Compact Coanda Ventilation Device with Integrated Control Module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ventilation devices for vehicles are aesthetically unpleasing and occupy valuable space in the central console due to bulky control modules, impacting the dashboard's perceived quality and usability.
Innovation Solution
Integrating the control module partially into the aerator's guide core, allowing for a compact design that frees up space in the central console while maintaining airflow efficiency, with a control panel that includes push buttons, adjustment rings, sliders, and display areas for HVAC system control, and additional features like deflection fins and concealment flaps for directed airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the control module is integrated into the guide core of the air vent, then the space in the central console is freed up, but the control module becomes more compact and complex to design
Solution Approach 1:
The control module is nested within the guide core of the air vent, with the control panel integrated into the downstream end wall of the guide core. This nesting arrangement allows the control module to occupy the same spatial envelope as the air vent, thereby freeing up space in the central console while accommodating all necessary control functions for the HVAC system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module and the air vent are merged into a single integrated assembly. The control panel is formed by the downstream end wall of the guide core, combining the airflow guidance function and the control interface function into one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate control module housing.
2Shape
If the control module is integrated into the guide core, then the aesthetic appeal of the dashboard is improved, but the control module design becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is merged with the downstream end wall of the guide core, creating a seamless integrated appearance. The upstream portion of the guide core remains visible and defines the external shape of the air vent, while the control panel is integrated into the end wall, providing a unified aesthetic design that enhances the dashboard appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the guide core serve different functions: the upstream portion maintains the aerodynamic shape for airflow guidance, while the downstream end wall is configured to provide the control panel interface. This local differentiation allows each region to optimize its specific function while contributing to the overall aesthetic.
3Volume of moving object
If the control panel is formed by the downstream end wall of the guide core, then the space is optimized, but the airflow passage section must be carefully maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is nested within the downstream end wall of the guide core, with control elements arranged on the external surface of the end wall. This nesting allows the control panel to be positioned at the boundary of the guide core without encroaching on the internal airflow passage section, maintaining adequate space for air flow while providing the control interface.
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 enhances the aesthetic appeal of the dashboard, frees up space for other features, and maintains airflow efficiency while providing intuitive control over the HVAC system, improving user experience and perceived quality.
Implementation Method 1
US patent application 2014/0357179 describes a ventilation device that utilizes the physical phenomenon known as the Coanda effect, whereby a flow guided by its attachment to curved surfaces exhibits a low pressure drop and thus generates little noise.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention concerns a ventilation device comprising at least one aerator (3, 4) comprising a channel capable of conveying an air flow from an inlet opening to an outlet opening, a hollow air-guiding core (13) housed in said channel and defining two air-guiding surfaces delimiting, with this channel, two flow paths capable of transporting, respectively, to said outlet opening, first and second quantities of air from said inlet opening, a fin mounted so as to be able to pivot upstream from said core (13) and arranged so as to make it possible to adjust the ratio between the first and second quantities of air, depending on the position of same, and a control module (40) incorporated at least partially into the core (13) of at least said aerator (3, 4) and comprising a control panel (41) constituted at least partially by a downstream end wall (13A) of said core (13) and being provided with control means (44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49).