Coanda-effect thin air vent for a motor vehicle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air vents in vehicles suffer from unsightly appearance, noise, and turbulence due to varying outlet air section and complex hinge mechanisms, which affect user experience and perceived quality.
Innovation Solution
An air vent system utilizing an epicyclic gear mechanism for synchronized pivoting of fins, with a transmission ratio that maintains consistent air flow speed and reduces noise, and a design that limits outlet section variation, featuring a robust and cost-effective hinge mechanism with non-slip control for user operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single fin is used to adjust air flow ratio, then the device complexity is reduced, but the outlet air section varies considerably causing higher noise and turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The single fin is segmented into two fins (first fin and second fin) that pivot independently around different transverse axes. This segmentation allows each fin to control a specific portion of the air flow, maintaining a more consistent outlet air section and reducing turbulence and noise while preserving device simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the outlet air section varies significantly, then the air flow direction control is improved, but the air speed increases causing heat, turbulence and higher operating noise
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the air flow control into two independent fins, each fin can be positioned to optimize air flow distribution. The first fin controls the primary air flow ratio while the second fin fine-tunes the distribution, maintaining consistent outlet section and preventing excessive air speed, turbulence, and noise.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two fins are controlled by a hinge mechanism, then the air flow ratio adjustment is improved, but the device complexity increases and jamming risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex hinge mechanism connecting the two fins is extracted and replaced with two independent pivot mounts. Each fin pivots independently around its own transverse axis, eliminating the need for linkages, gears, or synchronized mechanisms. This reduces device complexity and eliminates jamming risks while maintaining full air flow ratio adjustment capability.
4Device complexity
If the pivot axes of two fins are distant from each other, then the mechanism design is simplified, but a gap is created causing air noises
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot axes are positioned at optimal locations that balance structural simplicity with acoustic performance. Each fin's pivot axis is located to minimize gap formation during operation, and the local geometry around the pivot points is designed to prevent air leakage and noise generation, achieving both simplified design and noise reduction.
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 provides a reliable, aesthetically pleasing, and quiet air distribution system with reduced noise and consistent air flow speed, enhancing user experience and vehicle dashboard quality.
Implementation Method 1
Such an aerator implements the physical phenomenon known as the 'Coanda' effect according to which a flow guided by attaching itself to curved surfaces has a low pressure drop and thus generates little noise.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Thin vent comprising a hollow body (2), a first vane (9) mounted with the ability to pivot in the said hollow body (2) about a transverse axis (A) and defining two air-guiding surfaces which with the said hollow body (2) delimit two flow ducts, and a second vane (12), mounted with the ability to pivot in the said hollow body (2) about the said transverse axis (A) upstream of the said first vane (9), the said first and second vanes (9, 12) being articulated to one another by an articulation mechanism (20) comprising a first pinion (22) centred on the said transverse axis (A) and rigidly connected to the said second vane (12), a second pinion (23) mounted with the ability to rotate freely on a transverse pin (24) secured to the said hollow body (2) and meshing with the said first pinion (22), and an arc (27), centred on the said transverse axis (A) and rigidly connected to the said first vane (9), the internal edge face of the said arc (27) having a toothset meshing with the said second pinion (23).