Remotely Controlled Air Vent Assembly to Reduce Driver Distraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle air conditioning vent systems require multiple adjustments to direct air flow accurately, which can be time-consuming and pose a safety hazard as the user's hand and arm block the airflow, making it difficult to determine the direction of the air until adjustments are made.
Innovation Solution
A remotely controlled air vent system using a joystick or track ball control that allows drivers to adjust the direction of air flow without obstructing the airflow, utilizing electronic and computer coding to coordinate multiple motors for precise directional control of air vents, enabling efficient and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of air vent is used, then the user can directly control the vent position, but the user's hand and arm block the airflow making it difficult to determine direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated motorized system. Motors are integrated into the air vent assembly to automatically adjust the vent position based on signals from a control device, eliminating the need for manual hand adjustment and preventing hand/arm interference with airflow detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The air vent system performs self-adjustment through integrated motors that automatically reposition the vent based on control signals. The system serves itself by eliminating the need for external manual intervention, allowing the vent to find and maintain optimal positioning without blocking the airflow path.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sequential adjustments are made, then the air flow direction can be accurately controlled, but the process is time-consuming and requires driver attention off the road
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual iterative adjustment with automated motorized positioning controlled by electronic signals. The control device can rapidly adjust vent position multiple times in sequence without requiring driver attention, achieving accurate airflow direction control much faster than manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses airflow sensors to detect the actual airflow direction and provides feedback to the control device. Based on this feedback, the control device automatically makes precise adjustments to achieve the desired airflow direction, eliminating the need for trial-and-error manual adjustments and reducing both time and driver attention requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the vent control lever is used, then the user can adjust the vent position, but the user must take their eyes off the road to check the airflow direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual lever control with automated motorized adjustment controlled by electronic signals from a control device. This allows the driver to adjust vent position without physically reaching for controls or taking eyes off the road, maintaining safety while preserving full vent adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary between the driver's intent and the physical vent adjustment. The driver can issue adjustment commands through a remote interface while the control device executes the physical adjustments, allowing the driver to maintain focus on the road without compromising control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An air vent control system comprises a directional air flow component mounted on a first axis within a first housing, and a second housing defining an inner space in which the first housing is mounted. A first motor moves the directional air flow component to an angular position within the first housing, and a second motor pivots the first housing contained within the second housing. A front and rear opening allows air flow in a direction from the rear opening to the front opening. A controller sets the angular position of the directional air flow component on the first axis, and the angular position of the first housing on the second axis. The respective positions of the directional air flow component relative to the first housing and the first housing relative to the second housing selectively regulate the direction of airflow discharged.