Modular Vehicle Air Outlet Assembly With Adjustable Angle Joints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of mold development for air outlets in vehicles due to non-universal designs and varying space requirements, leading to increased production costs for different types and positions of air outlets.
Innovation Solution
A modular air outlet assembly comprising interchangeable sub-modules with standard joints and a housing connecting member, allowing for adjustable angles and reduced mold development costs by using existing modules for non-visible sub-modules and customizing only the visible front sub-module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If air outlets are designed independently for different positions and vehicle types, then the air outlet can meet specific aesthetic and space requirements, but the mold development cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The air outlet assembly is divided into multiple independent sub-modules (front sub-module, intermediate sub-module, rear sub-module), each with standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows selective combination of modules to create different air outlet configurations for various vehicle positions and types, eliminating the need to develop complete molds for each specific application and significantly reducing mold development costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal standardized joints (air inlet joint, air outlet joint, air duct opening joint) across all sub-modules. These standardized interfaces enable the same sub-modules to be used in multiple different air outlet assemblies for various vehicle positions (left, right, intermediate, rear) and types, making the mold development cost-effective while maintaining adaptability to different installation requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple independent molds are developed for different air outlet types, then each air outlet can be precisely manufactured, but the production cost increases due to repeated mold development
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the air outlet assembly into standardized sub-modules with precise interface definitions, the patent enables modular assembly that maintains manufacturing precision through standardized connections while improving production efficiency. The same sub-modules can be produced once with high precision and then reused across multiple assemblies, eliminating repeated mold development cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-modules are designed and manufactured in advance with standardized interfaces and precise dimensions. This preliminary action allows the sub-modules to be stored and quickly assembled into different air outlet configurations as needed, significantly improving production efficiency while maintaining the precision required for each specific application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If air outlet structures are customized for each vehicle type, then the aesthetic and space requirements are met, but the mold development time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air outlet assembly is segmented into standardized sub-modules that can be independently designed and manufactured. This segmentation allows rapid customization for different vehicle types by simply reconfiguring the assembly of existing modules rather than developing new molds, significantly reducing the time required to adapt to different aesthetic and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design creates a dynamic system where the air outlet configuration can be easily adjusted and reconfigured for different vehicle types by selecting and assembling appropriate sub-modules. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the need for time-consuming mold development for each vehicle type while still meeting specific customization requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular air outlet assembly comprises at least two air outlet sub-modules and a housing connecting member, wherein each of the air outlet sub-modules have different functions and are matchingly engaged in a sealed manner, and the air outlet sub-modules comprise a front sub-module and a rear sub-module; the front sub-module comprises a front housing and a front functional component, and the front housing has a standard air inlet joint; the rear sub-module comprises a rear housing and a rear functional component, and the rear housing has a standard air outlet joint and a standard air duct opening joint. A modular approach is used to design the air outlet assembly, and the relative angle between the air outlet sub-modules can be adjusted by means of different housing connecting members to avoid installation limitations in vehicles, and the mold development cost and related costs are reduced.