Importance

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Abstract

In an automobile air flow system, air is forced through an air outlet element or nozzle in a sweeping air stream pattern by an oscillatory member that is supported for air initiated oscillatory movement in the flow path of the air from the source. The oscillatory member is proportioned with respect to the cross-sectional size of the outlet such that at any extreme of its oscillatory movement it does not physically contact any other structural member. In a preferred embodiment, the oscillatory member includes an impingement element and is supported by a spring, the rate of oscillation of the impingement member being directly related to the spring constant and the weight of the impingement member. In a highly preferred embodiment of the invention for the defrost system of the automobile, the oscillatory impingement member is in the flow channels to the windshield defrost system and causes uniformly swept air jet to sweep over the windshield so that the intensity of the heated air, because of minimal mixing with ambient, is maximized at the point of impact of the air stream in the windshield which is uniformly distributed by the sweeping action of the jet stream. This is accomplished by having the sweep frequency low enough compared to the velocity of the jet so that the wavelength is long compared to the nozzle to windshield distance. The oscillatory element can be in the shape of an inverted 'T' or 'L' wherein the stem of the 'T' or 'L' is adjustably held a preferred angular orientation relative to the direction of air flow to provide a simple and efficient flow controller.

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First Claim