Multi-directional smooth damper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current circular air conditioner vents in vehicles face issues with smooth operation and stable damping force due to complex structures, noise, and wear-related problems in adjusting air direction and volume, primarily caused by friction and material degradation in existing damping mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional smooth damper with a simplified structure featuring a grease groove system and rotating portions with annular protrusions and ear columns, which creates a constant damping force through lubrication and synchronized rotation, ensuring smooth operation and stable retention force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal ball joint with bearing sleeve and ball head is used to adjust air direction, then the air direction adjustment is integrated with air volume control, but the retention force decreases over time due to wear and material aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a damping component as an intermediary element between the rotating shaft and bearing sleeve. This damping component, made of viscoelastic material, mediates the interaction between moving parts to provide stable damping force that compensates for wear and material aging, thereby maintaining reliable retention force over time while preserving the integrated control function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the temperature-dependent properties of viscoelastic materials, where the damping coefficient changes with temperature to maintain optimal retention force under varying operating conditions. The material's inherent viscoelasticity provides parameter adaptation that compensates for wear without requiring structural modifications
2Device complexity
If plastic internal housing directly contacts plastic external housing to maintain air direction, then the structure is simple, but friction between plastic components causes noise and non-smooth operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a damping component as an intermediary between the internal housing and external housing. This viscoelastic damping component replaces direct plastic-to-plastic contact, eliminating noise and friction-induced roughness while maintaining the simple overall structure and integration of the housing assembly
3Ease of operation
If elastic convex structure is matched with latch to adjust air direction, then operation is more comfortable, but the matching process produces 'tak tak' sound that users find unpleasant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful rigid impact between elastic convex structure and latch into a beneficial controlled deformation process. The viscoelastic damping component absorbs the impact energy through controlled deformation, transforming the harmful 'tak tak' noise into silent energy dissipation, while preserving the comfortable operation feel
Solution Approach 2:
The damping component acts as an intermediary between the elastic convex structure and latch, mediating their interaction to eliminate impact noise. The viscoelastic material provides a compliant interface that maintains operational comfort while suppressing harmful acoustic emissions
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmission nodes including wheel gear are used to control vent switch, then air direction and air volume control are integrated, but the operation smoothness depends on high precision size and multiple nodes increase problem risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary transmission nodes from the control system. By using the damping component to directly provide operational smoothness, the design removes intermediate wheel gears and other transmission elements, reducing the number of nodes while maintaining integrated control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The damping component serves as a mediating element that directly influences the operation smoothness of the integrated control mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple precision transmission nodes. The viscoelastic material provides inherent smoothing action that replaces complex mechanical transmission chains
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 solution provides a smooth and constant damping force, simplifies the structure for easier assembly, and maintains stable operation over time by utilizing a grease layer for lubrication and viscosity-based friction, addressing the issues of noise and wear in existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
At least one grease groove is disposed on a surface of the inner cavity of the base... The grease groove is used to store grease having a viscosity and capable of generating a constant damping force
Implementation Method 2
The grease groove is used to store grease having a viscosity and capable of generating a constant damping force
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-directional smooth damper includes a base including an inner cavity, two ends of the inner cavity defining openings, a first rotating portion, and a second rotating portion. A first end of the first rotating portion is rotated and disposed in the inner cavity of the base and a shape of the first end of the first rotating portion corresponds to a shape of the inner cavity. A second end of the first rotating portion passes through an opening of one end of the base. The first rotating portion is disposed at one end of the base having the opening and the inner cavity. A first end of the second rotating portion is rotated and disposed in an inner cavity of the first rotating portion. A grease layer is coated between a surface of the first rotating portion and the surface of the inner cavity of the base. The invention also provides a circular air conditioner vent, comprising a housing, a blade disposed in the housing, an air door, and the damper. The damper used in the invention can realize the unified function of the opening and closing adjustment of the blowing amount and the direction of the blowing direction of the circular air-conditioning vent, also simplify the structure of the device, save the operation space and be simple in operation. The grease layer not only provides good lubrication, but also provides a constant damping force, which can achieve smooth rotation in multiple directions and maintain stable holding force.