Vehicle Aero Shutter Linkage for Compact Flap Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aero shutter designs 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 minimizing space requirements. The flap can rotate and swivel between closed and opened states, guided by the connecting members, and is configured to improve airtightness and aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flap is supported by multiple connecting members and pivot joints to enable rotation and swiveling movement, then the degrees of freedom in design are increased and space requirements are minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flap support system is segmented into multiple connecting members (first connecting member, second connecting member) with distinct pivot joints (first pivot joint, second pivot joint). Each segment performs a specific rotational function, allowing the flap to achieve complex movement patterns through coordinated action of simpler individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap support structure employs dynamic pivot joints that enable rotational movement in multiple directions. The first pivot joint allows rotation about a first axis while the second pivot joint enables rotation about a second axis, creating a dynamic system that adapts its configuration based on operational requirements.
2Loss of energy
If the flap is designed to rotate between closed and opened states to improve aerodynamic efficiency, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is designed as a dynamic component that can rotate between closed and opened states based on driving conditions. This dynamic capability allows the vehicle to optimize aerodynamic efficiency by closing the flap during low-speed operation to reduce drag, while opening it during high-speed operation to improve cooling, thereby reducing overall fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the aerodynamic parameter (flap position) based on operating conditions. By rotating the flap between closed and opened states, the vehicle dynamically adjusts its aerodynamic characteristics to minimize energy loss, achieving fuel savings that outweigh the complexity of the rotational mechanism.
3Loss of energy
If the flap covers the opening in closed state to reduce air resistance, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but the cooling capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flap serves dual functions through its dynamic positioning: when closed, it reduces air resistance and improves aerodynamic efficiency; when opened, it enables maximum cooling of the engine compartment. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to optimize for either aerodynamic performance or thermal management based on real-time driving conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap structure is designed to perform multiple functions: aerodynamic shielding when closed and cooling ventilation when opened. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address both aerodynamic efficiency and thermal management requirements, eliminating the need for separate structures for each function.
4Volume of moving object
If the aero shutter is designed to be compact to minimize space occupancy, then the overall vehicle space is optimized, but the degrees of freedom in design are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flap support mechanism employs a nested arrangement where connecting members and pivot joints are integrated within a compact framework. The first and second connecting members are arranged to rotate about respective pivot joints in a space-efficient configuration, allowing the flap to achieve complex movements while occupying minimal vehicle space.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap support system utilizes multi-dimensional rotation through pivot joints that enable movement about different axes. This dimensional approach allows the flap to achieve comprehensive coverage and ventilation capabilities within a compact footprint by exploiting rotational degrees of freedom in three-dimensional space rather than requiring linear extension.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns an aero shutter (10) for a vehicle, comprising: - a frame member (12) having at least one opening (18) through which air can flow; - at least a first flap (14), - at least a first connecting member (24) and a second connecting member (26); wherein each of the first connecting member (24) and the second connecting member (26) is connected to the first flap (14) by a respective first pivot joint (28), and wherein each of the first connecting member (24) and the second connecting member (26) is connected to the frame member (12) by a respective second pivot joint (30), wherein the first and the second connecting member (24, 26) are rotatable about their respective first and second pivot joints (28, 30) so as to move the first flap (14) between a closed state in which it covers at least part of the opening (18) and an opened state in which it does not cover the opening (18) or only covers a smaller part thereof compared to the closed state.