Motor Vehicle Air Vent With Single-Motor Vane Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor-driven air vents for vehicle compartments require two motors, leading to high manufacturing costs and significant electrical energy consumption, and manual control can lead to driver distraction and accidents.

Innovation Solution

A single motor system controls the movement of air guide elements pivoting around vertical and horizontal axes, using a single motor to adjust airflow direction and temperature via a control unit, reducing costs and energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If two motors are used to control two rows of air guide vanes, then regulated control of airflow direction is achieved, but manufacturing costs and electrical energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregulated control of airflow directionVSAvoidelectrical energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of two separate motors into a single motor system. The first and second air guide vanes are both connected to a single operating member that rotates about a vertical axis, allowing one motor to control both rows of vanes simultaneously through mechanical linkage, thereby reducing electrical energy consumption and manufacturing costs while maintaining regulated airflow control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single operating member serves multiple functions by controlling both the first air guide vanes (pivoting horizontally) and the second air guide vanes (pivoting vertically). This multi-functional design allows one motor to achieve what previously required two separate motor systems, reducing overall system complexity and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If two motors are used to control air guide vanes, then precise airflow regulation is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow regulation precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two motor-driven control systems into a single motor system with an operating member that mechanically links to both air guide vane rows. This consolidation reduces the number of motors and control components needed, directly lowering manufacturing costs while preserving precise airflow regulation capability through the coordinated movement of both vane rows

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If manual control is used for air vents, then system simplicity is maintained, but driver distraction and accidents may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system simplicityVSAvoiddriving safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service automation where the motor automatically adjusts the air guide vanes based on pre-defined trajectories or sensor input, eliminating the need for manual driver intervention. This autonomous operation reduces driver distraction and improves safety while the system handles airflow regulation independently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates sensors that detect airflow characteristics and provide feedback to the control system, which then automatically adjusts the operating member position to optimize airflow. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation without driver input, enhancing safety by removing manual control requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4389478B1Air vent for a motor vehicle passenger compartment
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 NOVARES FRANCE
  • EP4389478B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4389478B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4389478B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4b

AI summary

A motor vehicle passenger compartment ventilator (10) comprising a housing (1) extending along a longitudinal direction (X) and having at least one outlet opening (2) through which an airflow passes, air guidance means (11, 12) capable of directing the airflow in at least one outlet direction, the air guidance means (11, 12) comprising a plurality of first air guidance elements (11) and a plurality of second air guidance elements (12), and movement means (3-6) capable of moving the air guidance means (11, 12), wherein the movement means (3-6) comprise an operating member (3) rotatably movable about a vertical axis (Z1) under the action of a motor (4), said operating member (3) being capable of acting simultaneously on the first air guidance elements (11) and on the second air guidance elements (12).