Steering Wheel Ventilation with Direct and Diffuse Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering wheel ventilation systems lack flexibility in adapting to the comfort needs of vehicle occupants, as they primarily direct air flow directly between the steering column and wheel, with limited options for adjusting the cooling effect, leading to potential discomfort due to excessive cooling.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel ventilation apparatus with a ventilation device having two outlets: one for a direct laminar air flow and another for a diffuse air flow, allowing selective discharge via either or both outlets, with adjustable flaps and an acting mechanism to control the flow distribution, enabling customizable air flow patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air flow is discharged directly via the first outlet, then cooling effect for the vehicle occupant is improved, but ventilation comfort deteriorates due to excessive cooling intensity and direct blowing
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation duct is segmented into two separate outlets: a first outlet for direct air flow and a second outlet for diffuse air flow. This segmentation allows independent control of direct cooling and diffuse ventilation, enabling the system to provide cooling effect while avoiding excessive direct blowing discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable flaps (first flap and second flap) that can dynamically change the flow cross-sections of the two outlets. By adjusting the ratio of direct to diffuse air flow in real-time, the system adapts to varying occupant comfort requirements while maintaining effective cooling.
2Ease of operation
If air flow is discharged diffusely via the second outlet, then ventilation comfort is improved through homogeneous distribution, but cooling effect deteriorates due to reduced direct blowing intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system separates the diffuse air flow function into a dedicated second outlet, allowing it to provide homogeneous distribution around the steering wheel without competing with the direct cooling function of the first outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges both direct and diffuse air flow discharges through a single ventilation device behind the steering wheel. The adjustable flaps enable the system to combine both flow types in various ratios, achieving both cooling effect and ventilation comfort simultaneously.
3Productivity
If only direct air flow discharge is provided, then cooling efficiency is improved, but adaptability to varying occupant requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses adjustable flaps connected to actuators that can dynamically change the flow characteristics of both outlets. This allows the system to adapt between pure direct flow, pure diffuse flow, or any combination thereof, providing high adaptability to varying occupant preferences while maintaining cooling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both direct and diffuse discharge capabilities in one system. It can operate in multiple modes (direct cooling only, diffuse ventilation only, or combination), making it universally adaptable to different occupant requirements.
4Ease of operation
If ventilation device is arranged centrally behind the steering wheel, then homogeneous air flow distribution is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional outlets and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
While the ventilation device is centrally arranged, the duct is segmented into two separate outlets with independent control. This segmentation allows each outlet to be optimized for its specific function (direct or diffuse) while maintaining the central arrangement benefit of homogeneous distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
A single centrally arranged ventilation device performs multiple functions through its two outlets and adjustable flaps. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate systems into one device, achieving homogeneous distribution without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
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
Enhances ventilation comfort by allowing flexible air flow distribution, providing a homogeneous air flow around the steering wheel, reducing direct blowing intensity and improving overall interior ventilation, thus accommodating varying occupant preferences.
Implementation Method 1
a ventilation duct (14) which has a first outlet (16) for discharging an air flow directly in the direction of a vehicle occupant seated in front of the steering wheel (10), and a second outlet (18) for discharging a diffuse air flow, the ventilation duct (14) being set up to discharge an air flow selectively via the first outlet (16) and/or the second outlet (18)
Data Source
AI summary
A steering-wheel ventilation device for a vehicle includes a steering wheel, a ventilation device which is arranged behind the steering wheel and has a ventilation duct which has a first outlet for discharging an air flow directly towards a vehicle occupant sitting in front of the steering wheel and a second outlet for discharging a diffuse air flow. The ventilation duct is configured to discharge an air flow either via the first outlet and/or the second outlet.