Wind Direction Adjustment Device with Ball Joint Stopper
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wind direction adjustment devices for vehicles, the stopper function can cause detachment at the ball joint section when the passenger pushes the knob too far, leading to instability in pivoting manipulability.
Innovation Solution
A wind direction adjustment device with a support section that includes a pivoting base portion, a ball portion, a ball accommodating portion, and abutting portions, where the ball portion is positioned coaxially with the manipulation knob, and a soft member covers at least a portion of the ball portion to stabilize pivoting and reduce detachment risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the stopper function is configured with the movable louver and another part abutting each other at the outer edge portion, then the wind direction adjustment device achieves a compact structure, but detachment occurs at the ball joint section when the passenger pushes the knob too far
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary stopper portion that mediates between the movable louver and the fixed part. This stopper portion is provided on the movable louver and abuts against the fixed part to prevent excessive pivoting, while being positioned away from the ball joint section to avoid causing detachment. The intermediary structure distributes the stopping force and protects the ball joint from direct impact loads.
2Device complexity
If the stopper function is positioned at the outer edge portion of the movable louver, then the structure is simplified, but the force acting on the abutting portions increases causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a soft member that covers the ball portion. This soft member acts as a cushion that absorbs and distributes the force when the stopper portion abuts against the fixed part, preventing excessive force from being transmitted to the ball joint section. The cushioning effect stabilizes the pivoting operation and prevents detachment.
3Ease of operation
If the ball portion is positioned on the coaxial line with the manipulation portion, then the pivoting operation is smoothed, but the ball joint section becomes vulnerable to detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper portion serves as an intermediary element that prevents excessive pivoting motion while allowing smooth operation within the normal range. By positioning the stopper portion to abut against the fixed part before the ball joint can detach, it mediates between the manipulation force and the ball joint, protecting the joint while maintaining operational smoothness.
Solution Approach 2:
The soft member covering the ball portion provides beforehand cushioning that absorbs impact forces during pivoting operation. This cushioning protects the ball joint section from sudden loads that could cause detachment, while allowing the ball portion to maintain its coaxial positioning for smooth pivoting operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Wind direction adjustment device is provided with cylindrical case body, movable louver including manipulation knob, and support section which supports movable louver inside the case body such that movable louver is capable of pivoting. Support section is provided with link which is provided on one of the case body side and the movable louver side and includes ball portion, at least a portion of which is on a coaxial line with manipulation knob at a neutral position of movable louver. Support section is provided with bearing portion which is provided on the other of the case body side and the movable louver side and receives ball portion. Support section is provided with protruding portion which is provided on movable louver. Support section is provided with stopper portion which is provided on link and sets a pivoting end of movable louver by abutting against protruding portion.