Vehicle Speed Controlled Active Grille Shutter Hold Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active grille shutter systems in vehicles face challenges in optimizing power consumption to balance airflow and aerodynamic drag, affecting fuel efficiency and performance, especially at varying vehicle speeds.
Innovation Solution
An active grille shutter system with angularly displaceable vanes, a motor, and a controller that adjusts the hold current based on vehicle speed to maintain vanes in selected positions, reducing aerodynamic drag and increasing fuel efficiency by varying power application according to vehicle conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a constant hold current is applied to the motor to maintain vanes in a selected position, then the vanes remain stable in position, but the power consumption remains high regardless of vehicle speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static constant hold current to a dynamic variable hold current that adapts to changing vehicle speeds. The controller continuously adjusts the hold current magnitude based on real-time speed sensor feedback, ensuring the motor maintains sufficient holding torque at all speeds while minimizing power consumption during low-speed or idle conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the electrical parameter (hold current) based on operating conditions (vehicle speed). The controller varies the current magnitude dynamically, increasing it when vehicle speed increases and decreasing it when vehicle speed decreases, thereby optimizing the balance between vane position stability and power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the hold current is reduced to decrease power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the vanes may not maintain their selected position reliably at higher vehicle speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by using a speed sensor to continuously monitor vehicle speed and feeding this information back to the controller. The controller processes this feedback signal and dynamically adjusts the hold current accordingly, ensuring that the motor maintains adequate holding torque to keep vanes in their selected positions even when power consumption is reduced during low-speed operation.
3Reliability
If high power is continuously applied to the motor, then the vanes can maintain position against aerodynamic forces, but fuel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static constant hold current to a dynamic variable hold current that adapts to changing vehicle speeds. The controller continuously adjusts the hold current magnitude based on real-time speed sensor feedback, ensuring the motor maintains sufficient holding torque at all speeds while minimizing power consumption during low-speed or idle conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the electrical parameter (hold current) based on operating conditions (vehicle speed). The controller varies the current magnitude dynamically, increasing it when vehicle speed increases and decreasing it when vehicle speed decreases, thereby optimizing the balance between vane position stability and power consumption.
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
The system effectively maintains vanes in desired positions, optimizing airflow and reducing energy expenditure, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and performance across different vehicle speeds.
Implementation Method 1
a motor having a hold current applied thereto for maintaining the at least one vane in a selected vane position
Data Source
AI summary
An active grille shutter system for use in a moving vehicle is provided herein and includes at least one vane angularly displaceable between an open position and a closed position, a motor having a hold current applied thereto for maintaining the at least one vane in a vane position, and a controller for adjusting the amount of hold current being applied to the motor based on vehicle speed.