Adjustable Air Vent Cam Mechanism for Independent Blade Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air vents have complex structures with effort-intensive kinematics, making them costly, space-consuming, and difficult to pivot comfortably.
Innovation Solution
An air vent design with a single actuator that allows independent pivoting of horizontal and vertical blades using a cam wheel and coupling device, enabling easy adjustment of air exit direction with a simple, space-saving, and cost-effective structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate actuators and complex transmission mechanisms are used to control horizontal and vertical blades independently, then the air flow direction can be precisely adjusted, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuation functions into a single actuator that controls both horizontal and vertical blades through a unified mechanism. The actuator includes a drive shaft with cam profiles that simultaneously actuate the horizontal blade assembly and vertical blade assembly, eliminating the need for separate actuators and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining independent control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cam profiles with varying radii on the drive shaft that convert rotational motion into controlled angular displacement of the blades. The cam mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of blade positions during actuator rotation, enabling precise control of air flow direction through programmed motion paths rather than rigid mechanical linkages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmission elements and guide elements are arranged to achieve independent blade control, then the pivoting functionality is enhanced, but the space required and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the vertical blade assembly within the horizontal blade assembly structure. The vertical blades are positioned within the flow channel such that they operate in the same spatial envelope as the horizontal blades, allowing both sets of blades to share the same mounting space and reducing the overall volume required for the air vent assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive shaft serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the rotational actuator, contains the cam profiles for control, and provides the mechanical linkage for both horizontal and vertical blade actuation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate transmission elements for each blade assembly, reducing the overall space requirement.
3Device complexity
If a single actuator with cam mechanism is used to control both horizontal and vertical blades, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision for independent blade movement may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cam profile on the drive shaft is segmented into distinct control zones: a first cam profile section controls the horizontal blade assembly through a first control arm, while a second cam profile section controls the vertical blade assembly through a second control arm. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each blade's motion path and position control without interference from the other blade assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces control arms as intermediary elements between the cam profiles and the blade assemblies. The first control arm translates the first cam profile's radial variations into horizontal blade angular displacement, while the second control arm does the same for vertical blades. These intermediaries provide mechanical advantage and precise motion transformation, ensuring accurate blade positioning despite the simplified single-actuator design.
Data Source
AI summary
An air vent (10) with an adjustable air outlet direction (9) has a flow channel (1) with an air entry opening (2) and an air exit opening (3). At least one first blade (5) is pivotable about a first pivot axis (4) relative to the flow channel (1). At least one second blade (7) pivotable relative to the flow channel (1) has a second pivot axis (6) that extends obliquely or vertically to the first pivot axis (4). A single electromotive or manual drive (8) and a coupling device (12) independently displace the blades (5, 7) so as to guide air flow (15). The coupling device (12) has a cam wheel (14) operatively connected to the drive (8), preferably via a rotatably mounted drive element (13), in particular a bevel gear, with a cam forming a cam contour for setting different positions of the first and second blades (5, 7).