Vehicle Column Air Outlet Layout for Wider, Indirect Airflow

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle air outlet structures in low-configuration vehicles result in uneven air distribution between the front and back rows, directly blowing air to passengers, and have a narrow air supply range, reducing user comfort.

Innovation Solution

An air outlet structure with parallel first and second air outlets and inducing channels that intersect and scatter airflow, along with slit-shaped openings and swing blade assemblies, to enhance air distribution and prevent direct airflow to passengers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If air outlet micropores are formed in the column to provide air supply, then the air outlet structure can be implemented, but the air supply range is relatively narrow and air directly blows to the passenger

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair supply rangeVSAvoiddirect airflow to passenger
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The air outlet structure is divided into multiple air outlets (first air outlet and second air outlet) with corresponding air-inducing channels. Each channel guides airflow separately, allowing the air supply function to be segmented into multiple directional streams that can be independently controlled and distributed, thereby expanding the overall air supply range while preventing direct blowing to passengers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The air-inducing channels are configured to extend airflow in multiple spatial dimensions rather than a single direction. The first and second air-inducing channels create three-dimensional airflow distribution, guiding air along different paths and angles to expand coverage area and eliminate direct airflow impact on passengers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If air outlet is arranged close to instrument panel, then front row ventilation and defrosting can be achieved, but back row air supply is insufficient resulting in uneven temperature distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair distribution uniformityVSAvoidair supply coverage area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The air outlet system is segmented into multiple independent air outlets positioned at different locations and orientations. This segmentation allows airflow to be distributed to different zones (front row and back row) simultaneously, achieving uniform temperature distribution across the entire cabin space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The air outlet structure is designed with multi-functionality to serve both front row ventilation/defrosting and back row air supply needs. The first and second air outlets with their respective inducing channels create a universal air distribution system that addresses multiple cabin climate requirements through a single integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If single air outlet configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but air supply range and distribution uniformity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair outlet structure complexityVSAvoidair supply range
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The air outlet structure is divided into multiple air outlets and air-inducing channels, each performing a specific airflow guidance function. This segmentation enables the system to achieve expanded air supply range and improved distribution uniformity while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs that can be manufactured and assembled efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 significantly expands the air supply range, improves uniformity, and ensures airflow is distributed evenly without directly blowing air to passengers, enhancing user comfort.

Implementation Method 1

a first airflow flowing out of the first air outlet and a second airflow flowing out of the second air outlet can intersect and scatter each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow intersection and scattering: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP4129718B1Air outlet structure, column, and vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 NIO TECH ANHUI CO LTD
  • EP4129718B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4129718B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4129718B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Air outlet structure comprising an air duct, a first air outlet (122) and a second air outlet (123), the first air outlet (122) and the second air outlet (123) being configured to be spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other, and a first air-inducing channel (124) and a second air-inducing channel (125), the first air-inducing channel (124) extending to the first air outlet (122) from the air duct, the second air-inducing channel (125) extending to the second air outlet (123) from the air duct, and the first air-inducing channel (124) and the second air-inducing channel (125) being configured in such a manner that a first airflow (F1) flowing out of the first air outlet (122) and a second airflow (F2) flowing out of the second air outlet (123) intersect and scatter each other.