Vehicle Vent Assembly with Multi-Channel Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle air vents face challenges in directing airflow effectively due to limited space in vertically slim instrument panels, leading to increased pressure and unwanted noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) issues, as well as a perception of poor quality from flexible shutters.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle vent assembly with multiple flow channels, including a primary airflow and secondary airflows that exert pressures to control the direction of the primary airflow, utilizing a climate control system or stand-alone sources, and selectively operable vanes and covers to manage airflow direction and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional single-flow-channel vents are used in vertically slim instrument panels, then the device complexity is reduced, but the airflow direction control capability deteriorates and NVH issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vent assembly is divided into multiple independent flow channels (first flow channel for primary airflow, second flow channel for first secondary airflow, third flow channel for second secondary airflow). Each channel can be controlled independently to achieve precise airflow direction control while managing pressure distribution to reduce NVH issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vertical stacking of flow channels (second flow channel disposed above the first flow channel, third flow channel disposed below the first flow channel) to utilize the vertical dimension in slim instrument panels. This multi-dimensional arrangement enables complex airflow control without increasing horizontal footprint.
2Volume of moving object
If vertically slim instrument panel space is used, then the compactness is improved, but the pressure increases leading to NVH issues
Solution Approach 1:
The total airflow is segmented into primary airflow and secondary airflows through separate channels. This segmentation allows pressure management by distributing airflow through multiple paths, reducing pressure concentration and associated NVH issues while maintaining compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
Secondary airflows act as intermediaries that exert pressure control on the primary airflow. The second and third flow channels provide intermediary pressure zones that modulate the primary airflow from the first flow channel, enabling pressure management in the compact vent assembly.
3Ease of operation
If conventional adjustable vents are used, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the airflow direction precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vent assembly uses multiple discrete flow channels with selective operability, allowing precise airflow direction control through independent channel activation. This segmented approach achieves high direction precision while using standard manufacturing techniques for each channel component.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent assembly employs selectively operable flow channels that can be dynamically activated or deactivated based on desired airflow direction. This dynamic control mechanism provides precise airflow direction adjustment without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, simplifying manufacturing.
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 effectively directs airflow, addresses NVH concerns, and maintains a visually appealing and robust design by utilizing secondary airflows to manage pressure and improve airflow directionality within the vehicle cabin.
Implementation Method 1
A second flow channel selectively operates a first secondary airflow that exerts a first pressure on the primary airflow. A third flow channel selectively operates a second secondary airflow that exerts a second pressure on the primary airflow.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle vent assembly includes a first flow channel selectively operating a primary airflow. A second flow channel selectively operates a first secondary airflow that exerts a first pressure on the primary airflow. A third flow channel selectively operates a second secondary airflow that exerts a second pressure on the primary airflow. The first and second secondary airflows control a direction of the primary airflow. The first pressure includes a positive or negative pressure, and the second pressure includes a respective negative or positive pressure.