Windshield Defroster Grille Layout to Reduce Dashboard Reflections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield defrosting systems in vehicles often result in unaesthetic reflections on the windshield and suboptimal air distribution, leading to unsatisfactory defrosting performance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle with a windshield, a covering element having a U-shaped cross section, and an air-guiding element with a wall element and a grille element. The air-guiding element is configured to direct air optimally onto the windshield, while the covering element's design minimizes visual disturbance and enhances stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a panel is attached at the location where air emerges from the dashboard to defrost the windshield, then defrosting functionality is provided, but it causes reflection on the windshield leading to unaesthetic impression and disturbance to occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful reflective panel from the traditional air outlet location and replaces it with a covering element that conceals the air-guiding element. The air outlet is repositioned to the side of the dashboard rather than the center, eliminating the need for a reflective panel in the driver's field of view while maintaining defrosting functionality through the side-mounted air guidance system.
2Reliability
If air is not optimally distributed on the windshield, then defrosting operation cannot proceed satisfactorily, but increasing air distribution complexity may increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a three-dimensional air-guiding element with multiple surfaces (front, rear, top, and side surfaces) that directs air flow in multiple dimensions across the windshield. The air-guiding element features a complex geometric structure with angled surfaces that naturally distribute air across different zones of the windshield, achieving optimal air distribution through geometric design rather than complex mechanical control systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the grille element is configured to be delicate for aesthetic purposes, then visual appearance is improved, but stability and installation reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the delicate grille element with a robust air-guiding element structure. The air-guiding element provides a sturdy framework that houses the delicate grille, combining the aesthetic benefits of a delicate design with the structural stability of a robust mounting system. The grille element is integrated into the air-guiding element's geometry, allowing it to maintain its delicate appearance while being supported by the stronger surrounding structure.
4Reliability
If the air-guiding element is made stable and robust, then installation reliability is improved, but the grille element extent in transverse direction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air-guiding element into multiple functional zones: a central robust section for structural stability and mounting, and extended side sections that increase the grille element's transverse extent. The air-guiding element features a multi-part structure where different sections serve different purposes - the core provides stability while the extended portions maximize air distribution width across the windshield.
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 ensures optimal air distribution across the windshield, improving defrosting efficiency while maintaining a visually appealing and unobstructed view for vehicle occupants.
Implementation Method 1
Air can thus pass out of the ventilation system via the air supply to the air-guiding element
Implementation Method 2
in order to defrost a windshield, vehicles conduct hot air through a separate channel onto the windshield
Implementation Method 3
The grille element comprises air-conducting elements for adjusting a flow direction of the air flowing through the grille element
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle has a windshield, a cladding element having a front surface, which faces the windshield, a rear surface, which faces away from the windshield, and a top surface, which is arranged between the front surface and the rear surface and is angled toward the front surface and rear surface. An airflow element has a wall element, a grille element and an air inlet. At least the front surface and the top surface of the cladding element have a recess in which the wall element and the grille element are arranged. The grille element is designed to direct air from the airflow element to the windshield.