Instrument Panel Slit Air Outlet for Cabin Airflow and Styling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle instrument panel designs for air conditioning outlets are inefficient in supplying air-conditioned air to occupants seated in the driver's and front passenger seats, and they compromise the visual appeal of the instrument panel.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle instrument panel structure featuring a lower panel portion with an air-conditioning device and a slit-shaped air outlet between the lower and upper panel portions, which extends in the vehicle width direction, allowing effective air distribution to the seats while maintaining a sleek design. This configuration includes a side wall portion that functions as a duct to reduce air loss and optional flow-directing plates to enhance air flow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the air outlet is formed in the upper surface of the instrument panel, then air can be supplied to the cabin, but the visual quality of the instrument panel is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The air outlet is designed to follow the contour of the instrument panel's side surface, creating a seamless integration that mirrors the panel's aesthetic lines. This allows the functional air outlet to become part of the design rather than disrupting it, resolving the contradiction between functionality and visual quality
2Productivity
If a conventional air outlet structure is used, then air can be supplied to the cabin, but the number of parts increases and air blow loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The air outlet is integrated directly into the side surface of the instrument panel structure itself, merging the air supply function with the existing panel components. This eliminates the need for separate ducts and multiple parts, reducing complexity while maintaining air supply capability and minimizing blow loss through direct air delivery
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle comprising an instrument panel structure including a lower panel portion (20) that is provided with an air-conditioning device at an interior thereof, the lower panel portion (20) having, in a vehicle upper portion thereof, a placement surface portion (26) that extends in a vehicle width direction and a vehicle front-rear direction, and having an open portion, for the air-conditioning device, that opens toward a side of the placement surface portion (26), an upper panel portion (24) that covers the placement surface portion (26) as seen from a vehicle upper side and that is placed on the placement surface portion (26), and a slit-shaped air outlet portion (36) that is formed between the lower panel portion (20) and the upper panel portion (24) , that extends in the vehicle width direction while facing a seat side, and that communicates the open portion with a vehicle cabin.