Active Grille Shuttle Actuator With Threaded Linkage Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The opening and closing control accuracy of an active grille shuttle is gradually reduced over time due to wear of the output shaft of the actuator and linkage rods from long-term use.
Innovation Solution
An actuator design that includes a chassis, motor, control circuit board, gears, and an output shaft with threaded ends, where the linkage rods of the active grille shuttle are interlocked and screwed with the output shaft to maintain accuracy and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the output shaft and linkage rod are connected by fitting shapes, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the control accuracy decreases over time due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the output shaft and linkage rod is segmented into two distinct functional parts: a geometric shape portion for interlocking and engagement, and a threaded portion for secure fastening. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally - the geometric shape provides precise positioning while the threaded connection ensures firm fixation, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure employs a composite approach by combining two different connection methods (geometric interlocking and threaded fastening) into a single integrated solution. The geometric shape portion provides the interlocking mechanism while the threaded portion provides the secure attachment, creating a composite connection system that maintains both manufacturing simplicity and long-term control accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If the output shaft and linkage rod are connected by fitting shapes, then the installation is simple, but the reliability decreases due to wear after long-term use
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is divided into a geometric shape portion for easy interlocking and a threaded portion for reliable securement. The geometric shape enables simple installation through straightforward engagement, while the threaded portion ensures long-term reliability by preventing wear-related loosening, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric shape portion is designed to provide preliminary engagement and positioning before the threaded connection is fully tightened. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and initial stability, making installation easier while the subsequent threaded fastening secures the connection for long-term reliable operation.
3Device complexity
If the output shaft and linkage rod are connected by fitting shapes, then the structure is simple, but the control precision deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into a geometric shape portion that maintains control precision through its precise interlocking form, and a threaded portion that secures the connection. This segmentation allows the geometric shape to preserve control precision over time while keeping the overall structure relatively simple, resolving the contradiction between structure complexity and control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection acts as a protective measure that prevents wear-induced loosening before it can affect control precision. By providing this preliminary protection through the threaded fastening, the geometric interlocking maintains its precision-critical dimensions without degradation, thus preserving control precision without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator for an active grille shuttle is disclosed. Linkage rods of the active grille shuttle are interlocked and screwed with an output shaft to drive the active grille shuttle, to solve a conventional technical problem that opening and closing control accuracy of the active grille shuttle is gradually reduced over time because an output shaft of a conventional actuator and linkage rods of an active grille shuttle are worn after long-term use when the linkage rods are mounted with the output shaft of the conventional actuator by fitting shapes. Compared with the conventional actuator, the output shaft of the disclosed actuator and the linkage rods of the active grille shuttle are not worn due to long-term use, so as to achieve the effect of improving accuracy and stability of the opening and closing control of the active grille shuttle.