Motorized Vehicle Air Vent Assembly for Multi-Position Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle air conditioner vents require manual adjustment, which is inconvenient and lacks flexibility in directing airflow to different vehicle occupants.
Innovation Solution
An air vent apparatus with a drive assembly and air guide assembly that rotates to multiple positions under controller control, allowing airflow to be directed to the driver, rear seat, passenger seat, or blocked, and includes a display and input module for user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of air vent direction is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide assembly automatically adjusts its position based on control signals from the controller, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The drive assembly receives electrical signals and autonomously rotates the air guide assembly to the desired position, making the system self-adjusting rather than requiring user manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual adjustment system with an electromechanical system. The drive assembly uses an electric motor or actuator to rotate the air guide assembly, substituting manual mechanical operation with an electrically controlled mechanical system, thereby improving ease of operation while accepting increased device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If automated drive assembly is added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it receives control signals, determines the desired air vent position, controls the drive assembly, and manages the overall air conditioning system. By making the controller multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining improved ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the control functions and drive mechanisms into an integrated assembly. The drive assembly is mounted on the air guide assembly, and both are controlled by a single controller unit. This merging of components reduces the overall system complexity compared to having separate independent systems for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple blowing modes are provided, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide assembly is designed to be dynamically adjustable to multiple positions (first position for driver, second position for rear seat, third position for passenger seat). This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to different blowing modes and occupancy configurations, providing versatility through positional flexibility rather than requiring separate fixed vents for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The air guide assembly is divided into multiple segments or positions that can be independently controlled. Each position corresponds to a specific blowing mode, allowing the system to segment the airflow direction control into discrete, manageable positions. This segmentation enables adaptability to different scenarios while keeping the control logic simple and the device structure manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
An air vent apparatus for a vehicle and a vehicle provided with the air vent apparatus includes: a controller mounted on a vehicle body; a mounting base mounted on the vehicle body and including a discharge port formed at a rear end portion of the mounting base; an air guide assembly mounted adjacent to the discharge port of the mounting base; and a drive assembly electrically connected to the controller and configured to drive the air guide assembly engaged to the drive assembly to rotate to a first position, a second position, or a third position under a control of the controller.