Vehicle Cabin Airflow Direction Control via Touchscreen Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle air conditioning systems lack a user-friendly method to control the direction of air flow and visually represent this control to the user.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a motorized directional air flow control feature and a touchscreen with an operation zone and a deactivation zone, allowing users to control the direction of conditioned air flow through touch inputs and visually represent the air flow direction on the touchscreen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a motorized directional air flow control feature is added to the air conditioning system, then the ability to control air flow direction is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of air flow direction with an automated motorized system. The motorized directional air flow control feature uses a motorized actuator to automatically adjust the air flow direction based on user input from the touchscreen interface, eliminating the need for manual mechanical adjustment and improving control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates visual feedback through the touchscreen display that shows the current air flow direction and allows users to see the effect of their adjustments in real-time. This feedback mechanism helps users understand the relationship between their input and the actual air flow direction, making the complex motorized system easier to operate.
2Ease of operation
If a touchscreen interface with visual air flow representation is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touchscreen interface creates a visual copy or representation of the physical air flow direction. The display shows graphical indicators that mirror the actual air flow orientation, allowing users to intuitively understand and control the system without needing to comprehend the underlying mechanical or motorized mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a visual dimension to the control interface by displaying air flow direction information on the touchscreen. This graphical representation transforms the invisible air flow into visible visual elements, enabling users to interact with the system through touch while receiving immediate visual feedback about the air flow state.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a vehicle includes an air conditioning system that conveys conditioned air into a cabin of the vehicle. A motorized directional air flow control feature controls a direction of conditioned air flowing into the cabin of the vehicle from the air conditioning system. A touchscreen includes an operation zone and a deactivation zone. The touchscreen is configured to display an air flow graphic having a directional quality and an air flow control icon associated with the air flow graphic. The touchscreen is configured to receive a user input via a touch event on the touchscreen originating at a first position within the operation zone that corresponds with the position of the air flow control icon displayed on the touchscreen and terminates at a second position on the touchscreen that is in a spaced-relationship with the first position.