Vehicle Ventilation Control Element Radial Guiding Rib
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control elements for vehicle ventilation and air conditioning units with air distribution flaps have complex production processes due to undercuts in grooves, requiring movable mould parts and increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
A control element with a protruding radial guiding rib on its circumferential surface, dividing it into axially distinct regions, allowing for simple and cost-effective production without undercuts, and featuring additional guiding geometries on axial end surfaces for independent control of output elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a groove is used on the circumferential surface to control output elements, then the control function is achieved, but the production process becomes complicated due to undercuts requiring movable mould parts
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a groove that directs inwards (creating an undercut), the patent uses a guiding rib that protrudes outwards from the circumferential surface. This inversion eliminates the undercut problem, allowing the control element to be produced with simple stationary mould parts while maintaining the same control function for output elements
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple output elements are controlled independently, then the control functionality is improved, but the spatial arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the axial dimension in addition to the radial dimension. Guiding geometries are provided on axial end surfaces, creating a two-dimensional control surface (radial + axial). This allows multiple output elements to be controlled independently by engaging at different positions and orientations, simplifying the spatial arrangement compared to using only radial grooves
Data Source
AI summary
A control element of a vehicle ventilation and/or air conditioning unit, in particular for controlling air distribution flaps, has a rotational axis and a circumferential surface encircling around the rotational axis. On the encircling circumferential surface the control element has at least one guiding rib which protrudes in the radial direction in relation to the circumferential surface. The guiding rib divides the control element into an axially front region and an axially rear region. A control assembly of at least one air distribution flap of a vehicle ventilation and/or air conditioning unit comprises a control element of this type and an output element which is coupled to the guiding rib of the control element.