Air Vent with Intersecting Channels for Targeted Flow Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air vents lack the ability to efficiently direct and control airflow by separating and adjusting volumetric flows, which limits their effectiveness in providing targeted air distribution.
Innovation Solution
An air vent design featuring a housing with two intersecting air channels and a movable air flow adjusting element that allows for the independent control of airflow directions and ratios, combined with pivotable wings and a manipulator system for precise airflow direction adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single air channel is used in conventional air vents, then the structure is simple, but the ability to separately control and direct different volumetric flows is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The air vent is divided into multiple air channels (first air channel and second air channel) that are spatially separated and independently configured. Each channel can handle a separate volumetric flow, allowing independent control of airflow directions and ratios, thereby enhancing adaptability without requiring complex external control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to airflow control by arranging air channels in different orientations that intersect at the discharge opening. This allows airflow direction control through geometric arrangement rather than complex mechanical adjustments, resolving the contradiction between control versatility and structural simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If air flows are directed in the same direction, then the structure is simple, but the ability to provide targeted air distribution to different zones is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different air channels are assigned to serve different functional zones or directions. The first air channel and second air channel can be oriented to deliver air to different areas, enabling targeted air distribution while maintaining relatively simple individual channel structures
Solution Approach 2:
Each air channel is optimized for its specific function and direction, with local variations in cross-sectional area, orientation, and positioning. This allows each channel to be simple in its own right while collectively providing sophisticated targeted air distribution capabilities
3Ease of operation
If an air flow adjusting element is added to control volumetric flow ratios, then airflow control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow adjusting element is designed to be movable, allowing dynamic adjustment of the cross-sectional areas of different air channels. This enables real-time control of volumetric flow ratios in response to varying operational requirements, improving ease of operation while keeping the adjustment mechanism relatively simple through straightforward mechanical movement
Data Source
AI summary
An air vent includes air-conveying surfaces in a housing arranged to guide separate first and second volumetric flows of air through the housing from an inlet end to a discharge end via respective first and second air channels. The air channels are arranged so that the first and second volumetric flows of air exit an air discharge opening in intersecting directions and collide after exiting the housing. The air vent includes an air flow adjustment element that is movable to change a ratio of the first volumetric flow to the second volumetric flow.