Vehicle Air Outlet Spherical Ring Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air outlet devices for vehicle air conditioning systems require time-consuming and costly adjustments of the pretensioning force for pivoting spherical ring-shaped air guiding elements, which can only be done when the device is removed from the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A spherical ring-shaped air guiding element is pivotably and slidably mounted in the housing with a tensioning element that can be adjusted from the front side using a fork-shaped tool, allowing for adjustable clamping force without removing the device, utilizing a bearing ring and compression springs for even force distribution and an anti-twist device to prevent rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the air outlet device is removed from the vehicle for adjustment, then the pretensioning force can be adjusted using springs and adjusting screws, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting screw is extracted from the traditional location (rear of the air outlet device) and repositioned to the front side, accessible through the air guide element. This allows the adjustment function to be performed without removing the device from the vehicle, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and adjustment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The air guide element serves as an intermediary structure that provides access to the adjusting screw mechanism from the front side. By incorporating the adjustment access through the air guide element, the system enables adjustment without device removal while maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of the air outlet system.
2Ease of operation
If decorative elements surround the air outlet device, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the adjustment of pretensioning forces becomes more difficult as access is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is merged with the existing air guide element structure. The adjusting screw is integrated into the air guide element assembly, allowing adjustment access through the front side without requiring separate adjustment openings or compromising the decorative appearance. This resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity by utilizing existing structural elements for dual purposes.
3Manufacturing precision
If the clamping element is made ring-shaped with threaded adjustment, then the clamping force can be precisely adjusted, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element incorporates a threaded structure that converts rotational motion into precise linear displacement, enabling fine adjustment of the clamping force. The thread pitch and geometry are designed to provide controlled, precise adjustment increments. This resolves the contradiction between manufacturing precision and structural complexity by using a well-established mechanical principle (threaded adjustment) that achieves precision without requiring complex control systems or multiple components.
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 on-site adjustment of the pivoting force for the air guiding element, improving usability and reducing installation costs by allowing adjustments to be made without disassembly, while maintaining smooth operation and noise reduction through felt layers.
Implementation Method 1
a tensioning element (12) is provided, which exerts a bearing or tensioning force acting from the rear in the direction of the front on the spherical ring-shaped air guiding element (3)
Implementation Method 2
several compression spring elements, e.g. in the form of small spiral springs, can be arranged between the clamping element and the bearing ring
Implementation Method 3
maintaining smooth operation and noise reduction through felt layers
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The air outlet device (1) has a housing (2) with a rear side and a front side. A ball ring-shaped air guiding element (3) is provided which is pivotably arranged and mounted in a sliding manner in the housing. The ball ring-shaped air guiding element is provided to guide air from the rear side to the front side. A clamping element (12) is provided which is rotated from the front side of the housing through the air guiding element relative to the housing.