Vehicle Air Nozzle Kinematics for Flush Ergonomic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air nozzles for vehicle interiors protrude from the component surroundings, compromising visual integration and ergonomic operation, and often require significant space and size for effective control.
Innovation Solution
An air nozzle design featuring an operating element that rotates around an axis transverse to the flap axis, integrated with a kinematics adjustment system, allowing ergonomic operation and flush integration into the vehicle's interior, using a deflection unit and pressure spring for locking the actuator rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operating element is made to protrude from the component surroundings for ergonomic operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the visual integration into the vehicle interior deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The operating element is designed to dynamically change its position between a protruding state during operation and a retracted state for visual integration. The element can be manually pushed or pulled to engage/disengage from the housing, allowing it to protrude only when needed for operation while maintaining a flush appearance at other times.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating element is arranged along an axis that is oblique to the airflow direction, creating a multi-dimensional configuration. This allows the element to protrude in a direction that does not interfere with the airflow path while still providing ergonomic access for the user, effectively utilizing spatial dimensions to resolve the contradiction between operation ease and visual integration.
2Ease of operation
If the operating element is made larger for better ergonomics, then the ease of operation is improved, but the available installation space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The operating element is designed to nest within the housing when not in use. The element can be received moveably into the housing along the longitudinal axis, allowing it to occupy minimal space during storage while providing sufficient size for ergonomic operation when engaged. This nested configuration resolves the contradiction between operation ease and space consumption.
3Device complexity
If a mechanical pressure adjuster system is used for reliability and lower costs, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited ergonomic adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical pressure adjuster system incorporates a dynamically adjustable operating element that can be manually positioned along an oblique axis. This dynamic configuration allows the simple mechanical system to provide ergonomic adjustment capabilities, as the element can be easily engaged and adjusted by the user without requiring complex electrical or electromechanical systems.
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
Enables seamless integration and ergonomic operation of the air nozzle, providing a visually appealing and compact design while maintaining consistent airflow control.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure spring acts on the actuator rod in the direction of the axis of rotation with a spring force, by means of which the locking of the operating element in the locking position is ensured.
Data Source
AI summary
An air nozzle of an air outlet in an interior of a motor vehicle. An operating element is adjustable around an axis of rotation. A kinematics adjustment system has a deflection unit where, via an adjustment of the operating element, a shut-off flap inside the air outlet is displaceable around a flap axis by the kinematics adjustment system. The operating element is disposed on an end of an actuator rod where the actuator rod is displaceable in a direction of extension from an actuating position into a locking position. The axis of rotation of the operating element runs transversely to the flap axis, a rotational movement of the actuator rod is deflectable by the deflection unit into a rotational movement of the shut-off flap, and, by displacing the actuator rod into the locking position, the deflection unit is lockable by applying a spring force to the deflection unit.