Single-Motor Ventilation Nozzle Control Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control mechanisms for kinematic systems in passenger compartments, such as ventilation nozzles, are complex and require multiple motors to adjust blades independently, leading to inefficiencies and potential noise issues.
Innovation Solution
A simplified control mechanism using a base body with an electromotive drive and sliding block element, where the sliding block is moved in two degrees of freedom by a motor, allowing for independent adjustment of blades without the need for levers and with a two-dimensional control gate design that reduces noise and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple motors are used to adjust blades independently, then the adjustment precision and independence of each blade is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single motor is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling both the radial position and angular orientation of blades through a clever mechanical linkage system. The motor drives a control arm that simultaneously adjusts multiple blades, making one component perform the work of what would traditionally require multiple motors.
Solution Approach 2:
A control arm serves as an intermediary mechanism between the single motor and the multiple blades. This control arm translates the motor's rotational motion into coordinated radial and angular movements of the blades, enabling precise independent control without requiring multiple motors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex control mechanism with levers is used, then the blade adjustment capability is improved, but the noise generation and mechanical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the noisy lever mechanism from the system. By replacing the traditional lever-based control with a direct motor-to-control-arm linkage, the design removes the source of mechanical noise while preserving the blade adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical lever system is replaced with a simplified direct-drive mechanism where the motor directly actuates the control arm. This substitution reduces the number of mechanical contact points and potential noise sources while maintaining full adjustment functionality.
3Device complexity
If a simple control mechanism with one motor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to independently adjust multiple blades is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control arm is designed with dynamic degrees of freedom that allow it to independently position multiple blades in both radial and angular directions. The mechanism uses movable connections and adjustable linkages that enable the single control arm to adapt its configuration for controlling each blade independently, providing versatility despite structural simplicity.
4Reliability
If multiple motors are installed in the ventilation nozzle, then the reliability of blade control is improved, but the space requirement and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of multiple motors into a single motor unit. By combining the control functions for multiple blades into one motor-driven system, the design reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained, thereby simplifying production while ensuring reliable coordinated control of all blades.
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 enables efficient, motor-driven adjustment of blades with manual override, reducing noise and complexity, and allows for precise control of air direction and flow without the need for multiple motors, enhancing the design simplicity and robustness of the kinematic system.
Implementation Method 1
A spring urges the pin in a first of the two orthogonal directions
Implementation Method 2
The control mechanism furthermore includes an, in particular electromotive, drive and at least two driven elements
Data Source
AI summary
A control mechanism for controlling a plurality of movable elements of a ventilation nozzle using only one drive. The control mechanism includes a base body, a control gate, and at least two driven elements. A sliding block element having two degrees of freedom with respect to the base body is guided by alternating movements in two opposite directions of the first degree of freedom by the control gate and, in the process, consecutively abuts the first and/or second driven elements. So as to design such a control mechanism as simply as possible, rotational movements are utilized, instead of translatory movements.