Vehicle Airflow Vent Control With Dynamic Direction Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle air conditioning systems lack the ability to dynamically control the direction of air flow and provide a visual representation of airflow direction, limiting user customization and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a motorized directional air flow control feature and a display that sequentially varies the direction of conditioned air flow and correspondingly updates an air flow graphic to reflect these changes, controlled by a controller in response to user input or predetermined routines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a motorized directional air flow control feature is added to dynamically adjust air flow direction, then user customization and comfort are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a motorized directional air flow control feature that can dynamically adjust the direction of air flow based on user preferences. The motorized actuator enables the air flow control feature to move between different positions, transforming a static air flow system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing user needs, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the feedback principle by incorporating a display that provides visual feedback to the user about the current air flow direction. The display shows a representation of the air flow and updates in response to user inputs, creating a closed-loop system where the user can see the effect of their adjustments and make further modifications if needed. This feedback mechanism simplifies the user interaction with the complex motorized control system.
2Loss of information
If a display with air flow graphic representation is implemented, then visual feedback and user understanding are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a visual representation (graphic) on the display that copies or represents the physical air flow pattern. Instead of directly showing complex fluid dynamics, the system creates a simplified graphical copy that mirrors the air flow direction and intensity, making the information accessible and understandable to users without adding significant complexity to the display system itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the display to serve multiple functions: it shows the air flow graphic representation, provides visual feedback about system state, and guides user interaction. This multi-functional approach consolidates several information delivery functions into a single component, improving information visualization while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a predetermined actuation sequence is executed for extended duration, then air flow distribution coverage is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the periodic action principle by executing a predetermined actuation sequence that systematically moves the air flow control feature through different positions in a structured pattern. This periodic movement ensures comprehensive coverage of different air flow directions over time, allowing the system to explore multiple configurations methodically while maintaining a predictable and manageable time duration for the actuation sequence.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a vehicle includes an air conditioning system, a motorized directional air flow control feature, a display, and a controller configured to initiate a variable air flow routine. Initiation of the variable air flow routine prompts execution of a predetermined actuation sequence of the motorized directional air flow control feature such that the direction of air flowing from the air conditioning system into a cabin of the vehicle is varied sequentially by the motorized directional air flow control feature. Initiation of the variable air flow routine further prompts the display to display an air flow graphic having a directional quality that corresponds with the orientation of the motorized directional air flow control feature such that the directional quality of the air flow graphic varies sequentially with the direction of the air flowing from the air conditioning system.