Slim Vehicle Vent Knob for Dual-Axis Airflow Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing use of slim profile vents in vehicle interiors makes it difficult to utilize traditional adjustment mechanisms for controlling airflow direction, as these mechanisms are not compatible with the slim profile configuration.
Innovation Solution
A vent assembly with a bezel defining a vent opening, featuring a primary vane and secondary vanes that are selectively movable about their respective axes, controlled by an adjustment knob that allows for both linear and rotational movement to adjust airflow direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional slide lever mechanisms are used to control airflow direction, then the adjustment mechanism is simple and easy to manufacture, but the mechanism is not compatible with slim profile vent configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of primary vane and secondary vanes into a single adjustment knob mechanism. The adjustment knob simultaneously controls both the primary vane (for up-down airflow direction) and secondary vanes (for side-to-side airflow direction), merging two separate control functions into one integrated mechanism that fits the slim profile vent configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dual-axis control system where the adjustment knob operates in two dimensions: linear movement along the knob axis controls the primary vane, while rotational movement about the knob axis controls the secondary vanes. This dimensional approach allows full airflow direction control within a compact space suitable for slim profile vents.
2Shape
If a compact adjustment mechanism is used for slim profile vents, then the vent maintains a sleek design, but the mechanism must control multiple vanes with different axes of rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control where the adjustment knob can perform two distinct types of movement: linear displacement along its axis to rotate the primary vane, and rotational displacement about its axis to rotate the secondary vanes. This dynamic, multi-mode operation allows comprehensive airflow control from a single compact interface, maintaining the sleek slim profile while ensuring ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A vent assembly of a vehicle includes a bezel defining a vent opening through which an airflow is directed. A primary vane extends across the vent opening. The primary vane is selectably movable about a primary vane axis to adjust a direction of the airflow. A plurality of secondary vanes are arrayed across the vent opening. Each primary vane is selectably movable about a secondary vane axis nonparallel to the primary vane axis to adjust the direction of the airflow. An adjustment knob has a knob central axis. The adjustment knob is configured such that movement of the adjustment knob along the knob central axis moves the primary vane about the primary vane axis, and rotating the adjustment knob about the knob central axis moves the plurality of secondary vanes about their respective secondary vane axes.