Air Vent Manipulator for Dual-Channel Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air vents have complex designs with many components, making them susceptible to faults and lacking in simplicity and effectiveness in controlling airflow direction.
Innovation Solution
An air vent design featuring a first and second air channel, a pivotable air regulating flap, and pivotable vanes in each channel, coupled with a manipulator to adjust the airflow direction in both vertical and lateral directions, allowing for a simple and effective control of airflow distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate actuators are used to control different airflow directions, then the airflow control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuation functions into a single manipulator that can control both the air regulating flap (for vertical airflow distribution) and the vanes (for lateral airflow direction) through integrated mechanical linkages. This merging of control functions reduces the number of separate actuators while maintaining comprehensive airflow control capability in multiple directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single manipulator is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple control tasks: it can adjust the air regulating flap to control the ratio between first and second airflow, and simultaneously control the vanes to adjust lateral airflow direction. This universal control mechanism eliminates the need for multiple specialized actuators.
2Device complexity
If a single manipulator controls multiple components, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator is segmented into distinct control mechanisms: one mechanism controls the air regulating flap for vertical airflow distribution, while another mechanism controls the vanes for lateral airflow direction. This segmentation within the single manipulator allows each sub-mechanism to be optimized for its specific control function, maintaining precision while avoiding the need for multiple independent actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary mechanical linkages (such as coupling members and pivot points) that transmit and transform the manipulator's motion into precise adjustments of the air regulating flap and vanes. These intermediaries ensure that the single manipulator can achieve accurate control positioning despite controlling multiple components.
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 design allows for adjustable airflow direction in both vertical and lateral directions using a single manipulator, enhancing the simplicity and reliability of the air vent system while maintaining control over airflow distribution.
Implementation Method 1
an air regulating flap pivotable around a flap axis for setting a ratio between a first airflow through the first air channel and a second airflow through the second air channel
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of first vanes, which are arranged at least partially in the first air channel, wherein each of the first vanes is pivotable around a first vane axis
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of second vanes, which are arranged at least partially in the second air channel, wherein each of the second vanes is pivotable around a second vane axis
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an air vent, comprising a first air channel, a second air channel, an air regulating flap pivotable around a flap axis for adjusting a ratio between a first airflow through the first air channel and a second airflow through the second air channel, wherein the air regulating flap closes the first air channel in a first position and the air regulating flap closes the second air channel in a second position. A plurality of first vanes are disposed at least partially in the first air channel, wherein each of the first vanes is pivotable around a first vane axis. A plurality of second vanes are disposed at least partially in the second air channel, wherein each of the second vanes is pivotable around a second vane axis. A manipulator can coupled to the first vanes, the second vanes and the air regulating flap such as for adjusting the first vanes, the second vanes and the air regulating flap.