Active Air Flap Four-Link Locking Against Wind Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active air flap (AAF) apparatuses face issues with high air resistance and flap opening due to increased wind pressure, especially at high speeds, leading to increased manufacturing costs and weight due to the need for high-output actuators and lack of effective locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A four-link mechanism is employed to separate the driveshaft and rotation shaft, using a simple structure to maintain force equilibrium and auto-lock the flap, reducing the need for high-output actuators and additional locking structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high-output actuator is used to prevent flap opening against wind pressure, then the reliability of flap locking is improved, but the weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A locking bar is introduced as an intermediary component between the actuator and the flap. The locking bar receives force from the actuator and transmits it to the flap through a locking mechanism, enabling effective force transmission without requiring the actuator itself to be high-output. This mediator allows the system to achieve reliable flap locking with a lighter actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bar is designed to automatically engage with the flap when force is applied by the actuator. The mechanism self-activates through the force transmission from the actuator to the locking bar, which then automatically secures the flap in the closed position without requiring additional control systems or higher actuator output.
2Reliability
If a high-output actuator is used to prevent flap opening against wind pressure, then the reliability of flap locking is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bar serves as a cost-effective intermediary that enables reliable flap locking using a standard-output actuator. By introducing this simple mechanical component, the system avoids the need for expensive high-output actuators, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bar is designed as a simple, inexpensive mechanical component that can be manufactured at low cost. Rather than investing in an expensive high-output actuator, the system uses multiple simpler, cheaper components (locking bar, engagement structures) that collectively achieve the same functional result at lower manufacturing cost.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the flap is kept full closed by actuator force, then the fuel efficiency is improved, but the flap may be forced open by wind pressure exceeding actuator binding force
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism enables the flap to maintain its closed state through automatic engagement of the locking bar with the flap structure. Once the actuator applies force to close the flap, the locking bar automatically engages to maintain the closed position, allowing the system to maintain fuel efficiency without continuous actuator force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bar is positioned and configured to preemptively counteract wind pressure forces before they can force the flap open. By having the locking mechanism in place and engaged, the system prevents the harmful effect of wind pressure exceeding actuator binding force, ensuring the flap remains closed even under high wind pressure conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A flap automatically-locking active air flap apparatus for a vehicle, includes a four-link mechanism that connects a driveshaft rotated by an actuator and a rotation shaft which separated from the driveshaft and about which the flap is rotated. Force of a traveling wind of a vehicle that rotates the flap and force of an actuator that locks the flap are set to be exerted in different directions when a four-link mechanism closes the flap. Thus, auto-locking is realized in a force equilibrium state. Accordingly, the flap is prevented from being open although the traveling wind of the vehicle applies a wind pressure to the flap. With a function of automatically locking the flap, the actuator producing a same output as an actuator in the related art is used without employing a separate structure, such as a stopper.