Motorized Vent Register for Remote Airflow Direction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC vent registers lack adjustable airflow direction and amount control, posing safety risks when installed in hard-to-reach locations due to the need for manual adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A remotely controlled vent register using electric motors and geared engagement between concentric rings to rotate louvers, allowing for remote adjustment of airflow direction and amount through a processor-controlled system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment lever is used for airflow control, then airflow amount can be adjusted, but user safety deteriorates when register is in hard-to-reach locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical lever adjustment system with an electric motor-driven rotating assembly that can be controlled remotely. The motor rotates the assembly to adjust louver position and airflow direction, eliminating the need for physical contact with the register lever, thus resolving the safety issue while maintaining airflow control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-adjustment through remote control operation, allowing users to modify airflow settings without physically accessing the register. The motorized system performs the adjustment function automatically based on remote commands, making the system serve itself rather than requiring direct user intervention at the register location.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed louver alignment is used for simple structure, then manufacturing is easier, but airflow direction adjustability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed louver alignment into a dynamic system where the entire rotating assembly can be rotated to different angular positions. This allows the louver group to change its general alignment direction dynamically, providing airflow direction control while maintaining a relatively simple structural design through the use of a motorized rotation mechanism.
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
Enables safe and convenient remote control of airflow direction and amount, enhancing user safety and flexibility in HVAC system management.
Implementation Method 1
a first electric motor to rotate a rotating assembly that is rotatably mounted to a mounting plate
Implementation Method 2
The first geared surface of the first ring is in geared engagement with a first gear driven by the first motor. The first geared surface of the second ring is in geared engagement with a second gear driven by a second motor.
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely controlled air vent register which allows the direction of airflow to be changed with a rotating assembly driven by a first motor mounted to a duct-side face of the mounting plate and which allows the amount of airflow to be changed with louvers operated by a second motor mounted to a duct-side face of the mounting plate, both of said motors being controlled by a processor with a receiver to receive an activation signal transmitted from a location apart from the vent register.