Claims:
1. An air distribution system (100) for an air conditioning unit of a vehicle, the system (100) comprising:
a duct (101) configured to receive air from the air conditioning unit;
a flexible air channelizing member (102), concentrically disposed within the duct (101), the flexible air channelizing member (102) is operable between a first condition and a second condition; and
at least one controlling member (103), movably disposed on an outer circumference of the flexible air channelizing member (102), wherein the at least one controlling member (103) is configured to linearly displace between a first position and a second position on the outer circumference of the flexible air channelizing member (102), for operating the flexible air channelizing member (102) between the first condition and the second condition to selectively provide a focused air flow and a diffused air flow.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises an actuation unit (104) coupled to the at least one controlling member (103).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the actuation unit (104) comprises an actuator (105), and a link (106) connecting the actuator (105) and the at least one controlling member (103), wherein the link (106) is positioned between an inner surface of the duct (101) and an outer surface of the flexible air channelizing member (102).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator (105) is configured to linearly operate the link (106), to displace the at least one controlling member (103) between the first position and the second position.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the link (106) is a kinematic link.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the actuator (105) is a rotary actuator.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first position of the at least one controlling member (103) corresponds to the first condition of the flexible air channelizing member (102), with cross-sectional area of the flexible air channelizing member (102) being substantially uniform throughout a length, to provide the focussed air flow.

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second position of the at least one controlling member (103) corresponds to the second condition of the flexible air channelizing member (102), with cross-sectional area of the flexible air channelizing member (102) increases continuously for a portion of the length, to provide the diffused air flow.

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an end (107) of the duct (101) is defined with a tapered profile, and an end of the tapered profile is configured to limit movement of the at least one controlling member (103) beyond the second position.

10. The system (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 9, wherein the flexible air channelizing member (102) in the second position confirms a shape of an inner surface of the tapered profile at the end of the duct (101), to provide the diffused air flow.

11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible air channelizing member (102) is made of polymeric material.

12. A vehicle comprising air distribution system (100), for an air conditioning unit as claimed in claim 1.
, Description:[001] TECHNICAL FIELD

[002] Present disclosure generally relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to an air distribution system for an air conditioning unit of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose the air distribution system, which may be toggled between a focused and a diffused air flow mode.

[003] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

A heating ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) unit or simply referred to as air conditioning unit, is employed in majority of vehicles ranging from passenger vehicles to commercial vehicles. HVAC in general provides comfort to passengers in different climatic conditions. In the HVAC unit, air may be drawn either from inside the cabin of the vehicle or from atmosphere, based on the requirement. The air may be conditioned [i.e. cooled or heated] by the HVAC unit as per need of the passengers or to achieve ambient temperature conditions within the cabin. The air so conditioned, may then be delivered to the cabin of the vehicle through one or more air vents provided in the cabin.

Generally, the HVAC unit may consist of a blower unit, one or more heat exchangers, and one or more air vents. The fresh air or re-circulated air may be sucked through an intake assembly of the blower unit. The blower unit may then force the air to move forward towards the heat exchanger coils and simultaneously generate velocity and momentum. The air which is passing over or through the heat exchanger coils, contacts and dissipates or absorbs heat. This conditioned air may be passed through the one or more air ducts to blow and circulate within the vehicle cabin through the air vents.

Conventionally air vents are configured in a number of geometrical shapes such as circular, rectangular, and square to supply air from the air conditioning unit into the cabin of the vehicle, and also to add aesthetic appeal to the interior of the vehicle cabin. However, the conventional air vents direct air unscientifically, that may lead to reduced cooling efficiency, poor directivity of air and so forth. Further, the conventional air vents are not flexible nor are designed to adjust the air flow based on the requirement of an occupant inside the vehicle. In case of hot soak cabin conditions, the occupants may require air flow directly on to the body (i.e. focussed air flow), for effective cooling and, in case of ambient temperature conditions of the cabin, the occupant may require unfocussed (i.e. diffused) air flow. The conventional air ducts fail to cater different air flows (i.e. focussed and diffused air flow), based on requirement of the occupant.

Considering the above, and with the advent of technology, air vents which are configured to toggle between the focused air flow and the diffused air flow modes have been developed. However, the conventional air vents include multiple vanes for directing air, based on the requirement of the occupants. Using multiple vanes would increase the number of movable parts in the air vent, which ultimately increases weight and thus cost of the air distribution system. Moreover, increased number of parts may lead to complex construction and mechanism which is not desirable. In addition, more number of moving parts in the air vents, results in noise generation during operation, causing discomfort to the occupants.

[004] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or other such limitations associated with the prior art.

[005] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[006] One or more shortcomings of conventional systems are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the system as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered as a part of the claimed disclosure.

[007] In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, an air distribution system for an air conditioning unit of a vehicle is disclosed. The air distribution system includes a duct, which is configured to receive air from the air conditioning unit. Further, the air distribution system includes a flexible air channelizing member, which is concentrically disposed within the duct. The flexible air channelizing member is operable between a first condition and a second condition. Furthermore, the air distribution system includes at least one controlling member, which is movably disposed on an outer circumference of the flexible air channelizing member. The at least one controlling member is configured to linearly displace between a first position and a second position on the outer circumference of the flexible air channelizing member, for operating the flexible air channelizing member between the first condition and the second condition to selectively provide a focussed air flow and a diffused air flow.

[008] In an embodiment of the disclosure, air distribution system comprises an actuation unit, coupled to the at least one controlling member. The actuation unit comprises an actuator, and a link connecting the actuator and the at least one controlling member. The link is positioned between the duct and the flexible air channelizing member.

[009] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the actuator is configured to linearly operate the link, to displace the at least one controlling member between the first position and the second position.

[010] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the link is a kinematic link and the actuator is a rotary actuator.

[011] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first position of the at least one controlling member corresponds to the first condition of the flexible air channelizing member, with cross-sectional area of the flexible air channelizing member being substantially uniform throughout a length, to provide focused air flow.

[012] In an embodiment of the disclosure, an end of the duct is defined with a tapered profile, wherein an of the tapered profile limits movement of the ring beyond the first position.

[013] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the flexible air channelizing member in the second position confirms with an inner surface of the tapered profile at the end of the duct, to provide diffused air flow.

[014] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the flexible air channelizing member is made of polymeric material.

[015] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

[016] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

[017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[018] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[019] Figure. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an air distribution system for an air conditioning unit, showing an air channelizing member provided within the air duct in a first condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[020] Figure. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the air distribution system for an air conditioning unit of Figure. 1, showing an air channelizing member in a second condition.

[021] Figure. 3 illustrates a side view of the air distribution system for an air conditioning unit of Figure. 1, showing an air channelizing member in the first condition.

[022] Figure. 4 illustrates a side view of the air distribution system for an air conditioning unit of Figure. 1, showing an air channelizing member in the second condition.

[023] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

[024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[025] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[026] It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify various features of the mechanism and system, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be part of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skilled in the art having benefit of the description herein. Also, the air distribution system of the present disclosure may be employed in variety of air conditioning units apart from what is being used in vehicles. However, the air conditioning unit and the vehicle is not illustrated in the drawings of the disclosure for the purpose of simplicity.

[027] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a mechanism or system that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, method, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the device.

[028] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an air distribution system for an air conditioning unit of a vehicle. Conventional air vent assemblies direct air unscientifically, that may lead to problems like reduced cooling efficiency, poor directivity of air and the like. Further, the conventional air vent assemblies are not flexible to adjust the air flow based on the requirement of an occupants inside the vehicle. In case of hot soak cabin conditions, the occupants may require air flow on to the body (i.e. focused air flow) for effective cooling and, in case of ambient temperature conditions of the cabin, the occupants may require unfocussed (i.e. diffused) air flow. The conventional air vent assemblies fail to cater to these different air flows (i.e. focused and diffused air flow), based on requirement of the occupant. However, some of the conventional air vent assemblies include multiple vanes for directing the air based on the requirement of the occupant. Use of multiple vanes would increase the number of movable parts in the air vent, which increases weight and, thus cost of the air vent. Moreover, increased number of parts leads to complex construction and mechanism, which is not desirable. In addition, as the conventional air vents include a number of moving parts, they may result in noise generation during operation, causing discomfort to the occupant.

[029] Accordingly, the present disclosure discloses an air distribution system for an air conditioning unit. The air distribution system may be configured to deliver focused air flow and diffused air flow, with minimum moving parts and simple construction. Further, the air vent provides options of switching from one mode of air flow to the another without the need of manual intervention.

[030] The air distribution system of the present disclosure may include a duct, which may be configured to receive and direct air from the air conditioning unit. Further the air distribution system may include a flexible air channelizing member, which is concentrically disposed and supported within the duct. The flexible air channelizing member may be configured to operate between a first condition to a second condition, to selectively provide the focused air flow and the diffused air flow. Furthermore, the air distribution system may include least one controlling member, which may be movably disposed on an outer circumference of the flexible air channelizing member. The at least one controlling member may be configured to linearly displace between a first position to a second position on the outer circumference of the flexible air channelizing member, for operating the flexible air channelizing member between the first condition and the second condition. Additionally, the air distribution system may include an actuation unit, which may include an actuator and a link. The link may be configured to connect the actuator and the least one controlling member. The actuator may be configured to operate the link for displacing the at least one controlling member between the first position and the second position, for changing mode of air flow.

[031] In an operational embodiment, in the first position of the at least one controlling member, the air channelizing member may be in the first condition. In the first condition, the flexible air channelizing member includes a cross-sectional area, which may be substantially uniform throughout a length of the flexible air channelizing member, to provide the focused air flow. Further, when the actuation unit is operated, the actuator of the actuation unit may operate the link, which in turn displaces the at least one controlling member from the first position to the second position. This displacement of the at least one controlling member from the first position to the second position, may result in operation of the flexible air channelizing member from the first condition to the second condition. In the second condition, the flexible air channelizing member may confirm to a shape of a tapered profile, such that cross-sectional area of the flexible air channelizing member gradually increase for at least a portion of the length, to provide the diffused air flow.

[032] The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures. 1 to 4. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

[033] Figure. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an air distribution system (100) for an air conditioning unit of the vehicle. The view is rendered transparent in order to illustrate some of the details within the air distribution system (100). However, the same should not be construed as a limitation as the air distribution system (100) may be manufactured as an opaque or transparent material. The air distribution system (101) may be configured to deliver a focused air flow and a diffused air flow based on the requirement, with minimum moving parts and without manual intervention. In an embodiment, when the air distribution system (100) is in the focused air flow mode, velocity of air flow may be high and the air flow may be directed to a specific portion of an occupant within a cabin of the vehicle. The focused air flow may cater effective or instant cooling to the occupant or a portion of the cabin. In another embodiment, when the air distribution system (100) is in the diffused air flow mode, velocity of the air flow being relatively low, but the air flow is being directed to a wider portion or area of the occupant or cabin of the vehicle. The diffused air flow may cater gradual cooling to the occupant and the cabin.

[034] As seen in Figure. 1, the air distribution system (100) may include a duct (101). The duct (101) may be connected to the air conditioning unit (not shown in figures) and may be configured to receive and direct air from the air conditioning unit. In an illustrated embodiment, the duct (101) is defined with a cylindrical configuration, and same should not be construed as a limitation, since the duct (101) may be defined with other geometrical configurations, based on the requirement. As apparent from Figure. 1, one end of the duct (101) may be defined with a tapered profile, which may provide provision for air vent fitment area. The air distribution system (100) may further include a flexible air channelizing member (102), which may be disposed within the duct (101). The flexible air channelizing member (102) may be concentrically disposed and supported within the duct (101) and shape of the flexible air channelizing member (102) may correspond to the shape of the duct (101). In an embodiment, the flexible air channelizing member (102) may be configured to be operable between a first condition and a second condition. As seen in Figure. 1, the air distribution system (100) may further include least one controlling member (103), which may be movably disposed on an outer circumference of the flexible air channelizing member (102). As an example, the least one controlling member (103) may be but not limiting to a ring, which may extend along the outer circumference of the flexible air channelizing member (102). The least one controlling member (103) may be configured to displace between a first position and a second position, on the outer circumference of the flexible air channelizing member (102). As an example, the controlling member (103) may linearly displace on the outer circumference of the flexible air channelizing member (102). In an embodiment, flexible air channelizing member (102) may be made of polymeric material such as but not limiting to rubber, soft plastic and the like, having elastic properties. That is, the materials which regain its free state upon retraction of applied force.

[035] Further referring to Figure. 1, the air distribution system (100) includes an actuation unit (104), which may be coupled to the at least one controlling member (103). In an embodiment, the actuation unit (104) may be adapted to linearly displace the at least one controlling member (103) on the circumference of the flexible air channelizing member (102). The actuation unit (104) may include an actuator (105), such as but not limiting to a rotary actuator such as motor or any other actuator which serves the purpose. In an embodiment, the actuation unit (104) may be connected to an outer surface of the duct (101) by suitable fastening means such as but not limiting to screws, rivets, and the like. As seen in Figure. 1, the actuation unit (104) may further include a link (106). The link (106) may be configured to connect the actuator (105) and the least one controlling member (103). In an embodiment, the link (106) may be a kinematic link or any other link that serves the purpose, for transferring the rotary movement of the actuator (105), as a linear movement for displacing the at least one controlling member (103). As apparent from Figure. 1, the link (106) may be disposed between an inner surface of the duct (101) and the outer surface of the flexible air channelizing member (102). The link (106) may reciprocate, for displacing the least one controlling member (103) between the first position and the second position.

[036] In an operational embodiment, referring to Figure. 1 and Figure. 3, the least one controlling member (103) is in the first position on the outer circumference of the flexible air channelizing member (102). In an illustrated embodiment, in the first position, the least one controlling member (103) is positioned at a substantially central portion of the flexible air channelizing member (102), and the same should not be construed as a limitation, since the at least one controlling member (103) may be at any portion on the flexible air channelizing member (102) in the first position. In an embodiment, in the first position of the least one controlling member (103), may correspond to the first condition of the flexible air channelizing member (102). As apparent from Figures. 1 and 3, in the first condition, the cross-sectional area of the flexible air channelizing member (102) may be substantially uniform throughout a length, defining a cylindrical profile. Further, the cross-sectional area of the flexible air channelizing member (102) in the first condition may be substantially smaller than the cross-sectional area of the tapered end (107) of the duct (101). This may aid in increasing velocity of the air flow and thus, provides focused air flow, which facilitates in catering effective cooling.

[037] Now turning on to Figures. 2 and 4, which illustrates perspective view and side view of the air distribution system (100), with the at least one controlling member (103) positioned in the second position. In an embodiment, the actuator (105) of the actuation unit (104), operates the link (106) to linearly displace the at least one controlling member (103) on the outer circumference of flexible air channelizing member (102) from the first position (as seen in Figures. 1 and 3) to the second position (as seen in Figures. 2 and 4). In other words, the actuator (105) of the actuation unit (104) may move the link (106) rearwardly [i.e. towards the actuator (105)], such that the at least one controlling member (103) displaces linearly from the first position to the second position. As apparent from Figure. 2, an end of the tapered profile of the duct (101) may be configured to limit displacement of the at least one controlling member (103) beyond the second position. In other words, one end of the tapered profile (107) may act as a dead stop for movement of the at least one controlling member (103) beyond the second position.

[038] In an embodiment, the second position of the at least one controlling member (103) may correspond to the second condition (as seen in Figures. 2 and 4) of the flexible air channelizing member (102). As, the at least one controlling member (103) displaces from the first position to the second position, the flexible air channelizing member (102) may operate from the first condition to the second condition, due to elastic property of the flexible air channelizing member (102). In an embodiment, in the second condition, the flexible air channelizing member (102) may include cross-sectional area varying continuously along a portion of a length of the flexible air channelizing member (102). In an embodiment, the flexible air channelizing member (102) in the second condition may confirm with a shape of the tapered profile of the end of the duct (101). This may facilitate in substantially increasing cross-sectional area of the flexible air channelizing member (102) than in the first condition, as a result of which velocity of the air is relatively low, to provide diffused air flow.

[039] In an embodiment, the air distribution system (100) of the present disclosure includes minimum moving parts and hence may provide hassle free cooling to the occupant.

[040] In an embodiment, the actuation unit (104) may be configured to be operated manually i.e. the operator may operate a switch, associated for operating and non-operating of the actuator (105) of the actuating unit (104), to toggle between the focused air flow and the diffused air flow. In an embodiment, the actuation unit (104) may be communicatively coupled to a control unit (not shown in figures), which may operate the actuation unit (104) to toggle between focused air flow and diffused air flow, based on pre-set conditions of a space to be cooled.

[041] It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop an air distribution system of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Equivalents:

[042] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[043] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

[044] Referral Numerals:

Particulars Referral number
Air distribution system 100
Duct 101
Flexible air channelizing member 102
Controlling member 103
Actuation unit 104
Actuator 105
Link 106
End of the duct 107