Modular Air Diffuser Kinematics for Vehicle-Specific Vent Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air diffusers for vehicle ventilation systems are designed for specific vehicle types and positions, leading to high production costs due to small batch production and the need for separate designs for each application.
Innovation Solution
A modular kinematics module for air diffusers that includes all necessary airflow-directing, airflow-regulating, and haptics-manipulating components, allowing for customizable configurations without the need for separate designs for each vehicle type or position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate air diffusers are designed for each vehicle type and position, then the air diffuser can be optimized for specific applications, but production costs increase due to small batch production
Solution Approach 1:
The air diffuser is divided into modular components including a housing module, a kinematic module, and optional additional modules. These standardized modules can be combined in different configurations to create air diffusers suitable for various vehicle types and positions, enabling customization without requiring completely separate designs for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal base design with standardized modules that can serve multiple vehicle types and positions. The kinematic module with standardized air guiding elements and closing mechanisms can be adapted through modular combinations to fulfill different application requirements, reducing the need for entirely separate designs while maintaining application-specific optimization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate air diffusers are designed for each application, then specific design requirements are met, but development time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the air diffuser into standardized modules (housing module, kinematic module, additional modules), the development process is accelerated because these modules can be reused across different applications. Instead of designing complete air diffusers from scratch for each vehicle type, developers only need to select and combine appropriate pre-developed modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized modules are designed and developed in advance, with all necessary components (air guiding elements, closing mechanisms, housing structures) pre-engineered and tested. This preliminary development work eliminates the need to re-invent these components for each new application, significantly reducing development time while maintaining application-specific performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If completely new air diffusers are produced for each vehicle type, then specific performance requirements are met, but production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air diffuser system is segmented into independent, standardized modules that can be manufactured separately and assembled through simple coupling mechanisms. The housing module, kinematic module, and additional modules each have standardized interfaces, reducing production complexity compared to manufacturing completely new integrated designs for each vehicle type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functional components into standardized modules that can be coupled together. For example, the kinematic module integrates air guiding elements, closing mechanisms, and actuation systems into a single standardized unit. This modular merging simplifies production by allowing each module to be manufactured and tested independently before final assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a kinematics module (1) for an air diffuser of a vehicle. The kinematics module (1) can be accommodated as a modular component at least partly or in certain regions in an air diffuser housing, preferably to be possible to be replaced, in order to form the air diffuser.