Slim Vehicle Air Vent With Integrated Control Knob
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air vent devices occupy significant space due to exposed horizontal and vertical wings, limiting the design freedom of vehicle interior systems like AVN clusters and requiring separate damper control knobs, which restricts installation space and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A slim-type air vent device with a single horizontal wing and integrated control knob that adjusts wind directions of vertical wings and damper opening angles using a gear assembly, allowing for simultaneous left or right movement and easy adjustment of the damper angle with minimal knob movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple horizontal and vertical wings are exposed in the air vent, then wind direction control is improved, but installation space occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential single horizontal wing for wind direction control, removing unnecessary multiple wings to reduce installation space while maintaining functional effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control knob serves multiple functions simultaneously: it controls both the horizontal wing rotation and the damper opening/closing, eliminating the need for separate controls and reducing overall space requirements
2Ease of operation
If a separate damper control knob is used, then damper control is improved, but installation space occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the damper control function with the horizontal wing control into a single integrated control knob, consolidating multiple control functions into one component to reduce installation space
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control knob is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously controls both the horizontal wing position and the damper opening angle, eliminating the need for separate control knobs
3Area of stationary object
If a single horizontal wing is used, then installation space is reduced, but wind direction control capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces vertical wings as intermediary elements that work in conjunction with the single horizontal wing to achieve comprehensive wind direction control, allowing air flow adjustment in multiple directions without requiring multiple horizontal wings
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different functional qualities to different parts: the horizontal wing controls left-right air flow direction, while vertical wings control up-down air flow direction, creating a coordinated system that achieves full directional control with minimal components
4Area of stationary object
If damper control is integrated with wing control, then installation space is reduced, but control mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical linkages with a gear assembly that provides efficient motion transmission and interlocking between the control knob, horizontal wing, and damper, simplifying the overall mechanical structure while maintaining integrated functionality
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 design enhances the freedom in vehicle interior system design by reducing space occupancy, improving aesthetics, and allowing for efficient air flow regulation with a compact, integrated control mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a gear assembly having a plurality of gears is mounted between the integrated control knob and the damper disposed in the rear compartment in an air duct
Data Source
AI summary
A slim-type air vent device for a vehicle may include: a single horizontal wing mounted at an outlet position of a slim air duct to be vertically rotatable, the single horizontal wing being exposed to the outside; an integrated control knob mounted to the single horizontal wing to be horizontally movable; dampers mounted in a rear space in the slim air duct such that an opening angle of each of the dampers is adjustable; a gear assembly disposed between a back surface of the integrated control knob and rotation shafts of the dampers, the gear assembly having a plurality of gears; and a plurality of vertical wings mounted immediately behind the single horizontal wing in an internal space of the slim air duct, to be rotated in a left or right direction by a single link during a left or right movement of the integrated control knob.