Vehicle Air Vent Shape Memory Actuation for Noise Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electric vehicles experience increased discomfort due to noticeable actuator noise and air flow noise from traditional air vent systems, which are not adequately addressed by existing solutions.
Innovation Solution
The air vent system incorporates a shape memory alloy actuator combined with a single rigid air directing body, minimizing noise and providing a compact, aesthetically pleasing design. The actuator and air directing body are pivotably arranged within the housing, allowing for easy direction adjustment of the air stream without complex mechanical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional air vent systems with electric drives and lamellae are used, then air direction adjustment is provided, but actuator noise and air flow noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical electric drive system with a shape memory alloy actuator that uses thermal actuation to move the air directing body. This substitution eliminates the mechanical components that generate actuator noise, directly resolving the technical contradiction between operational capability and noise generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter from electrical mechanical actuation to thermal actuation of shape memory alloy. By heating the alloy element, it undergoes phase transformation and changes shape, thereby moving the air directing body without any mechanical motor or actuator, thus eliminating the associated noise.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple air directing bodies with complex mechanical systems are used, then air stream direction can be adjusted, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air directing body is segmented into multiple independent elements that can be individually actuated by separate shape memory alloy elements. This allows versatile air direction control while maintaining simplicity, as each segment operates independently without complex interconnected mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages and transmission systems with direct thermal actuation of shape memory alloy elements attached to each air directing segment. This substitution dramatically simplifies the mechanical system while preserving full adaptability for air stream direction adjustment.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If shape memory alloy actuators are used, then actuator noise is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air directing body and the shape memory alloy actuator into an integrated assembly. The alloy elements are directly attached to the air directing segments, eliminating the need for separate actuator housings, linkages, and mounting mechanisms, thereby simplifying manufacturing despite the specialized material used.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory alloy elements are designed to be self-contained actuators that transform thermal energy directly into mechanical displacement of the air directing body. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex transmission systems and reduces manufacturing steps, making the system easier to produce despite using advanced materials.
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 configuration significantly reduces actuator and air flow noise, resulting in a particularly quiet air vent system that maintains comfort for vehicle passengers while offering a compact and versatile design.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator comprises a shape memory alloy element
Implementation Method 2
The shape memory alloy element (30) can be switched over between a first crystal structure, in particular a martensite structure, and a second crystal structure, in particular an austenite structure
Data Source
AI summary
An air vent for a vehicle includes a housing with an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air channel between the air inlet and the air outlet; a rigid air directing body arranged within the air channel and pivotably arranged within the housing by being affixed to a first axis; an actuator arranged within the housing in order to act on the rigid air-directing body to determine a direction of an air stream exiting the air outlet, the actuator comprising a transmission element affixed to a second axis and pivotable around the second axis.