Vehicle Ventilation Fin Reliefs Prevent Object Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air outlet devices for vehicle ventilation systems face issues with small objects passing through, leading to potential damage or ejection, which complicates assembly, increases costs, and reduces ventilation performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating reliefs on the fins and peripheral wall that project at an angle to reduce the space between the fins and wall, preventing small objects from passing while maintaining aeraulic performance and minimizing additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spacing between fins is reduced to prevent small objects from passing, then object passage prevention is improved, but ventilation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reliefs that extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main faces of the fins, adding a third dimension to the fin structure. This dimensional addition creates obstacle elements that block small objects without requiring reduction of the spacing between fins in the primary plane, thereby maintaining ventilation performance while preventing object passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The reliefs are positioned specifically at certain locations on the fin surfaces, particularly near the leading edge or at strategic positions where small objects would first encounter the fins. This localized modification provides effective object prevention only where needed, while leaving other areas of the fin spacing unchanged to maintain overall airflow efficiency.
2Reliability
If a grid is added to prevent small objects from passing, then object passage prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reliefs are integrated directly into the fin structures themselves, combining the object prevention function with the existing airflow control elements. This merging eliminates the need for separate grid components, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective small object prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The reliefs serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as obstacles to prevent small object passage, maintain the structural integrity of the fin assembly, and preserve the aerodynamic characteristics of the original fin design. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
3Reliability
If a grid is added to prevent small objects from passing, then object passage prevention is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reliefs are formed as integral parts of the fin structures during the same manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate grid components and their associated assembly operations. This integration reduces both material costs and assembly costs while achieving effective small object prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The relief structures can be designed as standardized, repeatable features that are easily manufactured using conventional molding or machining techniques. This segmentation into manageable geometric features simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces tooling costs compared to producing complete grid assemblies.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a peripheral wall (3) forming an air duct, and a set of wings (4) extending according to a direction and movable in rotation around axes (A). Each wing includes a main face (10) extending parallel to the wall in a central position from the wing. The wing includes a line of reliefs (16) projecting from the face, and is distributed on the face. Each relief forms a null angle with an axis of the wing to reduce a space between the face of the wing and the adjacent wing or the peripheral wall in the central position. An independent claim is also included for an instrument panel.