Single Flap Air Distribution Device for Motor Vehicle HVAC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air distribution devices for motor vehicle air conditioning units have a complex mechanism with multiple movable parts, making them difficult to control and manage air distribution efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A simplified air distribution device using a single flap with two flat side flap portions and a central flap portion forming a continuous surface, hinged about a rotation axis parallel to the side flap portions, featuring a V-shaped rostrum part with recess and relief to control air flow between central and side outlets, allowing for both central and side outlets to be closed with a single flap movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple movable obstructing and deflecting elements are used to control air distribution, then air distribution control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple obstructing and deflecting elements into a single integrated flap structure. This flap includes a first portion that can obstruct the lower central outlet and a second portion that can deflect air flow toward side outlets, merging the functions of what would traditionally require separate movable components. This reduces the number of moving parts while maintaining air distribution control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single flap structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it can obstruct the lower central outlet, deflect air flow toward side outlets, and control air distribution to upper central outlets. By making the flap multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for multiple specialized movable elements, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving adaptability.
2Device complexity
If a single flap is used to control air distribution, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision over multiple outlets may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is segmented into distinct portions: a first portion for obstructing the lower central outlet and a second portion for deflecting air flow toward side outlets. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function, enabling precise control over different outlet configurations despite using a single integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement and rotation to achieve precise control. By rotating the flap about an axis, different portions can be positioned at specific angles to obstruct or direct air flow to various outlets. This dimensional approach allows a single flap to precisely control multiple outlets through spatial positioning rather than requiring multiple separate components.
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 simplifies the kinematics of air distribution control, enabling efficient air flow management between central and side outlets with reduced moving parts, allowing for effective air distribution with a single flap, enhancing operational simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
the flap being hinged about a rotation axis parallel to a plane defined by the side flap portions and staggered with respect thereto
Implementation Method 2
the recess of the rostrum part has an edge at least partially extending in a plane that is inclined in the direction of rotation of the flap with respect to the plane defined by the side flap portions and wherein the relief of the rostrum part has a ridge extending in a plane that is inclined in the direction of rotation of the flap
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
Air distribution device for an air conditioning unit of a motor vehicle, comprising a flap (20) for controlling the distribution of the air flow to central outlets (14, 15) and side outlets (16). The flap comprises two flat and coplanar side flap portions (21) and a central flap portion (23) which interconnects the two side flap portions (21) forming a single, continuous surface. The flap (20) is hinged about a rotation axis (x), parallel to a plane defined by the side flap portions (21) and staggered with respect thereto. The central flap portion (23) comprises a rostrum part (24) having a V-shaped cross section. The flap (20) is movable between a first terminal position in which both central apertures (14, 15) are closed by the flap (20), and a second terminal position in which the central apertures (14, 15) are open, and wherein the rostrum part (24) of the flap (20) is capable of deflecting the air flow towards the side apertures (16).