Automotive HVAC system with suction surfaces to control local airflow
US9597945B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 2011 |
| Grant date | Mar 21, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 1, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60H1/00842
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An HVAC system provides airflow in a vehicle having a plurality of seating locations in a passenger cabin for respective passengers of the vehicle. The system includes a plurality of outlet vents and a plurality of suction returns disposed at various air return locations adjacent to the seating locations within the vehicle. An air handling unit is in fluid communication between the suction returns and the outlet vents. A plurality of flow control elements are provided, each one in series with at least one respective suction return for selectably modifying a respective flow of the respective suction return in response to a respective flow command. An occupancy determining apparatus identifies one or more seating locations for receiving enhanced airflow. A controller generates the respective flow commands in response to the identified seating locations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.