Air-Conditioning Register Fins for Low-Pressure-Loss Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air-conditioning registers experience increased pressure loss due to the constant inward inclination of fins, which affects air conditioning performance, especially in neutral positions where the distance between fins decreases, leading to higher resistance.
Innovation Solution
The air-conditioning register features an actuation mechanism that moves downstream fins between neutral and inclined positions, maintaining a constant distance between them in neutral positions and adjusting their inclination to direct air flow effectively, reducing pressure loss and enhancing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fins are always inclined with respect to the inflow direction such that the downstream sides are located inward in the vent passage, then the air-conditioning air flow direction can be changed to the inner side of the vent passage, but the pressure loss increases in the neutral positions due to the decreased distance between fins
Solution Approach 1:
The fin configuration is made dynamic by allowing the fins to change their inclination angle and position. In neutral positions, the fins extend in the inflow direction with downstream sides located outward to minimize pressure loss. In inclined positions, the fins are tilted to direct air flow to the inner side of the vent passage. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between flow direction control and pressure loss reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of fin position and inclination angle based on operational requirements. In neutral positions, the fins are positioned with downstream sides outward to reduce pressure loss. When inclined positions are required for directional control, the fins are tilted accordingly. This parameter change approach allows optimization of both pressure loss and flow direction control.
2Productivity
If the fins are positioned to face each other in a direction orthogonal to the inflow direction in neutral positions, then the air-conditioning air can be blown out in the inflow direction, but the distance between fins decreases in the downstream direction leading to increased pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The fin configuration transitions from a static always-inclined design to a dynamic design where fins can assume different positions. In neutral positions, the fins are oriented to extend in the inflow direction with downstream sides located outward, creating adequate spacing to reduce pressure loss while maintaining air conditioning performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the fin position parameter in neutral positions by locating the downstream sides outward instead of inward, which increases the distance between fins in the downstream direction and reduces pressure loss, while still achieving the required air conditioning performance.
3Productivity
If additional fins are added to improve air flow control and directivity, then the air conditioning performance is enhanced, but the device complexity and pressure loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding more fins to improve air flow directivity, the patent makes the existing fins dynamic by enabling them to tilt and change position. This allows a single fin to perform multiple functions: directing air flow in neutral positions and redirecting it to the inner side in inclined positions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining or enhancing air flow directivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fins are designed to perform multiple functions: in neutral positions, they maintain air flow in the inflow direction; in inclined positions, they redirect air flow to the inner side of the vent passage. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional fins, reducing device complexity while improving air flow control versatility.
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 reduces ventilation resistance, improves air conditioning performance by maintaining a wider distance between fins in neutral positions and increasing the directivity of air flow in inclined positions, while eliminating the need for additional fins, thus minimizing pressure loss and enhancing appearance.
Implementation Method 1
The flow direction, which is changed by the fins, includes an inflow direction, which is the flow direction of the air-conditioning air immediately before entering between the fins
Implementation Method 2
The air-conditioning air flowing near the fins flows along the inclined portions of the fins, thereby changing its flow direction to the inner side in the vent passage
Data Source
AI summary
An air-conditioning register includes a retainer defining a vent passage including an outlet, two fins disposed upstream of the outlet in the vent passage, and an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism is configured to move the fins between the neutral positions and the inclined positions. When the fins are in the neutral positions, the actuation mechanism causes the fins to extend in the inflow direction and face each other in a direction orthogonal to the inflow direction. When the fins are in the inclined positions, the actuation mechanism moves the fins to separate locations respectively located upstream and downstream from the neutral positions, and tilts the fins with respect to the inflow direction such that downstream sides of the fins are located inward in the vent passage.