Vehicle Air Diffuser with Movable Guiding Blade for Reduced Clogging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air diffusers for vehicles face challenges in optimizing air outlet direction and efficiency due to clogging issues and complexity in design, leading to suboptimal airflow and increased component count.

Innovation Solution

An air diffuser with a central guiding blade that moves between upper and lower zones within the diffuser cavity, creating two channels and maintaining parallelism to the inner surfaces, thereby optimizing airflow direction and reducing component complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple blades are used in the diffuser to direct air in different directions, then air flow control is improved, but the space occupied and aesthetic appearance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow direction controlVSAvoidspace occupied in dashboard
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The diffuser is divided into multiple air outlets (first air outlet and second air outlet) with separate control mechanisms. Each outlet can independently control air flow direction, allowing the system to achieve versatile air distribution while maintaining a compact overall structure that doesn't occupy excessive dashboard space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If air is clogged up in the outlet zone to achieve Coand effect, then air adherence to arched surfaces is improved, but air flow channeling deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair adherence to surfacesVSAvoidair flow channeling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The diffuser employs different structural characteristics in different zones: the outlet zone features arched surfaces to generate the Coand effect and enhance air adherence, while the inlet zone maintains a more open, channelled structure to ensure efficient air flow. This local differentiation allows both air adherence and flow efficiency to be optimized in their respective zones without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If a guiding means and clogging element are used separately, then air flow control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow control capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding means and clogging element are merged into a single integrated component structure. The internal geometry of the diffuser cavity itself serves both functions: it guides the air flow while simultaneously creating the clogging effect needed for the Coand phenomenon. This integration eliminates the need for separate movable guiding elements and clogging elements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full air flow control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Volume of moving object

If the channel is widened near the air outlet, then air expansion is improved, but air flow direction is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair expansion volumeVSAvoidair flow direction control
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of widening the channel in the horizontal plane (which would lose directional control), the diffuser utilizes the vertical dimension by creating arched surfaces that extend upward and downward from the outlet. The air flow is directed along these vertical arches, allowing volume expansion while maintaining precise directional control through the shaped surfaces that guide the air in a specific vertical pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 ensures optimal air direction without clogging, reduces component complexity, and enhances airflow efficiency by minimizing obstacles and maintaining consistent channel narrowing, resulting in improved air routing and reduced space usage.

Implementation Method 1

with an arched shape in such a way that air adheres to the walls by the Coand effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoand effect: Coanda Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3632726B1Air diffuser for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 SEAT SA
  • EP3632726B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3632726B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3632726B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Air diffuser for a vehicle (1), comprising a casing (2) defining an air inlet opening (21), an air outlet opening (22), and a cavity (23), wherein the casing (2) comprises a first wall (24) and a second wall (25) facing each other defining a narrowing of the cavity (23) up to the outlet opening (22), wherein the air diffuser further comprises a guiding means (3) arranged in the cavity (23), with a first end (31) close to the outlet opening (22), the guiding means (3) being movable between a first position, where the first end (31) is arranged adjacent to the first wall (24), and a second position, where the first end (31) is arranged adjacent to the second wall (25).