Air Vent Cam Gear for Independent Slat and Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cam gears and drive units for air vents in motor vehicles lack efficient mechanisms for independently controlling multiple air deflection and volume control elements, leading to limited flexibility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A cam gear design featuring pivotable drive elements with sensors and deflection curves that allow independent swiveling and resetting of multiple coupling elements, enabling independent control of air deflection and volume control elements through a single drive mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single drive mechanism is used to control multiple air deflection and volume control elements, then device complexity is reduced, but control independence and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is segmented into multiple independent cam profiles (first cam profile, second cam profile, third cam profile) on the same drive shaft. Each cam profile independently controls a different coupling element, allowing the drive shaft to control multiple air deflection and volume control elements simultaneously while maintaining control independence through the segmented cam design.
Solution Approach 2:
A single drive shaft with multiple cam profiles serves multiple functions: it controls air deflection elements through first and second coupling elements, and controls volume control elements through third coupling elements. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate drive mechanisms needed while maintaining the ability to independently control different air vent parameters.
2Ease of operation
If multiple coupling elements are controlled by a single drive element, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to return elements to original positions independently is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cam gear is segmented into distinct cam profiles (first, second, third cam profiles) that can be independently engaged or disengaged. This allows selective resetting of individual coupling elements by engaging only the relevant cam profile, enabling independent return to original positions while maintaining ease of operation through centralized drive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam gear acts as an intermediary mechanism between the drive shaft and multiple coupling elements. Through the designed cam profiles and engagement mechanisms, it enables selective transmission of motion to specific coupling elements, allowing independent resetting of air deflection and volume control elements while maintaining simple operation.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned at radial distance from drive swivel axis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shaft serves multiple functions: it acts as both the rotational drive element and the support structure for sensors at radial distances. The cam gear structure itself provides both the control profiles and the mounting framework for sensors, reducing overall device complexity while enabling precise measurement through optimal sensor positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an air vent with a cam gear with a drive element which can be swiveled by means of a geared motor, which, when pivoting in a first swivel direction in a first swivel angle section, deflects slats of a first set of slats of the air vent via a first coupling element and, when pivoting further in the first swivel direction in a subsequent second swivel angle section, swivels the slats back again. When pivoting in the opposite direction in a second swivel direction, the drive element deflects slats of a second set of slats in a third swivel angle section and swivels them back when the drive element is swiveled further in the second swivel direction over a fourth swivel angle section.