Air Vent Central Illumination Using Integrated Bearing Light Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air vents face challenges in achieving central illumination without compromising their operational functionality, as current light supply methods via light guides on the edge of the ventilation device are complex and difficult to integrate with the necessary mechanics for adjustability and operability.
Innovation Solution
The air vent design incorporates a photometric coupling of two light guides within the housing, utilizing a bearing shell with spherical elements and spring-loaded half-bearings to enable central illumination while maintaining adjustability through a rotatable and pivotable insert, ensuring seamless integration with the air flow guidance and deflection mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light guides are arranged on the edge of the ventilation device to illuminate the air vent, then the air vent can be illuminated, but central illumination cannot be achieved and the light supply becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light supply function with the bearing mechanism by integrating light guides into the bearing shell and spherical element. The bearing shell contains a light guide that extends into the spherical element, merging the illumination system with the mechanical bearing structure. This eliminates the need for separate edge-mounted light guides and achieves central illumination through the bearing assembly located at the center of the air vent.
2Illumination intensity
If light guides are arranged on the edge of the ventilation device, then the air vent can be illuminated, but it is difficult to combine the light supply with the necessary mechanics for adjustability and operability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light guide system with the bearing mechanism that enables adjustability. The bearing shell and spherical element, which facilitate rotation and tilting movements of the air vent, are integrated with light guides. This allows the illumination system to be seamlessly combined with the adjustment mechanics, enabling both functions to work together without interference.
3Ease of operation
If the insert is rotated, then the air flow direction can be adjusted, but operating noises may arise during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials with different plastic properties for the spherical element and bearing shell to minimize operating noises. The spherical element is made of a harder plastic material while the bearing shell uses a softer plastic material. This material combination reduces friction and noise during rotation and tilting movements, allowing smooth adjustment of air flow direction without generating harmful operating noises.
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
This configuration allows for effective central lighting of the air vent without impairing its operational functionality, providing clear visibility of the air flow direction and control elements even in dark environments, while minimizing operating noise and ensuring stability through the use of distinct plastic materials and silicone-like plastic layers.
Implementation Method 1
The two half-bearings that surround the spherical head are made of two different plastic materials... The plastic material is selected in such a way that the enclosing spring has good adhesion and friction with the two half-bearings
Implementation Method 2
the two half-bearings being at least partially enclosed by a spring
Implementation Method 3
a photometric coupling of two light guides is provided in the housing, which serve to illuminate the air vent
Implementation Method 4
The plastic material of the spherical head in contact with the two half-bearings is made of a different plastic material than that of the two half-bearings. This avoids operating noises that may arise during operation
Implementation Method 5
The plastic material is selected in such a way that the enclosing spring has good adhesion and friction with the two half-bearings
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An air outlet (1) consisting of a housing (4) with at least one opening (7) for supplying an airflow and an opening (8) for discharging the supplied airflow. The airflow is supplied to the air outlet from an air supply duct or air supply line in heating, ventilation, or air conditioning systems, particularly for passenger compartments in motor vehicles. The air outlet, with its housing (4), can be inserted into a wall opening or mounted behind one. A rotary and/or pivotable insert (2) is arranged in the housing. The insert has at least one arrangement (3) for guiding and/or deflecting the supplied airflow and an element (5) located centrally within the insert. The insert is connected to the at least one arrangement (3, 9) for guiding and/or deflecting the supplied airflow. The bearing is located on the central longitudinal axis of the housing (4).The mounting is achieved by means of a bearing (6) consisting of a bearing shell (25) in which a spherical element (24) is located. This element is operatively connected to the insert during a rotational movement of the insert (2), but is not operatively connected to it when the insert (2) is pivoted or tilted. Furthermore, the bearing incorporates a light-transmitting coupling for two optical fibers (17, 28) that serve to illuminate the air outlet.