Windshield Airflow Deflector for Slim Instrument Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle air-conditioning systems require a wider instrument panel to direct air towards the front seat, compromising the panel's width and design aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a blow opening on the instrument panel and an adjustable flow adjusting portion along the front windshield to direct air towards the seat without expanding the panel, with optional storage in the roof trim and automatic activation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a blow opening is provided in the instrument panel to direct air toward the front seat, then air-conditioning performance is improved, but the instrument panel width increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the air outlet from the horizontal plane (front panel) to the vertical plane (top surface), allowing air to be directed toward the front seat without increasing the instrument panel's front-rear width. The blow opening portion is formed on the top surface extending in the vehicle width direction, changing the dimension of air delivery from longitudinal to lateral.
Solution Approach 2:
The air-conditioning system is divided into multiple air outlet paths: one through the blow opening portion on the top surface for front seat air delivery, and another through the draft door for rear seat air delivery. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each air delivery path without requiring the instrument panel to expand for rear seat ventilation.
2Ease of operation
If the flow adjusting portion is always visible, then air flow adjustment functionality is accessible, but the vehicle cabin design aesthetic is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flow adjusting portion is designed to be movable between a stored position within the roof trim and a deployed position along the upper edge of the front windshield. When not in use, it is concealed within the roof trim maintaining aesthetic appearance. When air-conditioning is activated or adjustment is needed, it extends to the functional position, allowing dynamic transition between aesthetic and functional states.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow adjusting portion is nested within the roof trim when not in use, similar to a nested doll structure. The adjusting mechanism is housed inside the roof trim cavity, allowing it to be concealed when not needed while remaining accessible when deployed, thus maintaining both aesthetic appearance and functional accessibility.
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
Maintains a good air-conditioning environment while reducing the instrument panel's width, enhancing design and occupant comfort with automatic wind direction adjustment and reduced light interference.
Implementation Method 1
The flow adjusting portion is configured to adjust the flow of the wind flowing along the inner surface such that the wind flows toward the vehicle seat side
Data Source
AI summary
In a vehicle, a flow adjusting plate is placed along an upper edge part of a front windshield, so that the flow of wind flowing along an inner surface of the front windshield is adjustable by the flow adjusting plate. Further, the angle of the flow adjusting plate from the inner surface is adjustable, so that the flow adjusting plate allows the direction of the wind flowing along the inner surface to be directed toward a seat placed behind an instrument panel in the vehicle front-rear direction.