Vehicle Air Vent Blending Surface for Hidden Outlet Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air supply systems for vehicles face limitations in reducing vent outlet visibility and maintaining control and stability, particularly in minimizing outlet slot height and proximity to non-aerodynamic objects, which restricts flexibility and integration with other vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
The thermal system employs a vent structure with two vents and a blending surface, allowing for aerodynamic positioning of air jets, minimizing slot height, and enabling integration with other objects by angling outlets away from typical sightlines, while maintaining control over airflow direction and speed through a sophisticated control system that includes user inputs, sensors, and actuated vanes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If vent outlets are positioned to be visible from typical sightlines, then airflow control and visibility are maintained, but vent visibility increases and surface space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions vent outlets in non-traditional three-dimensional locations on vehicle surfaces, such as along the A-pillar, dashboard edges, and door frames, rather than conventional horizontal slots. This spatial repositioning allows vents to integrate with structural components while directing airflow into the cabin, effectively utilizing surface space and reducing visual prominence.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning vent outlets to face directly into the cabin from visible locations, the patent inverts the approach by placing outlets in peripheral or elevated positions that are less visible from typical occupant sightlines. The airflow direction is angled to achieve effective air distribution while the outlet positions themselves remain visually minimized or hidden.
2Adaptability or versatility
If outlet slot height is minimized for aerodynamic integration, then component integration improves, but control precision over airflow direction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vent system into multiple separate outlet positions distributed across different surfaces (dashboard, A-pillar, door frames) rather than relying on a single large vent. Each outlet can be independently controlled with simple flaps or vanes, achieving precise airflow direction control through multiple small openings while maintaining aerodynamic integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates movable flaps, vanes, or adjustable mechanisms at each vent outlet that can dynamically change the airflow direction in real-time. These dynamic elements allow small outlet slots to precisely control airflow direction by adjusting the angle of the movable components, compensating for the limited size of each individual outlet.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vents are placed in non-traditional locations for better integration, then component integration and surface space utilization improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal vent outlet structure that can be applied to multiple locations on the vehicle (dashboard, A-pillar, door frames) using the same basic components and control mechanisms. This modular universal design allows flexible placement in non-traditional locations while avoiding system complexity by reusing standardized parts and control logic across all vent positions.
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 configuration reduces vent visibility, enhances component integration, preserves surface space, and allows for flexible vent placement, including non-traditional locations, while maintaining effective airflow control and direction, suitable for various vehicle designs including autonomous vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
aerodynamic positioning of air jets, minimizing slot height, and enabling integration with other objects by angling outlets away from typical sightlines
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal system for a vehicle, including a first vent (202) and a second vent (206) connected to at least one air source corresponding to an HVAC unit, wherein each vent (202, 206) receives air from the at least one air source to produce a plane of air, the first and second vents (202, 206) are configured to respectively redirect a first plane of air and a second plane of air to intersect on or along a portion of a blending surface (204) to form a combined air jet which can be directed into a cabin of the vehicle and the 208 blending surface can be a flat, convex, or concave display or instrument panel.