Vehicle Air Curtain Flap Assembly for Aerodynamics and Bumper Aesthetics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air curtain apparatuses for vehicles do not effectively improve aerodynamics and maintain aesthetic appeal, as they either keep the inlet hole open all the time or require significant shape changes when opening and closing, degrading aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
An air curtain apparatus with a flap assembly comprising multiple flaps that rotate in a stepped manner to open and close the inlet hole, operated by a single actuator, allowing for controlled airflow and maintaining design visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inlet hole is opened all the time to improve aerodynamics, then airflow control is improved, but aesthetics are degraded due to constant exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet hole is divided into multiple segments corresponding to multiple flaps (first flap, second flap, third flap) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows partial opening of the inlet hole rather than full opening, enabling aerodynamic optimization while maintaining aesthetic appearance when fully closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The flaps are designed to be rotatable around axial protrusions, transforming the static inlet hole into a dynamic structure. The stepped rotation mechanism allows the flaps to adjust to different positions (fully closed, partially open, fully open) based on driving conditions, optimizing both aesthetics and aerodynamics.
2Device complexity
If a single actuator is used to operate multiple flaps, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flaps (first flap, second flap, third flap) are combined into a single flap assembly that is operated by one actuator. The actuator rotates the center link, which simultaneously controls all flaps through the link unit, reducing device complexity while maintaining coordinated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The center link acts as an intermediary mechanism between the single actuator and multiple flaps. It transmits and distributes the rotational motion to each flap through connecting links, ensuring synchronized and precise control of all flaps using only one actuator.
3Manufacturing precision
If flaps are rotated in a stepped manner, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flaps are arranged in the height direction (vertical dimension) rather than horizontally, creating a stepped configuration. This vertical arrangement allows each flap to be controlled independently through the link unit while maintaining compact space utilization and improved manufacturing precision for alignment.
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
Improves vehicle aerodynamics by controlling airflow while maintaining aesthetic appeal by allowing the inlet hole to open in a stepped manner, reducing manufacturing costs and rotation failures, and enhancing consumer satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator coupled to the flap assembly to operate the flap assembly, wherein the flap assembly includes a plurality of flaps disposed collinear with the bumper cover to close the inlet hole and rotated in a stepped manner to open the inlet hole
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an air curtain apparatus capable of improving aerodynamics of a vehicle and preventing the degradation of aesthetics of the vehicle, and a vehicle bumper assembly including the same. In an air curtain apparatus disposed in a bumper cover provided with an inlet hole through which headwind is introduced according to one embodiment of the present invention, the air curtain apparatus includes a flap assembly disposed in the inlet hole to open and close the inlet hole and an actuator coupled to the flap assembly to operate the flap assembly, wherein the flap assembly includes a plurality of flaps disposed collinear with the bumper cover to close the inlet hole and rotated in a stepped manner to open the inlet hole.