Motor Vehicle Air Vent Using Cardan Joint Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle ventilators are not compact or cost-effective, lacking efficient control mechanisms for directing airflow and ensuring airtightness.
Innovation Solution
A compact motor vehicle ventilator design featuring a rotatable operating ring connected to universal joints and a control mechanism that includes a shaft and gimbal system, allowing for orientation of the air outlet and control of flaps and fins to modify airflow direction and intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional control mechanism is used for the ventilator, then the control functionality is achieved, but the device size becomes large and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control member with the second tubular body by integrating it into the end piece, merging two separate components into one unified structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms while maintaining full control functionality, thereby reducing overall device volume and manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a structural component (end piece of the second body) and a control element for directing airflow. This multi-functionality allows the same component to fulfill both structural and operational roles, reducing the total number of parts and device size
2Ease of operation
If a traditional control mechanism is used for the ventilator, then the control functionality is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the control member with the second tubular body into a single integrated component, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces assembly steps, thereby lowering manufacturing complexity and cost while preserving control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The control member is designed to perform multiple functions within a single component structure, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity and simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of different component types that must be produced and assembled
3Adaptability or versatility
If the second body is made orientable with respect to the first body, then airflow direction control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spherical joints (articulations) to connect the first and second tubular bodies, allowing the second body to be oriented in various directions relative to the first. The spherical geometry enables multi-directional movement and positioning while maintaining a simple, compact joint structure that does not significantly increase device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The orientable connection between the two bodies allows dynamic adjustment of airflow direction. The second body can be positioned at different angles and orientations to direct airflow toward different zones of the passenger compartment, providing adaptability without requiring complex mechanical systems
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 design enables efficient airflow direction and modification, ensuring airtightness while maintaining a compact and low-cost structure by integrating control mechanisms within the ventilator bodies, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first articulation having a center of rotation, so that the second body is orientable with respect to the first body for directing a flow of air
Implementation Method 2
connected in movement to the or each flap via a second articulation having the same center of rotation as the first articulation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The air vent (2) has an air duct (4) formed by air inlet and outlet tubular bodies (10, 12) connected by a Cardan joint (14) possessing a centre of rotation (O), so that the body (12) is orientable with respect to the body (10). A semi-disc shutter (18) closes the air vent and is mounted at interior of the body (10) between open and close positions of the air duct. A driving mechanism (20) controls the shutter, and has an annular actuation ring (16) movably mounted on the body (12) and connected in movement to the shutter by another Cardan joint (26) possessing the same centre of rotation.