Active Air Flap Heat Management for Engine Compartment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional active air flap (AAF) systems do not consider the heat management of an engine compartment when a vehicle is stopped, leading to delayed engine warm-up and decreased fuel efficiency during restarts, especially in low outdoor temperatures.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that control the operation of an active air flap (AAF) based on monitored outdoor temperature and engine compartment degradation factors to determine whether a heat management mode for reducing heat dissipation or a degradation protection mode for preventing part degradation is required, with the AAF closing or opening the engine compartment vent accordingly when the engine is turned off.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the AAF closes the radiator grill to improve aerodynamic performance while driving, then air resistance is reduced and driving stability is improved, but the engine compartment temperature cannot be managed when the vehicle is stopped

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoidheat management capability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The AAF system transitions from a static driving-mode-only control to a dynamic system that adapts its operation based on vehicle state (driving vs. stopped) and temperature conditions. The controller dynamically adjusts AAF position according to real-time conditions, enabling the system to optimize aerodynamics during driving while managing heat when stopped.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The AAF system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: aerodynamic optimization during driving and heat management when the vehicle is stopped. By integrating both functions into a single control system that responds to different vehicle states, the AAF becomes a multi-functional component that addresses both aerodynamic performance and thermal management needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Speed

If the AAF operates only while driving to improve aerodynamics, then aerodynamic performance is optimized, but engine warm-up is delayed when the vehicle is stopped in low temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoidengine warm-up time

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-heating the engine compartment before the vehicle is restarted. When the vehicle is stopped in low temperatures, the AAF closes the radiator grill to trap heat and maintain engine compartment temperature, ensuring the engine is already warm when restart is needed, thus eliminating warm-up delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system incorporates feedback by continuously monitoring vehicle state and temperature conditions to determine AAF operation. The controller receives information about whether the vehicle is driving or stopped, and adjusts AAF position accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that responds to actual operating conditions rather than following a fixed schedule.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Temperature

If the AAF remains open when the engine is turned off, then heat dissipation occurs, but fuel efficiency decreases due to delayed engine warm-up upon restart

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine compartment temperatureVSAvoidfuel efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operational parameters of the AAF based on vehicle state. When the engine is turned off, the controller changes the AAF position from open to closed state, fundamentally altering the thermal parameter of the engine compartment from heat dissipation to heat retention mode, thereby optimizing fuel efficiency upon restart.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Use of energy by moving object

If the AAF closes the vent to retain heat when stopped, then fuel efficiency improves, but parts in the engine compartment may degrade due to excessive heat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidparts durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system uses feedback from temperature sensors and vehicle state information to intelligently determine AAF operation. By continuously monitoring conditions, the controller can close the AAF to retain heat when appropriate for fuel efficiency while opening it when heat retention would cause harmful overheating, thus balancing fuel efficiency and parts durability through real-time decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Improves engine startability and fuel efficiency by managing heat dissipation and preventing part degradation in the engine compartment when the vehicle is stopped, enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of the engine compartment.

Implementation Method 1

an active air flap (AAF) configured to open and close a vent of an engine compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS11619160B2Apparatus and method of controlling heat of engine compartment of vehicle when stopped

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An apparatus and method of controlling heat of an engine compartment when stopped are provided. The apparatus and method of controlling heat of an engine compartment improve fuel efficiency by managing heat of the engine compartment when a vehicle is stopped after driving.