Folding Vane Air Register for Wide Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air registers with static vanes in rigid housings lack the ability to control airflow direction effectively and provide a wide enough angle of distribution, limiting their ability to reach target areas within a motor vehicle's passenger compartment efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A folding vane system for air registers, comprising a vane body with a first and second section connected by a hinge joint and pivot pins, allowing for pivoting and over-rotation to increase the angular range of air distribution, with guide pins sliding in arcuate tracks to control airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static vanes in rigid housings are used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the angular range of air distribution is limited and directional control is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The vane is divided into two separate sections (first section and second section) connected by a hinge joint, allowing each section to move independently. This segmentation enables the vane to achieve a wider angular range of air distribution while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easier to manufacture than a completely new complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The vane structure transitions from a static rigid configuration to a dynamic folding mechanism. The first section can pivot relative to the second section via the hinge joint, and the entire vane assembly can rotate within the housing. This dynamic capability allows the vane to adapt to different airflow directions and distribute air over a wider angle while keeping the housing structure relatively simple.
2Ease of operation
If a folding vane with hinge joint and pivot is used, then the directional control of airflow is improved and wider angle distribution is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vane is divided into two separate sections (first section and second section) connected by a hinge joint, allowing each section to move independently. This segmentation enables the vane to achieve a wider angular range of air distribution while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easier to manufacture than a completely new complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The vane structure transitions from a static rigid configuration to a dynamic folding mechanism. The first section can pivot relative to the second section via the hinge joint, and the entire vane assembly can rotate within the housing. This dynamic capability allows the vane to adapt to different airflow directions and distribute air over a wider angle while keeping the housing structure relatively simple.
3Volume of moving object
If static vanes are used, then the housing can be more compact, but the ability to reach target areas within passenger compartment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The vane structure transitions from a static rigid configuration to a dynamic folding mechanism. The first section can pivot relative to the second section via the hinge joint, and the entire vane assembly can rotate within the housing. This dynamic capability allows the vane to adapt to different airflow directions and distribute air over a wider angle while keeping the housing structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism adds an additional degree of freedom to the vane movement. Beyond simple rotation in one plane, the hinge joint allows the vane to fold and extend in another dimension, effectively increasing the angular range of air distribution without requiring a proportionally larger housing volume.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding vane for an air register includes a vane body having a first section, a second section and a hinge joint connecting the first section and the second section. An air register includes a support and at least one folding vane. A method of distributing air from an air register is also disclosed.