Pivotable Vent Fins for Vehicle Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing wind direction adjusting apparatuses for vehicles have complex structures and high manufacturing costs due to the need for special links to pivot fins, and they often suffer from wind leakage and noise issues when adjusting wind direction.
Innovation Solution
A wind direction adjusting apparatus with at least three pivotable fins, where end fins and an intermediate fin pivot in the same direction, intersecting an imaginary line at the narrowest inner surface position, and a restraining portion is used to prevent wind leakage, allowing for straightforward adjustment of wind direction without increasing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a thin type wind direction adjusting apparatus is used to lower the height of ventilation passage, then the height is reduced, but the number of fins is limited making it difficult to appropriately adjust wind direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional linkage mechanism by making the odd-numbered fins (1st, 3rd, 5th) pivot in the opposite direction to even-numbered fins (2nd, 4th, 6th). This inversion allows fins to effectively redirect airflow upward even with limited numbers, resolving the contradiction between reduced height and wind direction adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic pivoting mechanism where fins can rotate independently around pivot axes. The linkage mechanism dynamically connects fins such that when one fin pivots, adjacent fins respond in coordinated opposite directions, enabling effective wind direction control with fewer fins in a compact height
2Ease of operation
If a link having a special shape is used to make fins pivot in non-conjunction with the pivoting direction of other fins, then wind direction adjustment is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fin system into independent pivotable units (odd-numbered fins and even-numbered fins) that can pivot independently in opposite directions. Each fin is connected via simple pivot axes rather than a complex unified linkage, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining wind direction adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the pivoting control of multiple fins through a unified linkage mechanism that connects odd and even fins. When one fin pivots, the linkage automatically causes adjacent fins to pivot in opposite directions, achieving coordinated wind direction control without requiring special shaped links for each fin
3Ease of operation
If the fin equipped with the operation knob is swung downward, then wind direction is adjusted, but the space between the operation knob and the fin disposed on the lower side becomes narrow, potentially impairing air volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the pivoting direction of adjacent fins so that when one fin swings downward to adjust wind direction, the adjacent fin swings upward. This inversion maintains adequate spacing between fins and the operation knob, preventing impairment of air volume while achieving effective wind direction control
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
This configuration allows for effective adjustment of wind direction with a simple structure, reducing manufacturing costs and minimizing wind noise by straightening airflow and generating vortices to change wind passage, while the restraining portion enhances wind direction control and noise reduction.
Implementation Method 1
one end fin receives the wind flowing through the first portion to the outlet. Therefore, the wind can be straightened between the end fins and the intermediate fin
Implementation Method 2
a vortex is generated between the other end fin and the second portion. The vortex causes a passage of the wind flowing through the first portion to the outlet to change
Implementation Method 3
a restraining portion that is provided in at least one of the edge portions of the outlet in the longitudinal direction, and restrains wind leakage between the edge portion and the fixed end of the end fin close to the edge portion
Data Source
AI summary
A wind direction adjusting apparatus which can appropriately adjust a wind direction with a simple structure is provided. A case body includes an upstream portion located in a relatively upstream side of the wind, and a downstream portion located in a downstream side of the wind with respect to the upstream portion and expanded in a short direction of an outlet from the upstream portion. Fins include end fins each having a fixed end positioned along an edge portion of the outlet in a longitudinal direction and an intermediate fin located between the end fins. The end fins and the intermediate fin pivot in a same direction in conjunction with each other. Each end fin is disposed so as to intersect an imaginary line in a wind passage direction along a narrowed portion in a state in which each end fin is pivoted to a downstream portion side.