Vehicle Airvent Assembly With Single-Actuator Vane and Flap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airvent assemblies for vehicle interiors are complex, requiring separate mechanisms for controlling vanes and flaps, which increases space requirements and assembly time, and are not economical or robust in design.
Innovation Solution
An airvent assembly that uses a single actuator, either manual or motorized, with a spur gear drive, to control the movement of both vanes and flaps, allowing for independent operation and alignment, reducing complexity and assembly time, and featuring a movable disk with guiding pins and levers for smooth motion and directional airflow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate mechanisms are used to control vanes and flaps, then independent control of each component is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of vanes and flaps into a single integrated mechanism. The operating member simultaneously controls both the vane assembly and flap assembly through a unified linkage system, eliminating the need for separate motors or gear drives for each component while maintaining independent control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single operating member serves multiple functions: it controls the vane assembly for airflow direction and the flap assembly for airflow shut-off. This multi-functional design allows one actuator to perform what previously required two separate actuators, reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If separate mechanisms are used for vanes and flaps, then independent control is achieved, but assembly time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple control functions into a single operating member that simultaneously actuates both vanes and flaps. This consolidation reduces the number of parts that need to be assembled and aligned, significantly reducing assembly time and manufacturing complexity while preserving independent control of each airflow element.
3Ease of operation
If more space is allocated for mechanisms, then proper operation is ensured, but compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a space-efficient design where the operating member and its linkages are integrated into a compact arrangement. By combining the control functions of vanes and flaps into a single actuator system, the overall mechanism occupies less space than would be required for two separate mechanisms, achieving both compactness and operational reliability.
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 solution enables compact, easy-to-operate, and economical airvent assemblies with reduced assembly time and increased robustness, allowing for efficient airflow direction and shut-off capabilities using a single actuator, enhancing user experience and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spur gear drive
Implementation Method 2
a movable disk with guiding pins and levers for smooth motion
Data Source
AI summary
An airvent assembly for a vehicle interior. The airvent assembly has a vane, a first flap, a first lever, a second lever and a movable disk. The first and the second levers are connected to the vane and the first flap, respectively. The first and the second levers have a first and a second guiding path, respectively. The movable disk is configured with a first and a second guiding pin. Upon actuation of the movable disk, one of the first or the second guiding pin engages with and moves within the first or the second guiding path to move the vane or the first flap to change the direction of an airflow or to at least partially prevent the airflow.