Air Vent Mesh Panel Design for Perpendicular Airflow Directivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air vents with visible vanes are prone to damage and the addition of air permeable covers compromises airflow dynamics, making it difficult to achieve satisfactory directivity and airflow through the vent.

Innovation Solution

An air vent design featuring a mesh panel with vent holes and air redirecting elements that redirect airflow substantially perpendicular to the mesh panel in multiple direction modes, improving airflow directionality and flow rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an air permeable cover with small holes is arranged to cover the outlet of an air vent, then protection of internal structures is improved, but airflow directivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of internal structuresVSAvoidairflow directivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The air redirecting element is positioned upstream of the mesh panel to pre-direct the airflow before it reaches the cover. This preliminary action ensures that air flows substantially perpendicular to the mesh panel, optimizing penetration through the small holes and maintaining directivity despite the protective cover being in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The air redirecting element acts as an intermediary between the airflow source and the mesh panel. It modifies the airflow characteristics (direction and angle) before the air encounters the protective cover, enabling the system to simultaneously achieve protection and satisfactory airflow directivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If an air permeable cover is added to protect the air vent, then damage prevention is improved, but airflow dynamics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage preventionVSAvoidairflow dynamics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The air redirecting element performs preliminary action by aligning the airflow perpendicular to the mesh panel before the air reaches the cover. This ensures optimal airflow dynamics and maximizes the amount of air that can penetrate through the small holes, maintaining productivity while the cover provides protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The air redirecting element changes the parameters of the airflow (specifically the angle of incidence) to be substantially perpendicular to the mesh panel. This parameter change optimizes airflow penetration through the cover, maintaining satisfactory airflow dynamics despite the presence of the protective mesh panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the air flow hits the mesh panel at an angle, then airflow through the vent holes is reduced, but the mesh panel provides protection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection functionalityVSAvoidairflow through vent holes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The air redirecting element performs preliminary action by adjusting the airflow direction upstream of the mesh panel. This ensures that air arrives at the panel at substantially perpendicular angles, maximizing penetration through the vent holes and maintaining high airflow productivity while the mesh provides protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The air redirecting element changes the critical parameter of airflow angle to be substantially perpendicular to the mesh panel surface. This parameter optimization ensures maximum airflow throughput through the small vent holes while the mesh panel maintains its protective function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances airflow directionality and flow rates through the air vent by ensuring airflow hits the mesh panel perpendicularly, maintaining functionality despite the presence of a mesh cover, and allows for seamless integration with adjacent devices.

Implementation Method 1

an air redirecting element adapted to redirect an air flow flowing towards an outlet of the air vent where a mesh panel with vent holes is arranged to cover the outlet of the air vent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow redirection:

Data Source

PatentEP3722126A1Air vent
Publication Date: 2020.10.14 VOLVO CAR CORP
  • EP3722126A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3722126A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3722126A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An air vent (1) including a mesh panel (108) with vent holes to cover an outlet of the air vent (1), and at least one air redirecting element (102a, 102b) adapted to redirect an air flow flowing towards the outlet of the air vent (1) wherein the air flowing towards the mesh panel (108) is directed to flow substantially perpendicular to at least a portion of the mesh panel (108) in at least some direction modes of the at least one air redirecting element (102a, 102b).