Diffusing Vent Assembly for Recreational Vehicle Air Circulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Recreational vehicles face challenges in maintaining comfortable temperatures due to inefficient air circulation and distribution from existing HVAC systems, which are not optimized for the varying temperature extremes.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a diffusing vent assembly comprising a diffuser base and a diffusing head with a mounting flange, collar, and air blade, designed to span the infra-ceiling space and enhance air circulation by creating an omnidirectional airflow through the use of a diffuser vane configuration and rotational securement members, allowing for adjustable air distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional HVAC ductwork is used in recreational vehicles, then the system structure is simple, but air circulation and distribution efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair circulation efficiencyVSAvoidvent assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vent assembly is divided into multiple functional segments: a collar portion for duct connection, a diffuser base for structural support, and a diffusing head with adjustable vanes for air distribution. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, improving overall air circulation efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The diffusing head incorporates rotatable vanes that can be dynamically adjusted to change air flow direction and distribution patterns. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different ventilation requirements and optimize air circulation based on specific conditions, significantly enhancing productivity without requiring complete system replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If standard vent assemblies are used, then installation is straightforward, but air distribution coverage is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair distribution coverageVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The vent assembly uses a nested structure where the diffusing head fits within the diffuser base, which in turn fits within the collar portion. This nesting approach allows the complex multi-component assembly to be installed as a single integrated unit through a ceiling opening, maintaining ease of installation while achieving comprehensive air distribution coverage through the coordinated function of nested components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The diffusing head extends air distribution into multiple spatial dimensions through its vane configuration, creating three-dimensional air flow patterns that cover larger areas. The collar portion spans the infra-ceiling space, utilizing the vertical dimension to connect the HVAC ductwork above to the diffusion elements below, thereby expanding distribution coverage without complicating the installation process.

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

3Reliability

If fixed air flow direction vents are used, then the structure is simple, but temperature control comfort is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control comfortVSAvoidadjustable mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The diffusing head incorporates rotatable vanes that can be dynamically adjusted to change air flow direction and distribution patterns. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different ventilation requirements and optimize air circulation based on specific conditions, significantly enhancing productivity without requiring complete system replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If the collar extension length is increased to span infra-ceiling space, then air distribution reach is improved, but the device dimensions become larger

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair distribution reachVSAvoidcollar extension length
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The diffusing head extends air distribution into multiple spatial dimensions through its vane configuration, creating three-dimensional air flow patterns that cover larger areas. The collar portion spans the infra-ceiling space, utilizing the vertical dimension to connect the HVAC ductwork above to the diffusion elements below, thereby expanding distribution coverage without complicating the installation process.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11760158B2Vent covers for recreational vehicle ductwork
Publication Date: 2023.09.19 THOR TECH CORP
  • US11760158B2 patent drawing
  • US11760158B2 patent drawing
  • US11760158B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A diffusing vent assembly may include a diffuser base and a diffusing head. The diffuser base may include a mounting flange, a collar extending from the mounting flange, and a ductwork fixation channel. The collar may span an infra-ceiling space of a vehicle. The diffusing head may include a diffuser vane configuration, a rotational flange surrounding the diffuser vane configuration, and an air blade. The diffuser base and the diffusing head further comprise complementary rotational securement members that permit rotation of the diffusing head relative to the diffuser base. The air blade may extend through the collar of the diffuser base. Installing the diffusing vent assembly may include engaging the ductwork fixation channel with a supply duct, inserting the diffusing head into the diffuser base, and securing the diffusing head and the diffuser base using the complimentary rotational securement members.