Active Anti-Flutter System for Motor Vehicle Closure Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle components such as hoods and closure panels experience undesirable vibrations due to high-speed driving and turbulent airflow, which existing technologies have not effectively mitigated.
Innovation Solution
An active anti-flutter system utilizing an electromagnet and a ferromagnetic target, controlled by a system that energizes the electromagnet to generate a magnetic flux and attract the target, reducing vibrations when the vehicle is in motion and doors are locked, specifically designed for motor vehicle components like hoods and closure panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing passive technologies are used, then device complexity is low, but vibration mitigation effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical vibration isolation systems with an active electromagnetic control system. An electromagnet generates a magnetic field that applies a counteracting force to the closure panel, actively canceling vibrations and flutter caused by turbulent airflow during vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a controller that monitors vehicle motion conditions and activates the electromagnet accordingly. The controller receives input from motion sensors and door lock status, enabling feedback-based activation to mitigate vibrations only when needed, thereby balancing effectiveness with energy efficiency and operational appropriateness.
2Reliability
If the electromagnet is continuously energized, then vibration reduction is maximized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller energizes the electromagnet periodically or conditionally based on detected vehicle motion and door lock status, rather than continuously. This periodic activation maintains vibration mitigation effectiveness during relevant operations while significantly reducing overall energy consumption during idle or irrelevant states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the electromagnet activation state based on real-time vehicle conditions. The controller modulates the electromagnet operation to match the actual vibration conditions, enabling the system to be highly effective when vibrations occur while consuming minimal energy when they do not.
3Reliability
If the electromagnet is activated during all vehicle motion, then vibration mitigation is comprehensive, but unnecessary activation occurs during low-risk conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses feedback from motion sensors and door lock status to intelligently determine when electromagnet activation is appropriate. This feedback mechanism ensures comprehensive vibration mitigation during high-risk conditions (vehicle motion with locked doors) while avoiding unnecessary activation during low-risk conditions, thereby optimizing operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies vibration mitigation selectively based on local conditions - specifically, only when the vehicle is in motion and doors are locked. This localized activation strategy ensures comprehensive protection during relevant operational states while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption and wear during states where flutter is not a concern.
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
Effectively mitigates vibrations and oscillations in motor vehicle components during high-speed driving and turbulent airflow conditions, enhancing the stability and reducing noise caused by flutter.
Implementation Method 1
a controller configured to energize the electromagnet to generate a magnetic flux that attracts the ferromagnetic target toward the electromagnet
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnet on a first component, a ferromagnetic target on a second component
Implementation Method 3
attracts the ferromagnetic target toward the electromagnet thereby reducing vibration of one of the first component and the second component
Data Source
AI summary
An active anti-flutter system is provided for a motor vehicle. That active anti-flutter system includes an electromagnet on a first component, a ferromagnetic target on a second component and a controller. The controller is configured to energize the electromagnet to generate a magnetic flux that attracts the ferromagnetic target toward the electromagnet thereby reducing vibration of one of the first component and the second component. A method of reducing flutter of a closure panel on a motor vehicle is also disclosed.