Air Vent with Pivotable Blocking Elements for Stepless Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air vents lack flexible control over airflow, as they typically rely on fixed or rudimentary mechanisms for blocking air flow, which limits user customization and efficiency in air distribution within a vehicle's passenger compartment.
Innovation Solution
The air vent incorporates pivotable blocking elements and a displacement element that allows for partial or complete blocking of air channels, enabling precise control over airflow by using a ram or rotatable displacement surface to adjust the blocking elements, with optional restoring elements like springs to return them to open positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single displacement element controls both blocking elements simultaneously, then the structure is simple, but the airflow control flexibility is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is segmented into two independent displacement elements (first displacement element and second displacement element), each independently controlling one blocking element. This segmentation allows flexible airflow control by enabling independent adjustment of each partial channel while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
2Productivity
If blocking elements completely seal the partial channels, then airflow blocking is effective, but turbulence and restriction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking elements are designed as dynamic components that can be positioned at multiple locations within the partial channels rather than fixed seals. This allows the system to achieve effective airflow blocking when needed while maintaining open flow paths during normal operation, thereby reducing turbulence and restriction. The blocking elements can be partially inserted or fully retracted based on control signals.
3Adaptability or versatility
If blocking elements are added to divide and control airflow, then airflow control capability is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking elements are integrated with the air splitter structure, merging the flow division function and the airflow control function into a single integrated component. This reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining the ability to control airflow patterns. The displacement elements are also designed to work within the existing air vent housing boundaries, avoiding additional external 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
This design allows for customizable airflow patterns, minimizing turbulence and restriction, and enables efficient air distribution by allowing users to control airflow direction and volume through the air vent, enhancing passenger comfort.
Implementation Method 1
At least one blocking element has an initial position in which the blocking element cannot be restored by way of the displacement element. The air vent includes a spring element, by way of which the blocking element can be restored in a restoring direction counter to a displacement direction in which the blocking element is displaced.
Data Source
AI summary
An air vent for ventilating a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The air vent includes an air channel, which is divided, by an air splitter, into two partial air channels, which can be steplessly partially or completely blocked for air passing through, by blocking elements, which are pivotably mounted at the air splitter. The blocking elements may be displaced by way of a ram, which can be moved in the air splitter transversely to the air channel. Either one or the other blocking element can be selectively displaced by way of the ram. The respective other blocking element, in an open position, then rests against the outside of the air splitter.