HVAC Relief Vent With Movable Diffuser for Low Airflow Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Slim profile vents in vehicle interiors increase airflow resistance, reducing the amount of airflow into the cabin and slowing down the conditioning process.
Innovation Solution
A pressure relief valve with a movable diffuser mechanism that opens when airflow pressure exceeds a threshold, allowing excess airflow to exit through outlet openings, reducing resistance and increasing airflow into the cabin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If slim profile vents are used, then the vehicle interior styling is improved, but the airflow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a movable diffuser assembly that can transition between closed and open positions. The diffuser is biased toward a closed position by a spring element but can be moved to an open position to increase the effective vent area and reduce airflow resistance when high airflow is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the effective vent area parameter by moving the diffuser between positions. The diffuser assembly includes an outer diffuser and an inner diffuser that can be positioned at different locations within the vent, thereby adjusting the cross-sectional area available for airflow and reducing resistance when needed.
2Shape
If slim profile vents are used, then the vehicle interior styling is improved, but the airflow quantity into the cabin is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable diffuser assembly allows dynamic adjustment of the vent's effective area. When the diffuser is in the open position, it creates a larger passage for airflow, thereby increasing the quantity of air that can flow into the cabin while maintaining the slim external profile of the vent.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser assembly is divided into an outer diffuser and an inner diffuser that can move independently or together. This segmentation allows for fine-tuned adjustment of the airflow passage area, enabling optimization of airflow quantity while preserving the compact vent structure.
3Shape
If slim profile vents are used, then the vehicle interior styling is improved, but the air conditioning conditioning speed is slowed
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser assembly can be quickly moved between closed and open positions, allowing the system to rapidly adjust airflow capacity. When rapid conditioning is needed, the diffuser opens to maximize airflow, reducing the time required to condition the cabin air while maintaining the slim vent profile for normal operation.
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
Reduces airflow resistance and enhances airflow into the vehicle cabin, improving the conditioning process by providing a secondary pathway for excess airflow.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing element biases a position of the diffuser toward the closed position. The biasing element is a spring located between the tubular diffuser body and the housing.
Implementation Method 2
When an airflow pressure in the duct exceeds a threshold, the airflow urges the diffuser toward the opened position thus allowing the airflow to exit the pressure relief valve at the one or more outlet openings.
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure relief valve includes a housing configured for installation into a duct opening of a duct, and a diffuser installed into the housing and movable between a closed position and an opened position along a valve axis. The diffuser includes a tubular diffuser body having an inlet opening at a first end, a diffuser cap located at a second end of the tubular diffuser body to close the tubular diffuser body at the second end, and one or more outlet openings located between the inlet opening and the diffuser cap. A biasing element biases a position of the diffuser toward the closed position. When an airflow pressure in the duct exceeds a threshold, the airflow urges the diffuser toward the opened position thus allowing the airflow to exit the pressure relief valve at the one or more outlet openings.