Air Vent Slat Control Using Shape Memory Alloy for Diffuse Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air vents can only adjust the outlet direction of air flow, failing to control a diffuse air outflow effectively.
Innovation Solution
An air vent design incorporating a shape memory alloy actuating element that, in conjunction with a guide rail and adjustment device, allows slats to change their opening angles to generate a diffuse air flow by controlling the pivoting movement of the slats, enabling a change in air flow direction and creating a diffuse outflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the slats are controlled to be aligned parallel to each other for directional airflow, then the outlet direction of air flow can be adjusted, but a diffuse air outflow cannot be generated
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is segmented into two independent systems: an adjustment device with a guide rail for controlling all slats to move parallel to each other for directional airflow adjustment, and individual actuating elements (shape memory alloy elements) for each slat to enable independent positioning for diffuse airflow generation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both laminar and diffuse airflow modes without requiring a completely complex redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The slats are designed with dynamic positioning capability, where each slat can be controlled to different angular positions relative to the housing. The adjustment device enables dynamic parallel movement of all slats, while the actuating elements allow dynamic independent positioning of individual slats. This dynamic control system can adapt between different airflow patterns (laminar and diffuse) based on operational requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the slats are positioned with increasing opening angles from central to outer edges for diffuse airflow, then a diffuse air outflow is generated, but the uniform directional control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating elements are designed as shape memory alloy elements that can be activated by simple thermal or electrical stimuli. When activated, these elements automatically cause the associated slats to move to predetermined angular positions, creating the diffuse airflow pattern without requiring complex manual adjustment. The system essentially serves itself by converting simple activation signals into the desired slat positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Each slat is equipped with its own actuating element, allowing local control of individual slats. This enables the creation of local quality variations in the airflow pattern, where central slats can have different opening angles than outer slats. The local control capability allows the system to generate diffuse airflow by positioning each slat independently according to the desired angular distribution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuating elements are provided for each slat to enable independent positioning, then diffuse airflow control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating elements are designed as simple shape memory alloy elements that are relatively inexpensive and can be easily replaced if needed. These elements function as simple mechanical actuators that convert thermal or electrical energy into mechanical motion. By using simple, standardized actuating elements for each slat, the system achieves independent slat control without the complexity of sophisticated motorized actuators, effectively applying the principle of using simple, replaceable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with shape memory alloy elements that utilize thermal or electrical fields to produce mechanical motion. Instead of using motors, linkages, or other complex mechanical actuators for each slat, the invention employs shape memory alloy elements that can be activated by simple thermal or electrical stimuli, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining the capability for independent slat positioning.
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
The solution effectively changes the air flow direction and generates a diffuse air flow by adjusting the slats' positions, improving airflow control beyond mere directional adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one actuating element from a Shape memory alloy is provided, which controls the slats to adjust a diffuse air flow
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 8~9
AI summary
The invention relates to an air vent with a housing (12) with a plurality of lamellae, which run horizontally or vertically and are arranged pivotably in the housing (12) and aligned with an air outlet opening (17) in the housing (12), the lamellae (21 ) can be controlled jointly and in the same alignment by a setting device (24) by a pivoting movement from a starting position (26) into a pivoting position to change the outflow direction, as a result of which the lamella is independently of the control of the setting device (24) with at least one control element on a shape memory alloy Setting a diffuse air flow can be controlled.