Linked Fin and Valve Air Vent for Sealed Direction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind direction adjustment apparatuses in vehicles require multiple components, such as operation knobs and dials, leading to a complex mechanism, layout restrictions, and impaired design, with challenges in maintaining a sealed ventilation passage.
Innovation Solution
A wind direction adjustment apparatus with a pivoting fin and a pivotable valve interconnected by a link, allowing both to be operated by a single operation section, reducing the number of components and simplifying the configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple operation sections (operation knob and operation dial) are provided to control the fin and valve separately, then the fin and valve can be operated independently, but the mechanism becomes complicated and layout restrictions are imposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the operation knob for controlling the fin and the operation dial for controlling the valve into a single integrated operation section. This single operation section can simultaneously or sequentially control both the fin and valve through a unified mechanical linkage system, thereby reducing the number of separate operation sections while maintaining the ability to independently adjust both components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single operation section is designed to perform multiple functions: it can control the fin position, control the valve position, and potentially coordinate both actions. This multi-functional operation section eliminates the need for separate operation knob and operation dial, simplifying the overall mechanism while preserving full operational control.
2Device complexity
If fins are overlapped to close the ventilation passage, then the shut valve can be eliminated, but it is not easy to hold a sealed state of the ventilation passage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shut valve as an intermediary component specifically designed to seal the ventilation passage. This shut valve acts as a dedicated sealing element that can reliably close the passage when needed, while the fins continue to serve their primary function of directing airflow. The valve provides a positive seal that is more reliable than relying solely on fin overlap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the functions of airflow direction control and ventilation passage sealing into distinct components: fins are responsible for directing airflow, while the shut valve is responsible for sealing the passage. This functional segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific purpose, with the valve providing reliable sealing without requiring the fins to perform dual functions.
3Reliability
If adhesion or biasing mechanism is added to the fin surface to maintain sealing, then the sealed state can be held, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the fin structure and places it in a dedicated shut valve component. Instead of modifying the fin with adhesion or biasing mechanisms, the sealing responsibility is taken out and assigned to the valve, which is designed specifically for sealing purposes. This keeps the fin structure simple while ensuring reliable sealing through the valve.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a wind direction adjustment apparatus achieving improved performance while the number of components is reduced. A wind direction adjustment apparatus 1 includes a case body 3 that internally defines a ventilation passage 5. The wind direction adjustment apparatus 1 includes a fin 15 pivotably disposed in the ventilation passage 5 in the case body 3 to adjust a wind direction in accordance with pivoting. The wind direction adjustment apparatus 1 includes a valve 30 pivotably disposed in a direction intersecting with a pivoting direction of the fin 15 in the ventilation passage 5 in the case body 3, and capable of opening and closing the ventilation passage 5 in accordance with the pivoting. The wind direction adjustment apparatus 1 includes a link 35 that interlocks the pivoting of the valve 30 with the pivoting of the fin 15.