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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grill-type air outlets require multiple parts and complex assembly due to separately formed movable fin sections, connecting members, and protruding knobs, increasing the number of components and complicating the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A structure with elastically deformable band-shaped fin sections connected via rotatable support sections and bendable connecting sections, allowing for adjustable gaps between adjacent fins through rotation, reducing parts and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If movable fin sections are separately formed and rotatably supported on the grill with connecting members and knobs, then the air outlet can change the gap between fin sections, but the number of parts increases and assembly becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the movable fin sections, connecting members, and support structures into a single molded piece. The fin sections are directly formed with integrated connecting sections that include built-in pivot axes, eliminating the need for separate knobs and external connecting members. This merging of components maintains the gap adjustment functionality while significantly reducing part count and assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting sections are designed with self-contained pivot axes that are integrally formed within the molded structure. The fin sections can rotate around these built-in pivot axes without requiring external support structures or separate fastening components. This self-service design allows the structure to perform its adjustment function using only its own integrated components
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate components are used for fin sections and connecting members, then the structure can achieve the required movement, but manufacturing and assembly processes become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The molded single piece structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it forms the fin sections, provides the connecting sections, creates the pivot axes, and serves as the support structure all in one component. This multi-functionality maintains the operational movement of fin sections while simplifying manufacturing to a single molding process and eliminating separate assembly steps for connecting members
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the fin sections and connecting members into one molded piece, where the connecting sections are directly formed as part of the fin section structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly processes for connecting members, reducing both manufacturing complexity and assembly steps while preserving the movement functionality
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
Enables adjustable gaps between fin sections with a simpler configuration, reducing the number of parts and eliminating complex assembly steps while allowing manual or automated adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the multiple fin sections is formed in a band shape and is elastically deformable
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A structure includes multiple fin sections arranged in a predetermined direction, with an adjustable gap between two adjacent fin sections. Each fin section is formed in a band shape and is elastically deformable. The structure includes a first support section rotatable around a first pivot axis, a second support section rotatable around a second pivot axis, multiple first connecting sections, each connecting the first support section to one end of the multiple fin sections, and each being bendably deformable, and multiple second connecting sections, each connecting the second support section to the other end of the multiple fin sections, and each being bendably deformable. The first and second connecting sections, which are pairs with respect to the fin sections, are formed such that they move away from the first and second pivot axes, respectively as they extend from one side to the other in the predetermined direction.