Vehicle Ventilator Louvre Layout for Compact Multi-Channel Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern motor vehicles face challenges in installing ventilator assemblies due to limited space and complex geometries, leading to difficult assembly processes and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
The ventilator assembly design features air vents positioned independently of the diffuser outlet, allowing for parallel axes of the louvres, which simplifies the installation of stepper motors and reduces assembly complexity. Additionally, a single stepper motor with a cam plate can operate multiple louvres, reducing the number of motors needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air vents are positioned close to diffuser outlet to optimize air flow, then ventilation efficiency is improved, but assembly complexity increases due to complex geometries and difficult assembly processes
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator assembly is divided into modular components: diffuser, multiple air discharge channels with louvres, and stepper motors. Each component can be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining ventilation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions air discharge channels and louvres in a three-dimensional arrangement with parallel axes, allowing air vents to be optimally positioned for air flow while maintaining simple assembly geometry. The parallel axis configuration enables standardized motor mounting.
2Manufacturing precision
If different geometrical configurations are used for each air discharge channel to optimize air flow control, then air flow control precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to inability to use identical parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs identical stepper motors and parallel axis configurations for all air discharge channels. These universal components can control different air flows while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized production of identical parts.
Solution Approach 2:
While using identical components throughout the system, the patent allows each air discharge channel to have its own louvre positioned and oriented specifically for its location, providing local optimization for air flow control while maintaining global manufacturing efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate motors are used for each louvre to enable independent control, then air flow control versatility is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple louvres that share common control requirements into groups actuated by single stepper motors. This merging reduces the total number of motors while maintaining sufficient control versatility through the parallel axis configuration and independent louvre positioning.
4Volume of moving object
If complex assembly processes are used to accommodate limited installation space, then installation space utilization is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator assembly is segmented into compact modular components that can be efficiently packed into limited installation spaces. The modular nature allows for space-optimized arrangement while maintaining simple assembly processes through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement with parallel axes and vertically stacked air discharge channels to maximize installation space utilization. This dimensional optimization allows compact packaging without requiring complex assembly procedures.
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 design results in a more straightforward and cost-effective installation process, minimizing production costs and optimizing the use of available installation space while maintaining effective air flow control.
Implementation Method 1
A radial fan is placed at the intake end of the diffusor. A radial fan normally takes air in axially, and deflects it 90° as it is discharged. This results in a radial discharge direction in relation to the rotational axis, by which means higher pressures can be obtained, or greater pressure losses can be overcome
Data Source
AI summary
A ventilator assembly is provided. The ventilator assembly includesat least one fan, anda diffusor, which opens into at least a first air discharge channel, a second air discharge channel, and a third air discharge channel,wherein a first louvre that can pivot about a first axis is placed in the first air discharge channel, a second louvre that can pivot about a second axis is placed in the second air discharge channel, and a third louvre that can pivot about a third axis is placed in the third air discharge channel, to control the respective air flows, and wherein the first axis, second axis, and third axis are parallel to one another.