Mahle has been granted a patent for an HVAC module that includes an air path, an evaporator, and a heater. The evaporator and heater divide the air path into a main path and a side path, with the side path branching off upstream of the evaporator and opening downstream of the heater. The module also includes adjustable valve flaps to control the flow of air between the main path and the side path. GlobalData’s report on Mahle gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
According to GlobalData’s company profile on Mahle, battery management systems was a key innovation area identified from patents. Mahle's grant share as of June 2023 was 1%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Hvac module with adjustable valve flaps for air flow
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11685231B2) describes an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) module with improved air flow control. The module includes an air path through which air can flow, an evaporator for cooling and dehumidifying the air, and a heater for heating the air. The air path is divided into a main path and a side path, with the evaporator and heater separating the two paths.
The side path branches off from the main path upstream of the evaporator and re-joins the main path downstream of the heater. The side path includes a first portion passing the evaporator and a second portion passing the heater. The module also includes two valve flaps for controlling the air flow. The first valve flap is adjustable to a closed position, where air upstream of the evaporator cannot flow directly into the first side path portion, and an open position, where air can flow directly into the first side path portion. The second valve flap is adjustable to three positions. In the first position, it closes the second side path portion, allowing air to flow directly from the first side path portion into the main path intermediate portion. In the second position, it closes the first side path portion, allowing air to flow directly from the main path intermediate portion into the second side path portion. In the third position, both side path portions remain open, allowing air to flow directly from the first side path portion into the second side path portion and into the main path intermediate portion.
The module also includes a controller that adjusts the valve flaps and controls their positions during operation. The patent describes various operating conditions and corresponding positions of the valve flaps to control the air flow through the module.
Additionally, the patent describes an air outlet assembly with a grid of air outlets and a feedback path inlet connected to a dashed feedback path. The air outlet assembly also includes a row of air outlets and the feedback path inlet extends along this row adjacent to each of the air outlets.
Overall, this patented HVAC module offers improved air flow control and flexibility in directing air through the main path and side path, allowing for efficient cooling, dehumidification, and heating of the air. The air outlet assembly with the feedback path inlet provides enhanced air distribution and feedback for optimal performance.
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