Device for directing the air flow from the ventilation system of a vehicle

Abstract

The device (100) comprises a plurality of connectors (104) comprising a plurality of sets of connectors, each set of connectors coupled between adjacent rings, and each of the plurality of connectors (104) configured to be selectively movable between an unfolded position and a folded position. The device (100) further comprises an outer cover disposed around the plurality of rings (102) to provide a bellows-shaped device (100), and one end of the bellows-shaped device (100) is removably connected to an air outlet (108) of the HVAC system.Furthermore, by selectively unfolding the plurality of linkages (104), the plurality of rings (102) are moved further apart to create an unfolded position of the device (100) having a shape and size required to direct air from the air outlet (108) to a desired location in the vehicle.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELDThe present disclosure relates generally to the field of motor vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for directing airflow from a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a vehicle.BACKGROUNDConsiderable advances in the construction and functionality of vehicles have been made in the automotive industry. Under the critical aspects of automotive engineering, air conditioning systems play a central role in improving the overall ride experience. However, existing automotive ventilation configurations present a great challenge to achieve optimal thermal comfort for occupants, particularly in the context of energy efficient electric vehicles (EVs).The conventional air outlets of a car are usually located on the dashboard and on the console and distribute the air flow in the entire interior. This design has proven useful for maintaining an average cabin temperature, but does not meet the specific needs of the occupants and results in inefficient energy usage. A considerable amount of energy is consumed in heating or cooling the entire cabin, which contributes to a lower overall efficiency of the vehicle, which is critical in particular in electric vehicles in which energy savings directly affect the range of the vehicle.The diffuse air flow of conventional air outlets not only consumes an excessive amount of energy, but also does not meet the individual thermal comfort requirements of the occupants. This lack of precision in directing airflow results in a trade-off between energy efficiency and occupant comfort. To optimize near-body thermal comfort in vehicles, there is a clear need for a solution that allows for a more targeted, customizable, and energy efficient airflow specifically targeted to the occupants.Although there are already foldable ventilation ducts made of PVC that tauten the air flow in various applications, in particular in air conditioners, and offer a versatile and adaptable approach for optimizing ventilation and climate control, it is possible to find an improved and more efficient and aesthetic solution to the above problem.There is therefore a need to provide an improved mechanism for seamless continuity at the tailgate-bumper interface in vehicles.OBJECTS OF THE INVENTIONAn object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for steering airflow from an HVAC system of a vehicle.An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that enables precise and adjustable control of the air flow and the climate control in the vehicle cabin.It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus having multiple sets of connectors for selective movement between unfolded and folded positions.An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus with electromagnets to cause movement of the linkage to the collapsed and unfolded positions.An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus with a controller to selectively magnetize the electromagnets to different polarities.SUMMARYThe present disclosure relates to an apparatus for directing airflow from a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a vehicle.One aspect is an apparatus for directing airflow from an HVAC system that includes a plurality of rings including a set of inner rings and a set of outer rings. The inner rings and the outer rings are arranged alternately. The apparatus includes a plurality of connectors including a plurality of sets of connectors, each set of connectors coupled between adjacent rings, each of the plurality of connectors configured to be selectively movable between an unfolded position and a folded position. The apparatus further includes an outer cover disposed around the plurality of rings to give the apparatus a bellows shape, and an end of the bellows-shaped apparatus is detachably connected to an air outlet of the HVAC system. Moreover, selectively unfolding the plurality of linkages further moves the plurality of rings apart to provide an unfolded position of the device with a shape and size required to direct air from the air outlet to a desired location in the vehicle.In an embodiment, the set of inner rings, the set of outer rings, and the plurality of fasteners are configured such that in the collapsed position of the plurality of fasteners, the inner ring is housed within the adjacent outer rings.In one embodiment, each of the plurality of linkages includes electromagnets at the two ends attached to the respective rings and a set of telescoping tubes connecting the two electromagnets such that selective magnetization of the electromagnets of different polarities causes the two ends of the linkage to be pulled towards each other when the polarity of the electromagnets is opposite or repelled when the polarity of the electromagnets is the same to cause movement of the linkage to the collapsed position and the unfolded position.In one embodiment, the apparatus may include a controller to selectively magnetize the electromagnets to different polarities by supplying a current in a corresponding direction to move the linkage between the unfolded and folded positions.In one embodiment, the controller may be connected to the electromagnets by wires disposed in an innermost one of the plurality of telescoping tubes.In one embodiment, the controller may be configured to control a current supplied to the solenoid in the corresponding direction to control an attractive or repulsive force between the solenoids to move the linkage to a position between the unfolded position and the folded position, thereby controlling a length of the linkage to allow for various shapes and sizes required to direct air from the air outlet to the desired location in the vehicle.In an alternative embodiment of the linkage, the plurality of linkages may comprise a series of telescoping tubes configured to receive a compressed fluid such that supply of the compressed fluid moves the linkage to the deployed position and suspension of supply of the compressed fluid moves the linkage to the retracted position.In one embodiment, the apparatus may include an actuation mechanism and a controller operatively coupled to the actuation mechanism, and the actuation mechanism may include a pneumatic actuator positioned on a base ring among the plurality of rings. Each of the pneumatic actuators may include a motor controlled by the controller to control the pressure of the fluid supplied to the telescoping tubes to move the linkage to the deployed position and to control a length of the linkage to allow for various shapes and sizes required to direct air from the air outlet to the desired location in the vehicle.In one specific embodiment, the control device may have a user interface in the vehicle interior, via which the occupants may set the direction and intensity of the air flow.In one embodiment, the device may fit over the air outlet of the vehicle when the plurality of linkages are in the collapsed position.Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the subject invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals represent like components.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe accompanying drawings serve to further understand the present disclosure and form part of this description. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. FIGS. 1A and 1B show an apparatus configured with an HVAC system of a vehicle in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; FIGS. 2A and 2B show a perspective view of a device in a collapsed and an unfolded position, respectively, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; FIGS. 3A-3C show a perspective view of the configuration of a plurality of rings and a plurality of connections in the device, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the electromagnets fixed to the rings according to the embodiments of the present disclosure; FIGS. 5A-5C show a perspective view of a linkage with telescopically disposed tubes and wires according to embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a plurality of linkages including an array of telescoping tubes configured to receive a compressed fluid, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe following is a detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are so detailed as to clearly convey the disclosure. However, it is not intended to limit the predictable variations of embodiments by way of particularity; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.The embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus for directing airflow from a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a vehicle.One aspect is that the apparatus for directing airflow comprises a plurality of rings including a set of inner rings and a set of outer rings, wherein the inner rings and the outer rings are arranged alternately. The apparatus includes a plurality of connectors including a plurality of sets of connectors, each set of connectors coupled between adjacent rings, each of the plurality of connectors configured to be selectively movable between an unfolded position and a folded position. The apparatus further includes an outer cover disposed around the plurality of rings to give the apparatus a bellows shape, and an end of the bellows-shaped apparatus is detachably connected to an air outlet of the HVAC system. Moreover, selectively unfolding the plurality of linkages further moves the plurality of rings apart to provide an unfolded position of the device with a shape and size required to direct air from the air outlet to a desired location in the vehicle.In an embodiment, the set of inner rings, the set of outer rings, and the plurality of fasteners are configured such that in the collapsed position of the plurality of fasteners, the inner ring is housed within the adjacent outer rings.In one embodiment, each of the plurality of linkages includes electromagnets at the two ends attached to the respective rings and a set of telescoping tubes connecting the two electromagnets such that selective magnetization of the electromagnets of different polarities causes the two ends of the linkage to be pulled towards each other when the polarity of the electromagnets is opposite or repelled when the polarity of the electromagnets is the same to cause movement of the linkage to the collapsed position and the unfolded position.In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a controller to selectively magnetize the electromagnets to different polarities by supplying a current in a corresponding direction to move the linkage between the deployed position and the collapsed position.In one embodiment, the controller is connected to the electromagnets by wires disposed in an innermost one of the plurality of telescoping tubes.In one embodiment, the controller is configured to control a current supplied to the solenoid in the corresponding direction to control an attractive or repulsive force between the solenoids to move the linkage to a position between the deployed position and the collapsed position, thereby controlling a length of the linkage to allow for various shapes and sizes required to direct air from the air outlet to the desired location in the vehicle.In one embodiment, the plurality of linkages includes a series of telescoping tubes configured to receive a compressed fluid such that the supply of the compressed fluid moves the linkage to the deployed position and the interruption of the supply of the compressed fluid moves the linkage to the retracted position.In one embodiment, the apparatus may include an actuation mechanism and a controller operatively coupled to the actuation mechanism, and the actuation mechanism includes a pneumatic actuator positioned on a base ring among the plurality of rings, each of the pneumatic actuators including a motor controlled by the controller to control the pressure of the fluid supplied to the telescoping tubes, to move the linkage to the unfolded position, and to control a length of the linkage to allow for various shapes and sizes required to direct air from the air outlet to the desired location in the vehicle.It is further noted that although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been discussed with respect to a single device for guiding airflow from the HVAC system of a vehicle, it is possible to incorporate multiple devices into the vehicle and that all such variations fall within the scope of the present application without any limitations.The manner in which the proposed device is configured to direct airflow from an HVAC system of a vehicle to approach the occupants is discussed in more detail in the FIGURES. 1A-6. It should be understood that the drawings of the present subject matter shown herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be taken as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, FIGS. 1A-6 have been discussed together and like reference numerals may have been used for identical components and units.FIGS. 1A and 1B show an apparatus 100 configured with an HVAC system of a vehicle. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A, the collapsed configuration is illustrated and is for convenience when the device 100 is not actively directing the airflow. In this position, the inner rings 102- 1 are accommodated inside the adjacent outer rings 102- 2 as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, and form a compact structure. The connections between the rings are in their collapsed position, resulting in a reduced overall length of the device 100. This compact shape facilitates ease of placement over the air outlet 108 of the HVAC system when the apparatus 100 is not in use. The collapsed position is ideal when the user does not require a directed airflow.In FIGS. 1B and 2B, the device 100 is shown in the unfolded position. In the unfolded position, the device 100 allows for a targeted airflow directed from the air outlet 108 toward the vehicle occupants, thereby optimizing the overall ride experience. When the device 100 is unfolded, the device 100 may selectively direct airflow from an HVAC system of a vehicle. The interconnecting members between the rings are selectively moved to create an unfolded shape of the device 100. In this unfolded form, the device 100 can reach the airflow from the air outlet 108 and bring it closer to the vehicle occupants. The extended position is optimal to create a more targeted and controlled airflow so that the occupants better perceive the directed airflow. In one example, the occupants may adjust the position of the airflow in the unfolded position to their immediate needs, e.g., direct air to the face or chest or direct more air to the feet, screen, and other areas.In one embodiment, the device 100 may include a plurality of rings 102. The plurality of rings 102 may include a set of inner rings 102- 1 and a set of outer rings 102- 2 (collectively referred to as a plurality of rings 102), which are alternatively arranged as shown in FIG. 3A. In one example, these rings provide structural integrity to the device 100. The alternating arrangement allows flexibility during the unfolding and folding of the device 100. For illustrative purposes, the rings are shown as circular, for example, but the shape of the rings may also be adapted to fit over rectangular and other irregularly shaped air outlets, and all such variations fall within the scope of the present application without any limitations.In one embodiment, the device 100 may include an embedding ring in each set of four rings, as shown in FIG. 3C. The embedding ring has larger dimensions than both the inner and outer rings 102-2 within the set. The embedding ring may surround all adjacent rings and the corresponding blade within its expanded perimeter. The embedding ring may improve the overall stability and integrity of the device 100 by providing a secure and streamline shape that allows for convenient placement over the air outlet 108 of the HVAC system when the device 100 is not actively directing the airflow.In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include a plurality of connectors 104, including multiple sets of connectors, each set of connectors coupled between adjacent rings, as shown in the FIGURES. 3A-5C. The plurality of linkages 104 are configured to be selectively movable between unfolded and folded positions. The plurality of linkages 104 facilitates the unfolding and folding of the apparatus 100. The plurality of linkages 104 enables the shape and size of the device 100 to be adjusted based on user preferences. The apparatus 100 also enables the selective unfolding and folding of the linkages. This allows users to individually adjust the shape and size of the device 100 and optimize the direction and flow of the airflow in the vehicle cabin.As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5C, each of the plurality of linkages 104 includes electromagnets 110 positioned at both ends and attached to the respective rings, with telescopically disposed tubes connecting these electromagnets 110. The movement of these linkages is controlled by the selective magnetization of the electromagnets. In operation, when the electromagnets 110 have opposite polarities, an attractive force is generated which causes the linkages to be pulled towards each other. This attractive force causes the linkage to move to the collapsed position. If the electromagnets 110 have the same polarity, a repulsive force is produced. This repulsion leads to the linkage being unfolded and thus to the linkage moving into the unfolded position.For example, if the electromagnets 110 have opposite polarities - north and south - the resultant attractive force causes the connections to be pulled towards each other, facilitating the device 100 to move to the collapsed position as shown in Figure 3B. Conversely, a repulsive force is generated when the electromagnets 110 have the same polarity - either both north or both south. This repulsion mechanism results in the linkages being unfolded as shown in Fig. 3A, thereby effectively increasing the overall length of the device 100. This mechanism, driven by an electromagnet, allows dynamic and precise control of the unfolding and folding of the connecting elements. The selective magnetization allows for a quick and customizable adjustment of the device 100 so that the user can adjust the shape and size according to his desire.In one embodiment, to facilitate precise control of the movement of the linkages, a controller is coupled to the apparatus 100 (not shown in the FIGS.). The controller selectivelymagnetizes the electromagnets 110 by supplying current in the respective directions. Further, the controller is coupled to the electromagnets 110 via wires 112 disposed in the innermost one of the telescoping tubes connecting these electromagnets 110, as shown in Figs. 5A-5C. Fig. 5A shows the wire structure in the contracted state, while Fig. 5B shows the wire structure in the unfolded state when air is passed through the pipe.In one example, wires 112 (as shown in FIG. 4 ) within the tubes provide efficient communication between the controller and the solenoids 110. Application of a current in a particular direction induces different polarities into the electromagnet 110, resulting in either an attractive force when the polarities are opposite or a repulsive force when the polarities are the same. This moves the connecting elements between unfolded and folded positions. Moreover, the controller may regulate the amount of current supplied, thereby controlling the attractive or repulsive force between the electromagnets 110. Control of the electromagnetic forces allows for adjustment of the linkage length, thereby allowing the device 100 to be shaped according to the requirements of the airflow direction.In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include a series of telescoping tubes in the linkages as shown in FIG. 6 configured to receive compressed fluid. This fluid operated linkage may include a pneumatic actuator disposed on the base ring among the plurality of rings 102. A control device controls the actuators and regulates the pressure of the fluid supplied to the telescopic tubes. By adjusting the fluid pressure, the control device controls the unfolding and folding of the linkages. With this pneumatic configuration, the deployed and retracted positions of the device 100 can be achieved.Further, the device 100 includes an outer cover disposed around the plurality of rings 102 to give the device 100 a bellows shape. In one example, one end of the bellows-shaped device 100 is detachably connected to an air outlet 108 of the HVAC system. This attachment point ensures that the device 100 is securely connected to the vehicle's HVAC system. The removable coupling enables simple assembly and disassembly of the device 100.Thus, the present disclosure provides an apparatus 100 for individually adjusting and directing airflow in a manner that foregrounds occupant comfort while minimizing energy waste. This innovation presents a great challenge in modern automobile construction and corresponds to the substantial aim of improving energy efficiency, in particular in the field of electric vehicles. The presented device 100 enables the individual adaptation and steering of the air flow, wherein the comfort of the occupants is in the foreground and at the same time the waste of energy is minimized.ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTIONThe present disclosure provides a device that allows the user to customize the direction and flow of the airflow in the vehicle cabin, thus providing a personalized and comfortable ride experience tailored to individual preferences.The present disclosure provides an apparatus that minimizes energy waste by optimizing airflow.The present disclosure provides a collapsible design apparatus that optimizes space in the vehicle cabin when the apparatus is not in use.The present disclosure provides an apparatus that provides a systematic arrangement of rings and linkages that is coupled to the solenoid mechanism and allows precise control of the direction and distribution of the airflow.

Claims

An apparatus (100) for directing airflow from an HVAC system of a vehicle, the apparatus (100) comprising: a plurality of rings (102) comprising a set of inner rings (102-1) and a set of outer rings (102-2), the inner rings (102-1) and the outer rings (102-2) being arranged alternately; a plurality of connectors (104) comprising a plurality of sets of connectors, each set of connectors being coupled between adjacent rings, each of the plurality of connectors (104) configured to be selectively movable between an unfolded position and a folded position; and an outer cover arranged around the plurality of rings (102) to impart a bellows shape to the apparatus (100); wherein an end of the bellows-shaped device (100) is removably connected to an air outlet (108) of the HVAC system; and wherein selectively unfolding the plurality of links (104) further moves the plurality of rings (102) apart to create an unfolded position of the device (100) having a shape and size required to direct air from the air outlet (108) to a desired location in the vehicle.The apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the set of inner rings (102-1), the set of outer rings (102-2), and the plurality of connecting elements (104) are configured such that in the collapsed position of the plurality of connecting elements, the inner ring is housed within the adjacent outer rings (102-2).The apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of linkages (104) comprises electromagnets (110) at the two ends attached to the respective rings and a set of telescoping tubes connecting the two electromagnets (110) such that selective magnetization of the electromagnets (110) having different polarities causes the two ends of the linkage to be pulled towards each other, pulled towards each other when the polarity of the electromagnets (110) is opposite, or pushed away when the polarity of the electromagnets (110) is equal to cause movement of the linkage to the collapsed position and the unfolded position.The apparatus (100) of claim 3, wherein the apparatus (100) comprises a controller to selectively magnetize the electromagnets (110) to different polarities by supplying a current in a corresponding direction to move the linkage between the unfolded position and the folded position.The apparatus (100) of claim 4, wherein the controller is coupled to the electromagnets (110) by wires (112) disposed within an innermost one of the plurality of telescoping tubes.The apparatus (100) of claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to control a current supplied to the electromagnet (110) in the corresponding direction to control an attractive or repulsive force between the electromagnets (110) to move the linkage to a position between the unfolded position and the folded position, thereby controlling a length of the linkage to allow for various shapes and sizes required to direct air from the air outlet (108) to the desired location in the vehicle.The apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of linkages (104) comprises an array of telescoping tubes configured to receive a compressed fluid such that supply of the compressed fluid moves the linkage to the unfolded position and stopping supply of the compressed fluid moves the linkage to the folded position.The apparatus (100) of claim 7, comprising an actuation mechanism and a control unit operatively coupled to the actuation mechanism, the actuation mechanism comprising pneumatic actuators positioned on a base ring among the plurality of rings (102), each of the pneumatic actuators comprising a motor controlled by the control unit to control the pressure of the fluid supplied to the telescoping tubes to move the linkage to the unfolded position and to control a length of the linkage to allow for various shapes and sizes required to direct air from the air outlet (108) to the desired location in the vehicle.The apparatus (100) of claim 4, wherein the controller comprises a user interface in the vehicle cabin that allows the occupant to adjust direction and intensity of the airflow.The apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the apparatus (100) is configured to fit over the air outlet (108) of the vehicle when the plurality of linkages (104) are in the collapsed position.

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