Active Aero Shutter With Counterrotating Vanes for Drag and Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active aero shutters for motor vehicles have limited design possibilities due to all vanes rotating in the same direction, restricting drag performance and cooling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An active aero shutter with counterrotating closing plates mounted on angled rotational axes, allowing independent movement and control of airflow through a frame with a hinge mechanism and actuator system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If all vanes are connected to one and the same drive link and rotate in the same direction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the design flexibility and drag performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is divided into multiple independently controllable vane groups, each with its own drive link. This segmentation allows different vanes to rotate in different directions and at different angles, enabling complex airflow patterns and improved drag performance while maintaining reasonable device complexity through modular control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces multi-dimensional rotation capabilities by allowing vanes to rotate around different axes (horizontal and vertical axes) rather than being constrained to a single rotation plane. This dimensional expansion enables three-dimensional airflow manipulation and significantly increases design flexibility
2Ease of manufacture
If vanes are oriented either vertically or horizontally and all rotate around either a horizontal or vertical axis, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the design possibilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs asymmetric vane configurations where adjacent vanes can have different orientations (some vertical, some horizontal) and rotate around different axes. This asymmetry breaks the conventional uniform rotation pattern and enables customized airflow control for different grille sections, significantly expanding design possibilities while remaining manufacturable
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the shutter can have vanes with different orientations and rotation characteristics optimized for their specific location and airflow requirements. This local optimization allows each vane to be tailored for its specific function while maintaining overall system coherence
3Productivity
If counterrotating closing plates are mounted on angled rotational axes with separate hinges, then the drag performance and cooling efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter system transitions from static or uniformly dynamic operation to dynamically adaptable operation where each vane group can independently adjust its rotation angle and direction based on real-time driving conditions. This dynamic control optimizes the balance between cooling efficiency and drag reduction across varying operational scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and control units that monitor driving conditions, grille opening requirements, and airflow patterns, then provide feedback to the independent drive links to continuously optimize vane positions for maximum cooling efficiency while minimizing drag
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
Enhances design flexibility and achieves improved drag performance and cooling efficiency by enabling independent control of airflow through counterrotating closing plates.
Implementation Method 1
Each closing plate is pivoted with a hinge on a basic strut. On each basic strut a closing plate is mounted with a separate hinge and each strut forms a rotational axis.
Implementation Method 2
The active aero shutter is configured to selectively assume a closed state and an open state... the closed state being a state where the closing plates are each positioned so as to close the opening in a vehicle front
Data Source
AI summary
The invention refers to an active aero shutter for a motor vehicle, comprising a frame with openings through which air can flow, at least one closing plate in each opening, which closes the opening and stops the air flow when closed, and the frame is formed by several struts, each connected to at least one other strut, wherein each closing plate is pivoted with a hinge on a basic strut. As the active aero shutter according to the invention has counterrotating closing plates which are rotating in several angles it is possible to explore new design concepts and ensure driving performance.