Coanda Air Vent with Single-Drive Multi-Directional Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air vents require additional devices for producing sub-atmospheric pressure and over-pressure to achieve air deflection, and typically need separate drive units for adjusting air guide elements, limiting the flexibility and efficiency of air deflection.
Innovation Solution
An air vent design with a housing having a main air channel that narrows and widens, featuring pivotable flaps controlled by a single drive unit and control element, utilizing the Coanda effect for air deflection without the need for additional pressure devices, allowing air to be deflected in all directions using a single drive unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional devices are used for producing sub-atmospheric pressure and over-pressure to achieve air deflection, then air deflection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air vent system uses the main air flow itself to generate the pressure differences needed for deflection. The narrowing sections create over-pressure zones that automatically deflect air without requiring external pressure-generating devices. The system serves itself by using its own operational flow to create the deflection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic principles by designing narrowing sections in the air channel that create pressure differences through the air flow itself. These pressure zones act as pneumatic actuators to deflect the air flow in desired directions without mechanical moving parts or additional pressure devices.
2Ease of operation
If separate drive units are used for adjusting air guide elements, then air flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple air guide elements are combined into a single integrated structure with one continuous air channel containing multiple narrowing sections. A single drive unit controls the entire assembly, merging multiple control functions into one unified mechanism that maintains precision while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive unit performs multiple functions by controlling the entire air guide structure. One drive mechanism simultaneously adjusts all narrowing sections and controls air deflection in multiple directions, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate actuators for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pressure devices are used for air deflection, then air deflection effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air vent uses its own air flow to generate the pressure differences needed for deflection. The narrowing sections create over-pressure zones automatically during operation, eliminating the need for external pressure-generating devices and reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the pressure-generating function from separate external devices and integrates it directly into the air channel geometry itself. The narrowing sections are formed as integral parts of the housing, removing the need for additional manufactured components and simplifying production.
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
This design enables efficient air deflection in all directions using the Coanda effect, eliminating the need for separate pressure devices and drive units, providing flexible and efficient air flow management with reduced complexity.
Implementation Method 1
Air vents of that kind are used in, for example, dashboards of motor vehicles. In addition, air vents are used in various vehicles as well as ships and aircraft. Air vents can also be arranged in a motor vehicle in regions other than a dashboard. For example, air vents are arranged in the region of B or C pillars. Air vents constructed as air nozzles can be arranged at, for example, a vehicle roof.
Implementation Method 2
An air vent design with a housing having a main air channel that narrows and widens, featuring pivotable flaps controlled by a single drive unit and control element, utilizing the Coanda effect for air deflection without the need for additional pressure devices
Data Source
AI summary
An air vent is described, having a housing with an air inlet section, a main air channel, and an air outlet section, the main air channel having at least two opposing sections, which reduce the size of the main air channel starting from the air inlet section and starting from the air outlet section. At least two air channels, which lead into the main air channel via outlet openings, are arranged behind the sections. A pivotably mounted flap, which closes the air channel when in a non-actuated position, is located in the region of inlet openings in each of the air channels. In addition, at least one control element on a control member and a drive unit are provided, wherein the flaps can be pivoted via the at least one control element by means of pivot levers. The Coanda effect is used to deflect the air.