Concealed Vehicle Air Vent Flaps for Uniform Cabin Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC systems in vehicles face challenges in uniformly distributing air and efficiently positioning air vents to enhance occupant comfort, as they are typically visible and mechanically controlled, leading to complex packaging and non-uniform air distribution.
Innovation Solution
A concealed air vent apparatus with electronically controlled air directing, diffusing, and closing flaps, integrated into a vehicle's structure, allowing for selective air direction, uniform distribution, and flow restriction, operated through a user interface and electronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air vents are provided at fixed locations on the dashboard, then air can be discharged towards occupants, but the packaging and arrangement becomes complex and air distribution is not uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The air vent system is divided into multiple independently controllable air vents distributed at different locations on the dashboard. Each air vent can be individually adjusted to direct air flow towards specific occupants, enabling uniform air distribution throughout the cabin without complex packaging arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The air vents incorporate adjustable flaps that can dynamically change their orientation and position. These flaps are controlled by knobs that allow occupants to modify the air discharge direction in real-time, transforming the static fixed-location vents into dynamic, adaptable air distribution points that achieve uniform coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple air vents are adjusted to discharge air towards respective occupants, then occupant comfort is improved, but the control mechanism becomes mechanically complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses universal knobs that can control multiple air vents simultaneously or individually. Each knob is designed to operate the flaps of corresponding air vents through a standardized mechanical linkage, allowing a single control mechanism to manage multiple vents with different directional requirements, thereby reducing overall mechanical complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanical linkage system acts as an intermediary between the control knobs and the air vent flaps. This linkage mechanism translates the rotational motion of the knobs into precise angular adjustments of the flaps, providing a smooth and reliable connection that simplifies the control interface while enabling fine-tuned directional control of air flow.
3Device complexity
If air vents are concealed in the vehicular structure, then aesthetics and simplicity are improved, but the control mechanism needs to be electronically integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical control linkages are replaced with electronic actuators and control systems. Sensors detect the position of the control knobs and transmit signals to electric motors that adjust the flap positions accordingly. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical transmissions while enabling precise electronic control, simplifying the overall installation while achieving the required automation level.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system incorporates self-diagnostic and self-adjustment capabilities. The system automatically detects the desired air vent positions based on knob inputs and independently controls the actuators to achieve the correct flap orientations. This self-service functionality reduces the need for complex wiring and control logic, simplifying integration while maintaining high automation.
Data Source
AI summary
Concealed air vent apparatus in a vehicle and a method thereof is provided. The apparatus includes an air vent casing, at least one air directing flap, at least one air diffusing flap, at least one closing flap, an air directing flap actuator, an air diffusing flap actuator and a closing flap actuator. The air diffusing flap actuator is adapted to move air diffusing flap to a diffused position in which a plurality of air diffusing portions of air diffusing flap is adapted to facilitate uniform distribution of air to an occupant compartment. The closing flap actuator is adapted to move closing flap between an open position in which closing flap is adapted to allow air flow to the occupant compartment, and a closed position in which closing flap is adapted to restrict air flow to the occupant compartment.