Vehicle Cabin Air Vent Cam Linkage for Dual-Axis Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle interior aerators with manual control require systematic operator action to adjust airflow, temperature, and direction, leading to driver distraction and potential safety hazards. Motorized control aerators with two engines increase manufacturing costs and electrical energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
An aerator with a single engine-powered orientation unit that uses a series of air guiding fins arranged in a parallel structure within a hollow cylindrical body. The cylindrical body rotates around a second axis, and a maneuver pawn follows a cam profile in a guidance groove, allowing the fins to pivot around two axes, reducing manufacturing costs and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two motors are used to control the pivoting of two rows of air guide vanes, then the airflow direction control is achieved, but the manufacturing cost and electrical energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate motors into a single motor system. The first row of air guide vanes and the second row of air guide vanes are both controlled by one motor through a shared transmission mechanism, thereby reducing electrical energy consumption and manufacturing costs while maintaining dual-axis airflow direction control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the first row and second row of air guide vanes through different transmission paths. The motor serves as a universal actuator for both sets of vanes, eliminating the need for separate motors and reducing overall system complexity
2Ease of operation
If two motors are used to control the pivoting of two rows of air guide vanes, then the airflow direction control is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuation systems for both rows of air guide vanes into a single motor unit. This consolidation reduces the number of motor components, associated mounting structures, and electrical connections, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while achieving the same dual-axis control function
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor is designed with universal applicability to control both sets of air guide vanes. By creating a multi-functional actuator system, the patent reduces component variety and simplifies the manufacturing process, leading to cost reductions without compromising control capability
3Ease of operation
If manual control is used to adjust airflow rate, temperature, and direction, then the user can obtain desired airflow, but constant operator intervention is required which can lead to driver distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically controls airflow rate, temperature, and direction without requiring manual intervention. The motor-driven air guide vanes self-adjust to predefined trajectories, enabling the ventilation system to serve itself and eliminate the need for driver interaction, thereby preventing driver distraction
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-programmed with optimized airflow trajectories that are automatically executed. The air guide vanes are预先 configured to move along predetermined paths, allowing the system to perform the adjustment actions in advance without requiring real-time driver input, thus eliminating driver distraction while maintaining optimal airflow
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 aerator achieves controlled airflow direction changes using a single engine, lowering manufacturing costs and electrical energy consumption while enhancing safety by reducing driver distraction.
Implementation Method 1
said guide groove defining a cam profile, and in which a control pin integral with one of the air duct fins is slidably received inside the guide groove such that, when the cylindrical body pivots around the second pivot axis, the control pin follows the cam profile, thus causing the structure to pivot as a single unit around the first pivot axis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Airflow direction unit (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) for use in a vehicle cabin air vent, comprising a series of air duct fins (261, 262, 263) arranged substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart, the air duct fins (261, 262, 263) forming a single-piece structure (26) housed inside a hollow cylindrical body (22) and pivotally connected to it such that they pivot about a first pivot axis, the cylindrical body (22) being able to pivot about a second pivot axis under the action of a motor (14), wherein an outer shell at least partially surrounds the cylindrical body (22), said outer shell being provided with a guide groove on an internal peripheral perimeter, said guide groove defining a profile of came, and in which a maneuvering pin integral with one of the air duct fins (261, 262,263) is received by sliding within the guide groove such that, when the cylindrical body (22) pivots around the second pivot axis, the operating pin follows the cam profile, thus causing the structure (26) to pivot as a single unit around the first pivot axis.