Vehicle Roof Ventilation Layout for Direct and Indirect Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ventilation systems in motor vehicles, particularly in the second seat row, face limitations due to space constraints, offering limited flexibility and accessibility for air conditioning functions, with existing solutions often providing only indirect or asymmetric airflow distribution.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation device with an air duct element, a supply device, an air outflow element, and a directional element, allowing for flexible adjustment between direct and indirect airflow directions, integrated into the roof region or seat elements, enabling intuitive airflow control and comprehensive climate management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vents are provided in the B pillar or headliner for rear compartment region, then air conditioning functions are available to second seat row, but installation space is severely limited and accessibility is only limited to a limited extent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal vent placement in B pillar to vertical integration in the headliner/roof region, utilizing the third dimension (height/depth) to overcome space constraints. The air guide ducts are routed through the roof cross member structure, enabling rear passengers to access climate control functions without compromising front passenger space or accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The roof cross member structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the vehicle roof and simultaneously acts as an air guide duct for climate control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated ducting space, resolving the contradiction between providing air conditioning functions and maintaining installation space availability.
2Manufacturing precision
If direct air routing is provided through air guide ducts, then desired airflow results can be achieved, but installation space restrictions in second seat row limit the solution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air guide duct function with the existing roof cross member structure. The air duct is integrated into the structural component rather than being a separate addition, thereby achieving precise airflow direction control without requiring additional installation space in the constrained second seat row region.
3Productivity
If roof vents are provided for direct airflow into passenger compartment, then ventilation effectiveness is improved, but installation space is limited due to glass sunroof presence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air delivery function into multiple distributed air guide ducts integrated along the roof cross member structure, rather than requiring a single large roof vent opening. This segmentation allows precise airflow control to different zones while working within the limited roof space constrained by the glass sunroof.
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 solution provides high comfort by allowing flexible and intuitive airflow adjustments, enabling direct or indirect ventilation, and can be used in various vehicles, buses, and aircraft, enhancing passenger thermal comfort and allowing for space-efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
at least one air duct element (18), in particular in a roof region (14), and a supply device (202), in particular a rear air conditioning unit, which is coupled to a first end of the at least one air duct element (18)
Implementation Method 2
the arrangements of the at least one directional element (25) and the at least one air outflow element (24) together attain the result that the ventilation device is continuously adjustable at least between two ventilation states
Implementation Method 3
at least one lighting element (30), in particular a light guide, wherein a lighting effect is adjustable as a function of the at least two ventilation states by means of the at least one lighting element (30)
Data Source
AI summary
A ventilation device for the inside of a motor vehicle, having at least one air outflow element and at least one associated directional element. The at least one air outflow element is provided in a functional arrangement with an air channel element. The air channel element represents the connection to a supply device as part of an air conditioning system. At least one light element is also provided. The arrangement of the at least one directional element and the at least one air outflow element work together so that the ventilation device can be continuously adjusted at least between two inside ventilation conditions. The at least two ventilation conditions respectively differ at least by means of a direction of outflowing air directed directly into the inside and directed indirectly along a roof liner designed for this reason in relation to a seat region of the motor vehicle.