Adaptive duct
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsRogelio Hernandez, Enrique Gomez Bravo, Carlos Ivan Delgado, Jorge Israel Barrera, Alejandro Zaragoza
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Abstract
Aspects of the disclosure include an adaptive duct for automotive applications. An exemplary adaptive duct can include an inlet connector configured to receive an incoming air flow volume, an outlet connector, and an adaptive body between the inlet connector and the outlet connector. The adaptive body can be coupled to an end of the inlet connector and to an end of the outlet connector. The adaptive body is made of a flexible material having a cross-sectional area that expands and contracts responsive to the incoming air flow volume.
Claims17
An adaptive duct comprising:
- an inlet connector configured to receive an incoming air flow volume;
- an outlet connector;
- and
- an adaptive body between the inlet connector and the outlet connector, the adaptive body coupled to an end of the inlet connector and to an end of the outlet connector;
- wherein the adaptive body comprises a material having a cross-sectional area that expands and contracts responsive to the incoming air flow volume;
- wherein a surface of the adaptive body includes one or more collapsible features comprising a configuration of interlocking creases and folds, the collapsible features arranged in a herringbone tessellation pattern.
A vehicle comprising:
- an air flow system configured to receive an incoming air flow volume, the air flow system comprising an adaptive duct, the adaptive duct comprising:
- an inlet connector;
- an outlet connector;
- and
- an adaptive body between the inlet connector and the outlet connector, the adaptive body coupled to an end of the inlet connector and to an end of the outlet connector;
- wherein the adaptive body comprises a material having a cross-sectional area that expands and contracts responsive to the incoming air flow volume;
- wherein a surface of the adaptive body includes one or more collapsible features comprising a configuration of interlocking creases and folds, the collapsible features arranged in a herringbone tessellation pattern.
A method comprising:
- coupling an adaptive duct to an air flow source, the adaptive duct comprising:
- an inlet connector configured to receive an incoming air flow volume from the air flow source;
- an outlet connector;
- and
- an adaptive body between the inlet connector and the outlet connector, the adaptive body coupled to an end of the inlet connector and to an end of the outlet connector, wherein the adaptive body comprises a material having a cross-sectional area that expands and contracts responsive to the incoming air flow volume, wherein a surface of the adaptive body includes one or more collapsible features comprising a configuration of interlocking creases and folds, the collapsible features arranged in a herringbone tessellation pattern;
- providing a first incoming air flow volume from the air flow source to the inlet connector;
- and
- dynamically adjusting the cross-sectional area of the adaptive body responsive to the first incoming air flow volume.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.