Further, there is a need for a system for distribution of air from HVAC systems in a comparatively compact space. Also, there is a need for a system for distribution of air from HVAC systems that may be used in multiple HVAC platforms. Additionally, there is a need for a system for distribution of air from HVAC systems in a cost effective way.
Objectives of the Invention
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present invention is to provide a HVAC air distribution system by using two concentric flaps that is effective in operation.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a HVAC air distribution system by using two concentric flaps that requires comparatively less space.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a HVAC air distribution system by using two concentric flaps that is adapted to be used in multiple HVAC platforms as a standardized product.

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a HVAC air distribution system by using two concentric flaps that is cost effective in structure and operation.
Moreover, an object of the present invention is to provide a HVAC air distribution system by using two concentric flaps that is adapted to regulate the airflow through varied combination thereof.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
Summary of the Invention
In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided a multi-flap air distribution system for distribution of air from an HVAC system, the multi-flap air distribution system comprising: a moveable outer flap; a moveable inner flap; and a fixed flap casing; wherein the inner flap is disposed inside the outer flap in a concentric manner to be moveable inside the flap casing in a relative movement with respect to each other with a predefined constrained motion inside the flap casing to allow different flap openings to obtain different modes of configuration for the distribution of air from HVAC system.
Typically, the fixed flap casing comprises a plurality of rib structures; and one cylindrical hole each configured on an outer casing disposed on either side of

the flap casing, the holes are configured to accommodate a bearing shaft of the outer flap.
Typically, the flap casing comprises a plurality of opening mode configurations, which can be interchanged based on the unit structure.
Typically, the outer flap comprises a plurality of rib structures; a pair of shafts configured on the respective longitudinal ends of the outer flap; and a pair of holes.
Typically, the pair of shafts comprises a respective bearing disposed thereon for rotatably disposing the shafts in the cylindrical holes on the flap casing.
Typically, the outer flap comprises a dome shaped structure configured with a first rib structure and a second rib structure configured on opposite ends thereof.
Typically, the pair of shafts comprises a hollow cylindrical structure having holes configured thereon.
Typically, the inner flap comprises a plurality of rib structures and a pair of shafts configured on the respective longitudinal ends of the inner flap.
Typically, the pair of shafts is adapted to comprise a respective hollow cylindrical structure or solid cylindrical structure according to the intended application thereof.

Typically, the inner flap is smaller in size than the outer flap for enabling location of the inner flap inside the dome structure of the outer flap.
Typically, the pair of shafts of the inner flap is placed inside the pair of cylindrical holes of the outer flap, thereby enabling a movement of the flaps relative to each other about a common fixed axis of rotation.
Typically, the pair of shafts comprises a bearing disposed on either longitudinal end thereof, for rotatably disposing the shafts in the cylindrical holes on the flap casing.
Typically, the inner flap comprises a dome shaped structure configured with a first rib structure and a second rib structure configured on opposite ends thereof.
Typically, the plurality of the rib structures of the outer flap and the inner flap are in various combinations for constrained movement within the flap casing to obtain different flap openings for different modes of configuration for the distribution of air from HVAC system according to the respective intended applications.
Typically, the openings comprise a face opening; a defrost opening and a foot opening; the openings are openings are separated by the plurality of rib structures on the flap casing.

Brief Description of the Accompanying Drawings:
The HVAC air distribution system in accordance with the present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the non-limiting accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a flap case, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an outer flap, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of an inner flap, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of an assembly of the inner flap of Figure 3 with the outer flap of Figure 2;
Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a HVAC air distribution system by using two concentric flaps formed by an assembly of the assembly of figure 4 with the flap case of Figure 1;
Figure 6a illustrates a perspective view of the HVAC air distribution system by using two concentric flaps of Figure 5 in a Chest mode configuration;
Figure 6b illustrates a sectional view of the HVAC air distribution system by using two concentric flaps of Figure 6a in the Chest mode configuration;

Figure 7 a illustrates a perspective view of the HVAC air distribution system by using two concentric flaps of Figure 5 in a Chest-Foot mode configuration;
Figure 7b illustrates a sectional view of the HVAC air distribution system by using two concentric flaps of Figure 7a in the chest-foot mode configuration;
Figure 8a illustrates a perspective view of the HVAC air distribution system by using two concentric flaps of Figure 5 in a Foot mode configuration;
Figure 8b illustrates a sectional view of the HVAC air distribution system by using two concentric flaps of Figure 8a in the Foot mode configuration;
Figure 9a illustrates a perspective view of the HVAC air distribution system by using two concentric flaps of Figure 5 in a Demist/ Defrost-Foot mode configuration;
Figure 9b illustrates a sectional view of the HVAC air distribution system by using two concentric flaps of Figure 9a in the Demist/ Defrost-Foot mode configuration;
Figure 10a illustrates a perspective view of the HVAC air distribution system by using two concentric flaps of Figure 5 in a Demist/ Defrost mode configuration; and
Figure 10b illustrates a sectional view of the HVAC air distribution system by using two concentric flaps of Figure 10a in the Demist/Defrost mode ■ configuration.

Detailed Description of the Accompanying Drawings:
The HVAC air distribution system in accordance with the present invention herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description.
Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The description herein after, of the specific embodiments of the HVAC air distribution system will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments.
It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

The present invention provides a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) air distribution system by using two concentric flaps. The HVAC air distribution system by using two concentric flaps in accordance with the present invention uses a fixed set of components to regulate airflow through varied combinations of these two flaps.
Since, the HVAC air distribution system in accordance with the present invention includes two concentric flaps and a flap casing for distribution of air, the HVAC air distribution system in accordance with the present invention has a compact structure. Also, the HVAC air distribution system in accordance with the present invention is suitable for use in multiple HVAC platforms which standradizes the HVAC air distribution system by using two concentric flaps in accordance with the present invention over a multiple HVAC projects.
Referring to Figures 1 to 10, a HVAC air distribution system using two concentric flaps 100 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "system 100") is described. The system 100 (Figure 5) includes a flap case 200 (shown in Figure 1), an outer flap 300 (shown in Figure 2) and an inner flap 400 (shown in Figure 3).
Particularly referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of the flap case 200 is shown. The flap case 200 includes a first rib structure 202, a second rib structure 204, a third rib structure 206, a fourth rib structure 208, a first cylindrical / bearing hole 210, a second cylindrical/ bearing hole 212 and outer casings 214a and 214b. The flap case 200 includes three openings such as a face opening, a defrost opening and a foot opening. The openings are separated by the first rib structure 202 and the second rib structure 204.

The cylindrical/ bearing holes 210 and 212 are configured at two ends of the flap case 200 to accommodate a bearing shaft of the outer flap 300. More specifically, the cylindrical/ bearing hole 210 is configrued on the outer casing 214a and the cylindrical/ bearing hole 212 is configured on the outer casing 214b. The Opening mode may be interchanged based on the unit structure, i.e Foot mode may be made Defrost or Face mode, Face mode may be made Foot or Defrost mode and Defrost mode may be made Foot or Face opening.
Referring to Figure 2, a perspective view of the outer flap 300 is shown. The outer flap 300 includes a pair of shafts 302 and 304, a pair of holes 306 and 308, a first rib structure 310 and a second rib structure 312. The pair of shafts 302 and 304 is configured on the longitudinal ends of the outer flap 300. In one embodiment of the present invention, the pair of shafts 302 and 304 may have a bearing disposed thereon, for enabling the pair of shafts 302 and 304 to be rotatably disposed in the cylindrical/ bearing holes 210 and 212 respectively. In one embodiment of the present invention, the outer flap 300 may have a dome shaped structure including the first rib structure 310 and the second rib structure 312 configured on the opposite ends of the dome shaped structure. The pair of shafts 302 and 304 may have a hollow cylindrical structure including respectively, the holes 306 and 308 configured therein.
Referring to Figure 3, a perspective view of the inner flap 400 is shown. The inner flap 400 includes a pair of shafts 402 and 404, a first rib structure 406 and a second rib structure 408. The pair of shafts 402 and 404 is configured on the longitudinal ends of the inner flap 400. In one embodiment of the present invention, the inner flap 400 has a dome shaped structure with the first rib structure 406 and the second rib structure 408 configured on the opposite ends of the inner flap 400.

The pair of shafts 402 and 404 may be adapted to have a hollow cylindrical structure or a solid cylindrical structure based on the intended application of the system 100. The size of the inner flap 400 is smaller as compared to the outer flap 300 for enabling the inner flap 400 to be located inside the dome structure of the outer flap 300.
Referring to Figure 4, a perspective view of an assembly of the inner flap 400 of Figure 3 with the outer flap 300 of Figure 2, is shown. The pair of shafts 402 and 404 of the inner flap 400 is placed respectively inside the pair of bearing holes 306 and 308 of the outer lap 300. These two flaps, i.e the inner flap 400 and the outer flap 300 may now move relative to each other about a common axis of rotation.
Referring to Figure 5, a perspective view of the system 100 formed by an assembly of the assembly of inner flap 400 shown in Figure 4 with the flap case of Figure 1 is shown. The shafts 302 and 304 of the outer flap 300 are positioned in the bearing holes 210 and 212 of the flap casing 200. The shaft 302 is inserted inside the first cylindrical/ bearing hole 210 and the shaft 304 is inserted inside the second cylindrical/ bearing hole 212. Further, the system 100 in the assembeld form is adapted to configure a chest outlet 500, a foot outlet 600 and a Defrost/ Demist outlet 700. The flap casing 200 is a fixed member that may be guided and fixed inside a main HVAC housing. The outer flap 300 is adapted to rotate with the fixed axis of shafts 302/ 304. The outer flap 300 rotates along the fixed axis of the shafts 302 / 304 till the first rib structure 310 touches the fourth rib structure 208 and the first rib structure 202 on either side. As the inner flap shaft 402 and 404 is placed inside the bearing hole of Outer shaft 306 and 308 respectively, the inner flap 400 too rotates along the same axis of shafts 302/304.

The shaft rotates till the first rib structure 406 touches the flap casing ribs 202 and 204 respectively and the second rib structure 408 touches the flap casing ribs 206 and 204. Also the outer flap 300 and the inner flap 400 are adapted to configure a relative movement with respect to each other within the constraint mentioned above.
Referring to Figures 6a to 10b, different modes of air distribution are illustrated. More specifically, air from a mixing chamber 800 goes to the different flap openings to achieve different modes.
Referring to Figures 6a and 6b, a Chest mode configuration of the system 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is described. In the chest mode configuration, air coming from the mixing chamber 800 is diverted to the chest outlet 500 by actuating the postion of flaps as shown in Figures 6a and 6b.
Referring to Figures 7a and 7b, a Chest-Foot mode configuration of the system 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is described. In the Chest-Foot mode configuration, air coming from the mixing chamber 800 is diverted to the chest outlet 500 as well as to the foot outlet 600 by actuating the postion of flaps as shown in Figures 7a and 7b.
Referring to Figures 8a and 8b, a Foot mode configuration of the system 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is described. In the Foot mode configuration, air coming from the mixing chamber 800 is diverted to the foot outlet 600 by actuating the postion of flaps as shown in Figures 8a and 8b.

Referring to Figures 9a and 9b, a Demist/ Defrost-Foot mode configuration of the system 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is described. In the Demist/ Defrost-Foot mode configuration, air coming from the mixing chamber 800 is diverted to the demist/defrost outlet 700 as well as to the foot outlet 600 by actuating the postion of flaps as shown in Figures 9a and 9b.
Referring to Figures 10a and 10b, a Demist/ Defrost mode configuration of the system 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is described. In the Demist/ Defrost mode, air coming from the mixing chamber 800 is diverted to the demist/defrost outlet 700 by actuating the postion of flaps as shown in Figures 10a and 10b.
In one embodiment of the present invnetion, the system 100 of the present invnetion may also include additional parts for facilitating connection of the system 100 in the HVAC unit.
Technical Advancements and Economic Significance
The technical advantages of the HVAC air distribution system in accordance with the present invention include the following:
The HVAC air distribution system by using two concentric flaps of the present invention is very effective in operation. Also, the HVAC air distribution system by using two concentric flaps in accordance with the present invention requires comparatively lesser space. Further, the HVAC air distribution system by using two concentric flaps in accordance with the present invention is suitable for use in multiple HVAC platforms as a standardized product.

Furthermore, the HVAC air distribution system by using two concentric flaps in accordance with the present invention is cost effective in structure and operation. Moreover, the HVAC air distribution system by using two concentric flaps in accordance with the present invention is adapted to regulate the airflow through varied combination of these two flaps.
Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the invention to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the invention as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters,

dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the specific features of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that many additional features can be added and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

We claim:
1. A multi-flap air distribution system for distribution of air from an HVAC system, said multi-flap air distribution system comprising: a moveable outer flap; a moveable inner flap; and a fixed flap casing; wherein said inner flap is disposed inside said outer flap in a concentric manner to be moveable inside said flap casing in a relative movement with respect to each other with a predefined constrained motion inside said flap casing to allow different flap openings to obtain different modes of configuration for the distribution of air from HVAC system.
2. Multi-flap air distribution system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fixed flap casing comprises a plurality of rib structures; and one cylindrical hole each configured on an outer casing disposed on either side of said flap casing, said holes are configured to accommodate a bearing shaft of said outer flap.
3. Multi-flap air distribution system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said flap casing comprises a plurality of opening mode configurations, which can be interchanged based on the unit structure.
4. Multi-flap air distribution system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said outer flap comprises a plurality of rib structures; a pair of shafts configured on the respective longitudinal ends of said outer flap; and a pair of holes.

5. Multi-flap air distribution system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said pair of shafts comprises a respective bearing disposed thereon for rotatably disposing said shafts in said cylindrical holes on said flap casing.
6. Multi-flap air distribution system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said outer flap comprises a dome shaped structure configured with a first rib structure and a second rib structure configured on opposite ends thereof.
7. Multi-flap air distribution system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said pair of shafts comprises a hollow cylindrical structure having holes configured thereon.
8. Multi-flap air distribution system as claimed in claim ls wherein said inner flap comprises a plurality of rib structures and a pair of shafts configured on the respective longitudinal ends of said inner flap.
9. Multi-flap air distribution system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said pair of shafts is adapted to comprise a respective hollow cylindrical structure or solid cylindrical structure according to the intended application thereof.
10. Multi- flap air distribution system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said inner flap is smaller in size than said outer flap for enabling location of said inner flap inside the dome structure of said outer flap.
11. Multi-flap air distribution system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pair of shafts of said inner flap is placed inside said pair of cylindrical holes of said outer flap, thereby enabling a movement of said flaps relative to each other about a common fixed axis of rotation.

12. Multi-flap air distribution system as claimed in any of tne preceding claims, wherein said pair of shafts comprises a bearing disposed on either longitudinal end thereof, for rotatably disposing said shafts in said cylindrical holes on said flap casing,
13. Multi-flap air distribution system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said inner flap comprises a dome shaped structure configured with a first rib structure and a second rib structure configured on opposite ends thereof.
14. Multi-flap air distribution system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of said rib structures of said outer flap and said inner flap rest in various combinations for constrained movement within said flap casing to obtain different flap openings for different modes of configuration for the distribution of air from HVAC system according to the respective intended applications.
15. Multi-flap air distribution system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said openings comprise a face opening, a defrost opening and a foot opening, said openings are openings are separated by said plurality of rib structures on said flap casing.