Active Grille Shutter Actuation via Fluidic Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active grille shutter systems require mechanical linkage between the motor and grille shutters, limiting packaging options in the engine compartment and increasing costs due to complex gear trains and rigid kinematic linkages, while also lacking robust feedback for evolving environmental requirements.
Innovation Solution
A grille shutter actuation system using a bi-rotational pump and bi-directional motor connected by flexible hoses to a linear actuator, allowing remote placement of the motor and pump, and incorporating position sensors for real-time feedback on the grille shutter position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motor is mechanically linked to the grille shutters through rigid shafts and gears, then the grille shutters can be actuated and air flow controlled, but the packaging options for the motor are significantly reduced and costs increase due to complex mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical linkage system (motors, shafts, gears, coupling seals) with a fluid-based actuation system. A pump delivers pressurized fluid through flexible hoses to a linear actuator that moves the grille shutters, eliminating the need for complex mechanical transmission components while maintaining actuation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a hydraulic/pneumatic system where a pump generates pressurized fluid that is transmitted through flexible hoses to a linear actuator. The linear actuator converts fluid pressure into linear motion to actuate the grille shutters, providing a non-mechanical means of force transmission that simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If rigid kinematic linkages are used to connect the motor to the grille shutters, then reliable force transmission is achieved, but low speed damageability performance is reduced and packaging flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible hoses to transmit pressurized fluid from the pump to the linear actuator. These flexible conduits replace rigid mechanical linkages, allowing the system to adapt to various packaging configurations within the engine compartment while maintaining reliable force transmission through fluid pressure.
3Ease of operation
If traditional rotary actuators with mechanical gear trains are used, then the grille shutters can be actuated, but costs increase due to the need for complex mechanical components and coupling seals
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates mechanical gear trains, rotary actuators, and coupling seals by replacing them with a fluid-based linear actuation system. The pump and linear actuator configuration provides a simpler, more manufacturable system that reduces component count and assembly complexity while maintaining actuation functionality.
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
This solution eliminates the need for mechanical linkages, increases packaging flexibility, reduces costs, and provides robust feedback for improved performance and environmental adaptability by using flexible hoses and position sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a bi-rotational pump for pumping fluid into one of the first orifice through a first hose or the second orifice through a second hose for moving the piston
Implementation Method 2
a bi-directional motor having an output shaft connected to the pump, and a controller for controlling a direction of rotation of the output shaft
Implementation Method 3
The use of sensors, such as potentiometers, provides improved feedback in this regard and ensures that the active grille shutters are functioning properly
Data Source
AI summary
A grille shutter actuation system for a vehicle includes a grille shutter, a linear actuator having a cylinder with first and second orifices and a piston. The piston is connected to the grille shutter for moving same. Fluid is pumped into one of the orifices through first or second hoses for moving the piston. A bi-directional motor is connected to the pump, and a controller controls a direction of rotation of a motor shaft in response to an input. A control module provides the input to the controller which determines whether fluid is pumped into the first or second orifice dependent upon the direction of rotation of the shaft. The input is determined by the control module based on information from the controller and/or a sensor associated with the grille shutter. The pump and motor may be remotely mounted within an engine compartment, for example, a distance from the linear actuator(s).