Dual-Axis Pivoting Flap Ventilator for Simplified Air Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aerators for motor vehicles are complex, expensive, and unable to effectively control air flow direction and concentration to meet the specific needs of passengers, requiring a reduction in electrical power consumption and simplification of components.

Innovation Solution

An aerator design featuring two pairs of pivoting flaps, with each pair mounted on separate pivot axes, allowing for independent control of air flow direction and concentration, reducing the number of components and electrical power needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional aerators use multiple fins and shutters to control air flow, then air flow direction control is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair flow direction controlVSAvoidaerator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The aerator is divided into two independent pairs of flaps (first pair and second pair), each pair mounted on separate pivot axes. This segmentation allows each flap pair to independently control different aspects of air flow direction, simplifying the overall control mechanism while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each flap pair serves multiple functions: controlling vertical air flow direction, adjusting air flow concentration, and enabling demisting/defrosting operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If aerators use numerous components for flow direction control, then air flow directivity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair flow directivityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second pairs of flaps are integrated into a single aerator body, sharing common mounting structures and pivot mechanisms. This merging reduces the total number of separate components compared to traditional designs with multiple independent fins and shutters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flaps are designed to be dynamically adjustable through pivoting motion, allowing continuous variation of air flow direction and concentration. This dynamic capability replaces the need for multiple fixed-position components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If aerators use complex mechanisms for flow control, then air flow concentration control is improved, but electrical power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair flow concentration controlVSAvoidelectrical power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The flap mechanism uses the existing air flow pressure and momentum to maintain its position and control direction, rather than requiring active mechanical actuators or motors. This passive control approach significantly reduces electrical power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with a simpler pivot-based flap mechanism that relies on aerodynamic forces and gravity, eliminating the need for multiple motors and control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If aerators use multiple pairs of flaps with separate pivot axes, then air flow direction and concentration control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair flow control capabilityVSAvoidaerator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second pairs of flaps are positioned asymmetrically with respect to each other, with each pair mounted on pivot axes oriented at different angles. This asymmetric arrangement enables independent control of different air flow parameters, maximizing versatility while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3571075B1Ventilator, particularly for motor vehicles

Publication Date: 2020.12.02 VALEO SYST THERMIQUES SAS

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Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a ventilator (1) configured to control an air stream, said ventilator (1) comprising: – a housing (4) having an outlet opening (7) allowing the air stream to pass to the interior of the motor vehicle interior cabin, and – shut off and guidance means (10) for shutting off and guiding the air stream, characterized in that: – the shut off and guidance means (10) comprise a first (11) and a second (13) pair of pivoting shutters, the second pair of shutters (13) being positioned downstream of the first pair of shutters (11) in relation to the air stream, – the first pair of shutters (11) being mounted with the ability to pivot about a first common axis of pivoting (19), and – the second pair of shutters (13) being mounted with the ability to pivot about a second common axis of pivoting (21).