Vehicle Air Vent with Shape Memory Alloy Actuator to Reduce Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electric vehicles experience reduced passenger comfort due to noticeable actuator noise and air flow noise from existing air vent systems, despite attempts to address noise with shape memory materials and complex mechanical structures.
Innovation Solution
A compact air vent system incorporating a shape memory alloy actuator and a single rigid air directing body, pivotably arranged within the housing, minimizes noise by using a transmission element to leverage forces for air direction control, allowing for a simple and quiet operation with an aerodynamically shaped air directing body and nozzle-shaped outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shape memory alloy actuators and complex mechanical structures are used to control air direction, then air direction control capability is improved, but actuator noise and air flow noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex mechanical transmission structures (gears, linkages, multiple moving parts) from the air direction control system. Instead, it uses a simplified design where the shape memory alloy actuator directly deforms to move the air guiding element, removing the sources of mechanical noise and reducing air flow turbulence caused by complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation systems with electromagnetic actuators that directly drive the air guiding element. This substitution eliminates mechanical friction, gear noise, and linkage vibrations, significantly reducing actuator noise while maintaining precise air direction control capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple moving parts and complex mechanical structures are used for air direction control, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuator and air guiding element into a more integrated structure, reducing the number of separate moving parts. The shape memory alloy actuator is positioned to directly interact with the air guiding element, eliminating the need for intermediate transmission components and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control through shape memory alloy actuators that can rapidly change shape in response to electrical signals, enabling precise and responsive air direction control without requiring complex mechanical positioning systems. The dynamic deformation of the actuator provides smooth, continuous adjustment of the air guiding element position.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional air vent systems with multiple components are used, then air direction adjustability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and mounting difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air vent system into distinct functional modules: a housing, an air guiding element, and a shape memory alloy actuator. This modular segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using optimized processes and facilitates easier assembly and mounting, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining full air direction adjustability.
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 solution significantly reduces both actuator and air flow noises, providing a quiet and compact air vent system that is easy to mount and operate, enhancing passenger comfort with minimal movable parts and optimal design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The shape memory alloy element (30) can be heated or cooled so as to transform between an austenite phase and a martensite phase
Implementation Method 2
A stream of heated air is provided to an air inlet (14) of the air vent (10)
Data Source
AI summary
An air vent for a vehicle includes a housing with an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air channel between the air inlet and the air outlet; at least one rigid air directing body arranged within the air channel; and an actuator arranged within the housing in order to act on the rigid air-directing body to determine a direction of an air stream exiting the air outlet, where the actuator includes a shape memory alloy element, and the rigid air-directing body is pivotably arranged within the housing by being affixed to a first axis which runs parallel to a second axis to which the actuator is affixed to be pivotably arranged within the housing.