Vehicle Air Conditioning Deflection Member Curvature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle air conditioning units have a constant airflow blow direction from blower outlets, limiting the ability to deflect airflow effectively.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flow path member with an airflow deflection member that includes a guiding member intersecting with the airflow direction, allowing for deformation to deflect airflow, and using movable shafts to adjust the curvature of the guiding member for improved airflow direction and flow rate consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a constant blow direction is used from blower outlets, then the structure is simple, but the airflow deflection capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding member is designed to be deformable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change its orientation to deflect airflow in different directions. The shaft portion enables the guiding member to rotate or pivot, transforming the static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt airflow direction as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation and curvature of the guiding member are changed as parameters to control airflow direction. By modifying the angular position of the guiding member relative to the blower outlet, the system achieves variable airflow deflection without adding multiple fixed directional outlets.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional fins or components are added to adjust airflow, then the airflow direction control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding member serves multiple functions: it guides airflow from the blower outlet, deflects airflow in desired directions, and its deformable nature allows it to perform both guidance and direction control in a single component, eliminating the need for separate fins or adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the airflow direction control function from separate components (fins, adjustable outlets) and integrates it into the guiding member itself, which is already present in the flow path member. This consolidation reduces the total number of components while maintaining control capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the guiding member is made deformable to deflect airflow, then the airflow direction flexibility is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding member incorporates a shaft portion that enables controlled deformation through rotation or pivoting motion. This dynamic mechanism allows precise airflow direction control through angular positioning rather than requiring complex elastic deformation control, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining flexibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables effective deflection of airflow direction, suppresses blow-out noise, and increases airflow rate by utilizing the Coanda effect, without requiring additional fins or components to adjust airflow.
Implementation Method 1
using the Coandǎ effect, blasted air exceeds an amount of air blowing out from a nozzle in a blower
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle air conditioning unit (10) is obtained that is capable of deflecting a blowing direction of an airflow blowing out from a blower (56) outlet formed along a flow path. An airflow deflection member comprising a guiding member (60) deflects the airflow by deforming the guiding member. Said airflow deflection member comprises one shaft portion (66) provided at one end portion of the guiding member (60). A movable shaft (68) that supports an other end portion of a guiding member (60) is configured to be movable along the airflow flow direction. As a result, by turning movement of a lever, the movable shaft (68) is slid, through a guide groove, along a vehicle width direction. The distance between the movable shaft (68) and a fixed shaft (66) thereby changes, changing the curvature of a front face of the guiding member (60), and enabling the airflow blowing out from a main flow blower outlet to be deflected along an other direction.