Deployable Vehicle Instrument Panel Register Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle HVAC systems face challenges in maintaining cabin comfort by reducing air drafts on occupants while still circulating conditioned air effectively, especially during hot ambient conditions.
Innovation Solution
A selectively deployable register assembly is attached to the instrument panel, allowing for directional control of air flow. The assembly includes pivotable registers that can move between open and closed positions, with a secondary register remaining unobstructed to direct air overhead at lower velocities, maintaining cabin coolness without blowing on occupants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional air registers are used to circulate conditioned air, then air circulation is achieved, but high-velocity air drafts blow on occupants causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The air circulation system is divided into two separate register assemblies: a first register assembly for high-velocity air flow during pull-down conditions, and a second register assembly for low-velocity overhead air flow during maintenance conditions. This segmentation allows each register to be optimized for its specific function, achieving effective air circulation while eliminating uncomfortable drafts on occupants.
Solution Approach 2:
The first register assembly is made movable between a deployed position (protruding from the instrument panel) for high-velocity air delivery and a retracted position (flush with the instrument panel) for aesthetic purposes. This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt between different operating modes: active cooling with directional air flow, and passive cooling with minimal visual impact.
2Temperature
If directional control is provided for pull down conditions, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but the register structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Both the first and second register assemblies are integrated into a single housing structure that is mounted to the instrument panel. The housing contains internal pathways and structural elements that support both register assemblies, allowing them to share common mounting hardware, control mechanisms, and structural support, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the dual-register design.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for both register assemblies, contains the air flow pathways for both registers, provides the mounting interface to the instrument panel, and houses the control mechanisms for deploying and retracting the first register. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
3Shape
If the first register is recessed within the instrument panel, then aesthetics are improved, but air flow obstruction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The first register assembly is designed to be dynamically positionable between a retracted state (flush with the instrument panel surface for aesthetic purposes) and a deployed state (protruding from the panel for effective air flow). This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain good appearance during normal operation while providing unobstructed air flow pathways when active cooling is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The first register assembly is pre-positioned in a retracted state within the housing structure, ready to be deployed when cooling conditions require high-velocity air flow. The housing is pre-configured with mounting structures and air pathways that facilitate quick deployment and retraction of the first register without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle air circulating system comprises a controller, an interior condition sensor attached to the controller, an instrument panel, and a deployable register assembly attached to the controller and pivotably attached to the instrument panel. The register assembly includes a first register and a second register and is movable between a closed position in which the first register is recessed within the instrument panel and is thus obstructed and an open position in which the first register is deployed. The second register remains unobstructed whether the register assembly is in its closed or open position. The deployable registers provide directional control for pull down conditions. Once the desired conditions are achieved, the deployable registers lower into the instrument panel and the other registers provide a larger opening to direct the air overhead at lower velocities keeping the vehicle cabin cool while not blowing in the direction of the occupants.