Vehicle Trim Assembly with Hidden Air Vent Deflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
The ergonomic installation of air vents and man-machine interfaces in a motor vehicle passenger compartment is challenging due to space constraints, requiring innovative solutions to facilitate their integration while maintaining readability and usability.
Innovation Solution
A trim assembly with a deflector positioned along an intermediate edge, featuring a profiled guide surface that deflects air jets towards the user, allowing for adjustable air flow direction and integration of man-machine interfaces, enabling discreet air vent placement behind the trim element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If air vents are positioned close to man-machine interfaces to save space, then the installation space utilization is improved, but the visibility and usability of the air vents deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air vent function from the traditional dashboard surface and relocates it to the reverse side of the trim element. This allows the vent to be positioned close to the man-machine interface on the front face while remaining invisible to passengers, thus resolving the contradiction between space utilization and vent visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension by positioning the air vent on the reverse side of the trim element rather than on the same surface as the man-machine interface. This dimensional relocation enables both the compact positioning and the visibility requirement to be satisfied simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the trim element size is increased to accommodate both air vents and man-machine interfaces, then the integration capability is improved, but the space available for other components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air vent and man-machine interface into a single integrated trim element assembly. The vent is positioned on the reverse side while the interface remains on the front face, allowing both functions to coexist in a compact configuration that enhances integration without sacrificing available space.
3Shape
If air vents are hidden from passenger view by positioning them behind the trim element, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the air flow direction control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a deflector as an intermediary component between the hidden air vent and the passenger compartment. This deflector, positioned on the reverse side of the trim element, redirects the air flow from the concealed vent toward the desired direction, thus maintaining both the aesthetic appearance and the air flow control 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 solution enhances the installation of air vents near man-machine interfaces by directing air flow towards users, increasing the trim element's size and hiding air vents from passenger view, thus improving ergonomics and usability in compact spaces.
Implementation Method 1
the air vent is positioned to generate a jet of air flowing along the second face toward the intermediate edge
Data Source
AI summary
A trim assembly having a trim element and an air vent designed to be supplied with air. The trim element includes a first face designed to be oriented toward a user, a second face opposite the first face, and an edge extending between the first face and the second face. The air vent is positioned to generate a jet of air flowing along the second face toward the edge.