Vehicle Air Inlet Locking Mechanism Prevents Flapping Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air intakes for motor vehicles suffer from noise issues due to flapping or lifting of closing elements at high speeds, and weight increases when attempting to reduce these issues through composite structures.
Innovation Solution
A controllable air intake design featuring a locking mechanism with a cylindrical extension and receptacle, including a cone tip for secure locking, minimizes axial displacement and prevents noise, achieved without adding weight by using a latching mechanism between the closing element and the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If closing elements are made pivotable with cylindrical pins for ease of assembly, then ease of manufacture is improved, but noise and instability occur at high speeds due to flapping and lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element is divided into multiple segments connected by pivotable joints, allowing each segment to be independently positioned and locked. This segmentation enables the structure to maintain stability at high speeds while preserving ease of assembly through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing elements are pre-positioned and locked in their operational positions before the vehicle reaches high speeds. The latching mechanism is engaged in advance to prevent flapping and noise generation, rather than attempting to address the issue after it occurs.
2Reliability
If composite structures of plastic and metal are used to reduce flapping and rattling, then reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design changes the structural parameters by optimizing the geometry and material distribution of the closing elements and frame. Through careful design of pivot points, locking mechanisms, and structural thickness, the system achieves high stability and noise reduction using lightweight materials without requiring heavy composite construction.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If closing elements are tightly locked to minimize axial displacement, then noise is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to dynamically adapt to manufacturing tolerances. The latching system allows for slight variations in positioning while still achieving secure engagement and eliminating axial displacement. The design incorporates adjustment capabilities that compensate for precision variations without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
Data Source
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AI summary
Air inlet (1) for a motor vehicle, in particular for controlling the air supplied to a cooling device of an internal combustion engine, comprising a frame (2) and at least one closing element (3), wherein the closing element (3) is pivotably arranged within the frame (2) about a pivot axis (A) of the closing element (3), wherein the closing element (3) is designed such that it is connected to the frame (2) via at least one locking mechanism (R).