Air Nozzle With Integrated Joint Socket Reduces Rattling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air nozzles for vehicle interior ventilation are complex and expensive due to numerous components, leading to manufacturing challenges and potential issues like vibration, rattling, and misalignment over time, which affect the control of air flow.
Innovation Solution
A simplified air nozzle design featuring a joint socket section with a sleeve-like housing and a fastening element that allows for adjustable actuating forces and reduced component count, utilizing a ball joint connection for flexible air flow direction without requiring extensive adjustments of individual components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional air nozzles use multiple components for adjustable air guide elements and switching elements, then the air flow control functionality is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated component. The air nozzle housing (12) integrates the air guide elements (20) and the switching element (40) into one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate adjustable air guide elements and switching elements found in conventional designs. This merging reduces the number of components while maintaining full air flow control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The air nozzle housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the structural housing, contains the air guide elements for flow direction control, and incorporates the switching element for complete air flow interruption. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional air nozzles use multiple components that are matched to one another, then the air flow control precision is improved, but the manufacturing effort and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the air guide elements and switching element into the housing as integrated components, the patent eliminates the need for precise matching between multiple separate parts. The integrated design ensures proper alignment and interaction through design rather than through complex assembly and matching procedures, reducing manufacturing effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the air nozzle into functional sections (housing, air guide elements, switching element) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled through simple attachment, reducing the complexity of matching while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional air nozzles operate for prolonged periods, then the ventilation function is maintained, but the components warp or wear out causing vibration and rattling noises
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design where air guide elements and switching element are incorporated into the housing reduces the number of interfaces and connection points between components. This minimizes potential sources of vibration and rattling that arise from worn connections in multi-component conventional designs, thereby improving reliability over prolonged service periods.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional air nozzles have multiple components, then the air flow control capability is improved, but the risk of arbitrary movement of air guide elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the air guide elements into the housing structure, the patent reduces the risk of arbitrary movement. The elements are designed as integral parts or securely attached components within the housing, eliminating the meshing and interaction issues between separate components that lead to unintended movement in conventional designs.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an air nozzle which comprises at least one articulated connection.