Motor Vehicle Air Inlet Flap Guiding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Active Grille Shutter system for motor vehicle air inlets often experiences irregular lateral movement of the control rod, disrupting the opening and closing of the flaps, which affects the system's efficiency in managing airflow and aerodynamics.
Innovation Solution
A guiding mechanism is introduced, where the closing element forms a slide with undulating rails to guide the rod, preventing lateral deviation and ensuring precise translational movement, and is secured to the frame without screws, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rod is allowed to move freely to actuate the flap, then the system structure is simple, but the rod undergoes lateral deviation which disturbs the opening and closing operation
Solution Approach 1:
A guide element is introduced as an intermediary component between the rod and the bearing. This guide element constrains the rod's movement path, preventing lateral deviation while maintaining the simplicity of the overall structure. The guide element mediates between the need for free rod movement and the requirement for stable, deviation-free operation.
2Reliability
If a guide mechanism is added to prevent lateral deviation, then the rod movement stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element is merged with the bearing structure, specifically formed as an integral part of the bearing's closing element. This integration ensures that the guide function is provided without adding a separate, complex guide mechanism. The guide element is simply formed with a guiding surface that contacts the rod, combining multiple functions into a single structural element.
3Strength
If traditional screw fastening is used to secure the closing element, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element is designed to secure itself to the frame without requiring external fasteners like screws. The closing element includes a securing portion that engages with the frame through a self-locking mechanism, allowing the component to fasten itself during assembly. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional fastening operations and reduces manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for managing the air of a front-end air inlet of a motor vehicle may include at least one flap and a holding frame for holding the at least one flap. The flap may include a pivot pin for pivoting the flap. A support with at least one bearing may receive the pivot pin and a closing element for closing the bearing. A control device may control the movement of the flap between a sealed position in which the air inlet is sealed and at least one open position in which the air inlet is open by pivoting the pivot pin in a region of the bearing. The flap may include an actuating finger for actuating the flap, integral in movement with a rod controlled by the control device. The closing element forms a guide for the rod.