Vehicle Air Diffuser Assembly With Dual-Path Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air diffuser assemblies for vehicles with fixed fins lack the ability to direct air flow specifically to different areas of the passenger compartment, are complex, expensive, and can hinder the installation of telematic systems due to space constraints.
Innovation Solution
An air diffuser assembly featuring adjustable fins in series with fixed fins, allowing precise control of air distribution through rotatable throttle valves and a grid with differently oriented fixed fins, enabling flexible air flow direction without compromising manufacturing simplicity or aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If adjustable fins are arranged in series with fixed fins to enable precise air flow direction control, then air distribution precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the fins adjustable rather than fixed. Each fin can be independently positioned to different angles, allowing dynamic adaptation of air flow direction. This resolves the contradiction by enabling precise air distribution control through adjustability while maintaining relatively simple construction compared to complex multi-component systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If adjustable fins are arranged in series with fixed fins to enable precise air flow direction control, then air distribution precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Segmentation principle by dividing the air diffuser into multiple independent fins that can be individually adjusted. Each fin operates independently, allowing precise control of air flow in different directions. This segmentation approach enables precise air distribution while keeping manufacturing costs relatively low, as each fin is a simple, separate component that can be easily manufactured and assembled.
3Manufacturing precision
If adjustable fins are arranged in series with fixed fins to enable precise air flow direction control, then air distribution precision is improved, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Another dimension principle by arranging fins in a series configuration that utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently. The fins are positioned at different locations and angles within the air diffuser housing, allowing precise air flow control without requiring excessive installation space. This spatial arrangement enables high precision air distribution while maintaining compact dimensions suitable for vehicle dashboards.
4Manufacturing precision
If adjustable fins are arranged in series with fixed fins to enable precise air flow direction control, then air distribution precision is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Local quality principle by combining fixed fins and adjustable fins in specific locations within the air diffuser. The fixed fins provide structural support and basic air flow direction, while the adjustable fins provide precise control where needed. This selective arrangement maintains aesthetic appearance in visible areas while enabling precise air distribution control through the adjustable components.
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
Enables simple, precise, and efficient air distribution in the passenger compartment, facilitating compact and cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining high reliability and functional efficiency, allowing for flexible installation without obstructing telematic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a throttle valve (24) arranged in the opening and rotatable about a hinge axis (27) for partializing or closing the inlet passage
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of fixed fins (16, 19, 20) configured to spread the air flow in the passenger compartment
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An air diffuser group (6) for a vehicle, having a hollow body (7) having an air inlet opening (10) and an air outlet opening (13), a throttle valve (24) associated with the air inlet opening (10) and having a blade (25) movable between an open position and a closed position of the air inlet opening (10), and a fixed external air distribution grid (14) being provided with first fixed flow diverter fins (16) to direct an air flow incident in a first direction (18) and second fixed flow diverter fins (19) to direct an air flow incident in a second direction different from the first direction (18), wherein third flow diverter fins (30, 31) movable with the blade (25) are provided to direct at least part of the incoming air flow towards the second fixed flow diverter fins (19) when the throttle valve (24) is arranged in the open position and/or towards the first fixed flow diverter fins (16) when the throttle valve (24) is arranged in an intermediate position between its open and closed positions.