Flexible Rectifying Plate for Airflow Diffusion and Convergence Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing airflow control systems lack sufficient control over the degree of diffusion or convergence of airflow, resulting in restricted spatial resolution.

Innovation Solution

An airflow control apparatus comprising a first frame, a second frame, and a flexible rectifying plate that changes deflection through relative rotation, combined with a fan capable of changing pitch angle and a nozzle that adjusts diameter, controlled by a controller to enhance airflow control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional airflow generators with fixed rectifying blades are used, then the structure is simple, but the control range of diffusion or convergence is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol range of diffusion or convergenceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rectifying plate is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to change position and angle dynamically. The plate can be rotated around a rotation axis and adjusted to different angles, enabling continuous control over the diffusion and convergence of airflow. This dynamic adjustment mechanism provides a wide control range while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The airflow control function is divided into separate adjustable components: the rectifying plate can be independently positioned and angled, while the fan blade angle can be separately adjusted. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and enables fine-grained control over airflow characteristics without requiring a completely complex integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the rectifying plate is made flexible to change deflection, then the spatial resolution is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial resolutionVSAvoidmanufacturing precision requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rectifying plate is designed as a flexible component that can deflect and change shape in response to airflow forces. This flexibility allows the plate to naturally adjust its position and angle without requiring complex mechanical actuators, thereby achieving high spatial resolution while simplifying the manufacturing process. The flexible material itself provides the necessary adjustment capability rather than requiring precision mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible rectifying plate utilizes the airflow itself to adjust its position and deflection angle. The aerodynamic forces generated by the airflow automatically move the plate to the appropriate angle, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex control mechanisms. This self-adjusting mechanism achieves high spatial resolution while significantly reducing manufacturing precision requirements compared to mechanically actuated systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 system achieves high spatial and temporal resolution of airflow by controlling diffusion, convergence, and flow velocity, allowing for precise simulation of airflow in virtual spaces.

Implementation Method 1

a fan that is capable of changing a pitch angle of a rotary blade and delivers airflow to the rectifying plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotating blade airflow generation: Fan

Implementation Method 2

The rectifying plate is flexible, has one end fixed to the center of rotation and another end fixed to the second frame, passes through the through-hole, and changes an amount of deflection of a portion between the through-hole and the center of rotation according to a change in a length of the portion by relative rotation of the first frame and the second frame about the center of rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification and diffusion control:

Implementation Method 3

a pitch angle changing mechanism that transmits power of the pitch drive source in a direction parallel to an axial direction of the rotary shaft separately from rotation of the rotary shaft, and changes the pitch angle of the rotary blade

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPitch angle adjustment:

Implementation Method 4

a nozzle that is capable of changing a nozzle diameter, airflow having passed through the rectifying plate flowing into the nozzle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNozzle diameter adjustment:

Data Source

PatentUS20260104060A1Airflow control apparatus, airflow control system, and airflow control method
Publication Date: 2026.04.16 SONY GROUP CORP
  • US20260104060A1 patent drawing
  • US20260104060A1 patent drawing
  • US20260104060A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An airflow control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a first frame, a second frame, and a rectifying plate. The first frame is located about the center of rotation and includes a through-hole. The second frame is located, about the center of rotation, on an outer circumference side relative to the first frame. The rectifying plate is flexible, has one end fixed to the center of rotation and another end fixed to the second frame, passes through the through-hole, and changes an amount of deflection of a portion between the through-hole and the center of rotation according to a change in a length of the portion by relative rotation of the first frame and the second frame about the center of rotation.