Automotive Seatback Air Vent with Fixed Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle air vent positioning in the ceiling, center console, or floor is ineffective in directing air flow directly onto the face and throat of second-row or additional seat occupants, as these positions are not adjustable to maintain air vent alignment with the occupant due to the fixed nature of dashboard-mounted vents.
Innovation Solution
A fixed frame surrounding a movable seat structure allows for adjustable seating without affecting the air vent's position, enabling air vents to be strategically positioned on the rear-facing side of front-row seats to direct air onto second-row occupants, with air ducts routed through the center console or step riser to maintain consistent airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air vents are positioned in the ceiling, center console, or floor, then the HVAC system can provide air to the passenger cabin, but the air flow cannot be directed directly onto the face and throat of second-row or additional seat occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by positioning air vents on the rear-facing side of front-row seats, creating a rearward airflow path that directly reaches second-row occupants. This dimensional change in vent placement allows conditioned air to be delivered effectively to previously unreachable areas of the passenger cabin.
Solution Approach 2:
The HVAC system is segmented into multiple independent airflow paths, with dedicated air vents on each front-row seat back. This segmentation allows each vent to be independently positioned and angled to optimize airflow to specific rear-seat areas, improving overall system effectiveness without requiring complex centralized control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dashboard-mounted vents are used, then air can be provided to front-row occupants, but the vents cannot be adjusted to maintain alignment with second-row occupants during seat adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The front-row seat back acts as an intermediary structure that carries the air vent. When the seat back moves or adjusts, the vent moves with it, automatically maintaining its position relative to the rear-seat occupants. This intermediary relationship eliminates the need for independent adjustment mechanisms while preserving airflow alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The air vent is merged with the front-row seat back structure, creating a unified assembly where the vent's position is intrinsically linked to the seat's position. This merging ensures that any seat adjustment automatically maintains the vent's optimal alignment with rear-seat occupants, providing continuous adaptability without additional controls.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple dashboard vents are installed to reach rear-seat occupants, then air coverage is improved, but the system complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static dashboard-mounted vent configuration to a dynamic seat-integrated vent system. The vents on the front-row seat backs move dynamically with the seat adjustments, automatically adapting their position to maintain effective airflow to rear-seat occupants without requiring multiple fixed vents or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixed frame supports a movable seat structure. The movable seat structure is configured to move relative to the fixed frame. An air duct supported by the fixed frame supplies an air vent positioned on a rearward side of the fixed frame with air. Movement of the movable seat structure relative to the fixed frame has no effect on the position or orientation of the air vent.