Ventilation Outlet Diffuser Rotation for Axial-Radial Air Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation outlets face logistical challenges in switching between axial and radial diffusion configurations, as they require cumbersome carriage of diffusion elements, leading to impractical and unreliable operation.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation outlet with a base and a diffusion element featuring a first grille for axial diffusion, which can move between positions to open or close radial openings through a rotational movement around the air duct's longitudinal axis, utilizing inclined ramps to secure the diffusion element in place, allowing for simple and reliable configuration changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If diffusion elements are carried and exchanged to switch between radial and axial configurations, then configuration versatility is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to logistical problems
Solution Approach 1:
The diffusion element is made dynamically adjustable through rotational movement around the longitudinal axis of the air duct. The element can rotate between a first position where it defines radial openings and a second position where it closes these openings, enabling seamless switching between radial and axial diffusion configurations without requiring physical exchange of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffusion element is designed to perform multiple functions: it can define radial openings for radial diffusion, close these openings for axial diffusion, and provide sealed engagement with the base through its peripheral edge. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate diffusion elements for different configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual translation movement is used to uncover or close side openings, then configuration switching is attempted, but reliability deteriorates as the diffusion element is not held in position
Solution Approach 1:
The diffusion element utilizes rotational movement around the longitudinal axis instead of manual translation. This rotational mechanism is guided by inclined ramps that ensure the element moves precisely between defined positions (first position for radial openings, second position for closed openings), providing reliable position holding through the mechanical guidance of the ramps.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined ramps act as intermediary mechanical guides between the diffusion element and the base. These ramps mediate the movement of the diffusion element, ensuring it transitions reliably between positions and remains securely held during operation, eliminating the position-holding reliability issues of manual translation methods.
3Reliability
If a rotational movement mechanism with ramps is used, then position holding reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational movement mechanism is merged with the basic structure of the diffusion element and base. The inclined ramps are integrated into the base, and the diffusion element's peripheral edge is designed to engage directly with these ramps. This merging approach provides reliable position holding through sealed engagement without adding separate, complex positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic rotational movement around the longitudinal axis is achieved through the inherent geometry of the diffusion element and base interaction. The inclined ramps naturally guide the rotation and provide position holding, eliminating the need for additional complex mechanical components while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
The opening (B) has a base (2) provided with an air duct (4), and a diffusion element (10) provided with a grill for diffusing air flow in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis (X-X') of the duct. The element passes from a position to another position by rotational movement around the axis with respect to the base. Rotation of the element with respect to the base implies translation of the element with respect to the base along the axis. The element has members i.e. tabs (110), adapted for cooperating with inclined ramps (200) arranged on the base.