Spiral-Slotted Vehicle Diffuser for Self-Regulating Radial Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle HVAC systems often require complex mechanisms with multiple pieces to control air flow, which can be cumbersome and lack aesthetic appeal, while existing air vents do not efficiently distribute air radially for comfort in varying environments.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior panel with a spiral-slotted diffuser that is formed as a single piece from a sheet material, allowing air to be discharged radially and equally in all directions, serving both as an air distributor and a decorative element, and is self-regulating with increased air pressure causing the diffuser to open and adjust airflow capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanisms with multiple pieces are used to control air flow, then user control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple air flow control functions into a single diffuser component with a spiral slot design. The spiral slot itself provides both the structural integrity and the air flow regulation capability, eliminating the need for separate actuators, fins, and deflectors that would otherwise be required to achieve similar control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a decorative element, an air distributor, and a flow control mechanism. The spiral slot configuration enables the diffuser to regulate air flow while maintaining aesthetic appeal, combining functional and decorative roles in one component.
2Ease of operation
If traditional air vent mechanisms are used, then air flow control is achieved, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functional air vent with the decorative panel surface. The diffuser is designed as an integral part of the interior panel, with the spiral slot pattern serving both as a functional air distribution mechanism and as an aesthetically pleasing decorative element that blends with the surrounding interior design.
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral slot configuration introduces curved, organic patterns to the air vent design, replacing traditional straight lines and angular shapes. This spiral geometry creates visual interest and aesthetic appeal while maintaining effective air flow distribution across the panel surface.
3Ease of operation
If radial air distribution is implemented, then air flow comfort is improved, but mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser divides the air flow into multiple radial streams through the spiral slot configuration. The spiral geometry naturally segments the incoming air flow into concentric patterns that distribute air radially outward, creating comfortable airflow patterns without requiring complex mechanical segmentation devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral slot diffuser passively generates radial air distribution through its geometric design alone, without requiring active control mechanisms, motors, or adjustable components. The shape of the slot itself guides the air flow into radial patterns, allowing the structure to serve its own air distribution function automatically.
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
The spiral-slotted diffuser provides a simple, aesthetically pleasing solution for air distribution, effectively changing air flow capacity and direction without user adjustment, offering radial airflow for comfort in various conditions and suitable for fragrance distribution, while being self-regulating and easy to integrate into vehicle interiors.
Implementation Method 1
increased pressure upstream of the diffuser causes said axial distance to increase
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle interior panel includes a diffuser spanning an air discharge opening. The diffuser has a spiral slot formed therethrough such that changing an axial distance between opposite ends of the slot changes an air flow capacity of the diffuser. The diffuser has an elegant and simplified design and can be made as one piece from a sheet material. Air is discharged from the diffuser radially and substantially equally in all radial directions. The diffuser can also function to provide ambient light from a light source and/or to deliver an air freshening agent to the passenger cabin.