Air Duct Flap Ring Mechanism for Easier Flow Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting the air flow rate in an air duct is cumbersome due to the complexity of positioning and re-engaging flaps within the existing devices, which require axial sliding and radial movement.
Innovation Solution
A device with a tubular body and pivoting flaps, where a ring with male and female drive means allows for simplified adjustment of air passage cross sections by rotating the ring, reducing or increasing the air flow rate through cooperative interaction with the flaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flaps are extricated by axially sliding ribs in grooves and moved radially, then the device can adjust air passage cross sections, but the setting process becomes arduous and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the air passage control into multiple independent flaps, each capable of occupying different positions corresponding to different air passage cross sections. This segmentation allows flexible adjustment of airflow while maintaining a simplified control mechanism through the common ring structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a pivot mounting for the flaps, provides drive means through male-female engagement, and enables simultaneous control of multiple flaps through a single rotational operation. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate adjustment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flaps are used to control air passage cross sections, then flow rate adjustment capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple flaps into a single ring structure that pivots about the body axis. All flaps are mounted on this common ring and are simultaneously controlled by its rotation, reducing what would otherwise require multiple independent actuators and control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring acts as an intermediary mechanism between the single rotational input and the multiple flaps. Through male-female drive means engagement between the ring and flaps, it translates ring rotation into coordinated flap position changes, simplifying the control architecture.
3Manufacturing precision
If flaps are re-engaged by axial sliding after radial movement, then position adjustment is achieved, but the operation becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The flaps are designed to dynamically transition between different positions by pivoting about their pivot axes as the ring rotates. This dynamic movement allows the flaps to smoothly change position and be held in predetermined positions corresponding to different air passage cross sections, reducing adjustment time while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (20) for adjusting a rate of flow of air flowing along an air duct, comprising: a tubular body (22) extending along an axis (24); at least one flap (28) able to pivot about an axis transverse to the axis (24) of the body (22); a ring (34) mounted to pivot on an end portion (22b) of the body (22) about the axis (24) of this body; each flap (28) being provided with a male drive means and the ring (34) being provided with a female drive means, or vice versa, the male drive means and the female drive means being arranged in such a way that, in response to the ring (34) being pivoted about the body (22), the male drive means engages with the female drive means to alter the position of each flap (28) and hence the cross section available for the passage of air.