Air vent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air vents require separate devices for generating positive and negative pressure to achieve air deflection, which complicates the design and reduces efficiency, and they often fail to achieve significant air deflection solely through curved surfaces or air supply channels.
Innovation Solution
An air vent design featuring a housing with a main air duct that narrows and then widens, incorporating pivotable flaps and a single drive unit to pivot these flaps, utilizing the Coanda effect for air deflection without the need for additional pressure or negative pressure devices, allowing for air deflection in all directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate devices for generating positive and negative pressure are used to achieve air deflection, then air deflection can be achieved, but device complexity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of positive pressure generation and negative pressure generation into a single drive unit that controls both flaps. Instead of using separate devices for each pressure generation, one drive unit simultaneously actuates both flaps to create the necessary pressure differential for air deflection, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining air deflection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive unit serves multiple functions: it controls both the first flap and the second flap, generates both positive and negative pressure zones, and enables air deflection in multiple directions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, improving efficiency and reducing complexity
2Stress or pressure
If air is drawn from the feed duct to generate positive pressure, then positive pressure can be generated, but main airflow through the flow channel is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the airflow paths by providing separate inlets: the feed duct supplies air for the main airflow through the flow channel, while separate air inlets supply air to the chambers for positive pressure generation. This segmentation ensures that air drawn for pressure generation does not come from the main feed duct, thereby maintaining main airflow productivity while still achieving the required positive pressure
3Stress or pressure
If air extracted from chambers is discharged via separate device to generate negative pressure, then negative pressure can be generated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the discharge function for negative pressure generation with the existing chamber structure. The chambers serve dual purposes: they generate positive pressure when air is supplied, and they generate negative pressure when air is extracted through the same chamber outlets. This eliminates the need for separate discharge devices, reducing complexity while maintaining negative pressure capability
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 design enables efficient air deflection in all directions using the Coanda effect, eliminating the need for separate pressure-generating devices and allowing for continuous operation with a single electric motor, enhancing the air vent's directional control and operational simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
the deflection of the discharged air is often achieved by utilizing the Coanda effect, whereby elements for controlling the direction of the discharged air are arranged in an area facing away from the air outlet section. The desired air deflection is achieved by specifically directing an air jet onto curved sections.
Data Source
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AI summary
An air vent is described, having a housing with an air inlet section (11), a main air channel, and an air outlet section (17), the main air channel having at least two opposing sections (19), which reduce the size of the main air channel starting from the air inlet section (11) and starting from the air outlet section (17). At least two air channels (15), which lead into the main air channel via outlet openings, are arranged behind the sections (19). A pivotably mounted flap (28), which closes the air channel (15) when in a non-actuated position, is located in the region of inlet openings in each of the air channels (15). In addition, at least one control element on a control member (cam disc 36) and a drive unit are provided, wherein the flaps (28) can be pivoted via the at least one control element by means of pivot levers (34). The Coanda effect is used to deflect the air.