Magnetic Vent Assembly for Air Deflector Sealing and Dust Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Air deflectors in blowing devices, such as air conditioners, are unevenly stressed when closed, resulting in non-uniform gaps between the deflector and the frame, allowing external impurities and dust to enter, which can affect the device's operation and service life.

Innovation Solution

A vent assembly with a frame and an air deflector that uses attraction members, such as permanent magnets or a solenoid, to ensure even stress and complete closure, maintaining a uniform gap and preventing dust entry, with additional features like a rotation driving member and sealing strips for enhanced sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the air deflector is closed using conventional mechanical means, then the closure function is achieved, but the stress distribution becomes uneven causing non-uniform gaps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure completenessVSAvoidgap uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical closure system with a magnetic attraction system. The first attraction member (magnet) on the air deflector interacts with the second attraction member (metal plate) on the frame to provide uniform closing force. This substitution of mechanical contact with magnetic field interaction eliminates uneven stress concentration and achieves uniform gap distribution while maintaining reliable closure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the closing force from mechanical contact pressure to magnetic attraction force. By adjusting the magnetic field strength and distribution through proper positioning of the attraction members, the system achieves uniform stress distribution across the air deflector, ensuring consistent gap uniformity while maintaining effective closure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the air deflector is closed completely, then dust entry is prevented, but the structure becomes complex requiring additional sealing components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust entry preventionVSAvoidsealing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sealing structures with a magnetic attraction system. The uniform magnetic closing force naturally maintains consistent gaps between the air deflector and frame, preventing dust entry without requiring additional sealing strips or complex mechanical sealing components. The magnetic field itself acts as the sealing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic attraction system provides self-aligning and self-sealing functionality. The attraction members automatically position themselves to achieve uniform closure, and the magnetic force continuously maintains the sealed state without requiring additional active control mechanisms or complex sealing structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The vent assembly ensures a uniform gap between the air deflector and the frame, preventing dust and impurities from entering, while maintaining a simple structure and cost-effectiveness, and can be integrated with a control circuit for controlled operation.

Implementation Method 1

The first attraction member and the second attraction member are configured to attract each other by a magnetic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

one of the first attraction member or the second attraction member is configured as a metal patch, and another one of the first attraction member or the second attraction member is configured as a permanent magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentEP3657087B1Vent assembly for blowing device and air conditioner
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3657087B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3657087B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3657087B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A vent assembly for a blowing device includes a frame defining an air outlet therein, and an air deflector pivotally provided in the air outlet and configured to open or close the air outlet. The air deflector is provided with a first attraction member, and the frame is provided with a second attraction member in a corresponding position and configured to attract the first attraction member when the air deflector is closed, such that the air deflector is arranged in a plane where the air outlet is.