Multidirectional HVAC Vent Around Touchscreen for Stable Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle HVAC systems face challenges such as limited space, difficulty in assembly and maintenance, coordination with other vehicle components, and aesthetic appeal, particularly in electric vehicles with in-cabin solar panels, and high aspect ratio vents experience airflow instability and manual control difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A multidirectional vent system integrated with a centrally disposed user interface mount, providing stable airflow and aesthetic appeal through high aspect ratio linear slot diffusers with adjustable direction options and lighting, optimized for various flow directions including upward, downward, left, right, and outward, and incorporating controllable vent output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If high aspect ratio vents are used to conform to dashboard features, then aesthetic appeal and space utilization are improved, but airflow stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the user interface mount with the HVAC vent assembly into a single integrated component. The mount structure itself incorporates airflow channels and diffuser elements, combining structural support functions with airflow distribution functions. This integration allows the vent to maintain high aspect ratio geometry for aesthetic purposes while the integrated design ensures stable airflow through proper channel configuration.
2Ease of operation
If conventional buttons and knobs are integrally formed with the dashboard, then control functionality is provided, but design flexibility and aesthetic appeal are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system from the dashboard structure by using a separate, remotely mounted touchscreen interface. The dashboard retains its aesthetic design without embedded buttons, while the touchscreen provides all control functions wirelessly or via connected interfaces. The vent assembly is also segmented as a separate module that can be independently designed and positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system between the touchscreen interface and the HVAC controls. Electrical connections and control signals are transmitted through wired or wireless intermediary channels, allowing the dashboard to remain visually clean while maintaining full control functionality through the separate interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If centrally disposed touchscreen is added to the dashboard, then user interface functionality is improved, but available space for HVAC components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the touchscreen interface from the traditional dashboard location and positions it centrally in a dedicated mount structure. This extraction creates clear separation between the user interface zone and the HVAC component zone, allowing the HVAC system to utilize surrounding dashboard areas that would otherwise be occupied by integrated controls. The touchscreen is taken out as a distinct functional element with its own mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical and depth dimensions of the dashboard assembly to accommodate both the touchscreen and HVAC components. The touchscreen mount is positioned at a specific depth and vertical location, while HVAC air channels and components are arranged in different spatial planes, effectively using three-dimensional space to resolve the two-dimensional area conflict.
4Ease of operation
If manual control vanes are used in high aspect ratio vents, then airflow direction control is provided, but operational difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical vane controls with an automated electronic control system. The touchscreen interface provides digital control of airflow direction, which is executed by electrically actuated dampers or motorized vanes integrated into the vent assembly. This substitution eliminates the need for manual manipulation of difficult-to-reach mechanical controls while maintaining precise airflow direction capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an airside system for a vehicle HVAC system and to a HVAC apparatus, system and method having a multidirectional vent formed integrally with a mount adapted to receive a user interface in the form of a centrally disposed touch screen. The vent/interface assembly may be disposed inside the vehicle cabin including, but not limited to, the dashboard and/or instrument panel. The one or more outlets of the vent may be disposed partially or completely around the touch screen perimeter. Each outlet may flow in one or more directions, be individually adjustable either automatically or manually, or be stationary. The assembly may be configured to position the user interface offset from the dashboard. The outlet(s) of the vent may be partially or completely hidden behind the user interface. On/off and directional control of each outlet may be achieved by means of vanes, blades, and/or slots.