Vehicle Aero Shutter Linkage for Compact Multi-Axis Flap Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aero shutters for vehicles face challenges in terms of space occupancy, degrees of freedom in design, and structural complexity, which affect their efficiency and aerodynamic performance.
Innovation Solution
The proposed aero shutter design features a frame member with a flap supported by multiple connecting members and pivot joints, allowing for increased degrees of freedom in movement while reducing the overall size and structural complexity. The flap is rotatable about its pivot joints to change between closed and opened states, with the option of being connected to an actuator for movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional aero shutter design with vanes connected to each other rotating around a single axis is used, then the structure is simple, but the space occupied by the aero shutter is large and the degrees of freedom in design are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is divided into multiple independent flaps (first flap, second flap, etc.) that can move independently relative to each other. Each flap is connected to the frame member through its own connecting members and pivot joints, allowing segmented control of air flow paths and reducing the space required for each individual flap's movement arc.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multi-axis rotation capability by using both first pivot joints and second pivot joints for each flap. This allows flaps to rotate not only around a horizontal axis but also around a vertical axis, adding a second dimension of movement that increases design freedom while compacting the overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the aero shutter uses multiple connecting members and pivot joints for each flap, then the degrees of freedom increase, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting members serve multiple functions: they connect flaps to the frame member, provide rotational movement around two different axes through pivot joints, and enable both opening and closing operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby managing structural complexity while maintaining high degrees of freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pivot joints (first and second pivot joints) are combined into a single flap assembly, allowing the flap to achieve complex multi-axis rotation through an integrated structure. The connecting members are designed to accommodate both pivot joints, merging what could have been separate mechanisms into a unified, space-efficient design.
3Volume of stationary object
If the flap moves between closed and opened states with minimal free space requirement, then the overall size of the aero shutter is reduced, but the movement path optimization becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
By enabling flaps to rotate around two different axes (horizontal and vertical) through the combination of first and second pivot joints, the patent achieves compact movement paths that require minimal free space. The multi-dimensional rotation allows the flap to access multiple positions without requiring large clearance zones, thus reducing overall shutter size while maintaining manufacturability.
Data Source
AI summary
An aero shutter for a vehicle includes: a frame member having at least one opening through which air can flow; at least a first flap, at least a first connecting member and a second connecting member; where each of the first connecting member and the second connecting member is connected to the first flap by a respective first pivot joint, and where each of the first connecting member and the second connecting member is connected to the frame member by a respective second pivot joint, where the first and the second connecting member are rotatable about their respective first and second pivot joints so as to move the first flap between a closed state in which it covers at least part of the opening and an opened state in which it does not cover the opening or only covers a smaller part thereof compared to the closed state.