Vehicle Air Inlet Shutter Flap Absence Detection via Torque Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shutter devices for vehicle air inlets lack effective methods to detect the absence of flaps without disrupting the functionality of the remaining flaps, which is crucial for maintaining aerodynamic control and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A shutter device with a diagnostic system that utilizes concatenated force transmission through transmission elements associated with the flaps, detecting the absence of a flap by monitoring the actuator's current and torque during an evaluation process, allowing the system to remain functional and operational even when a flap is missing, ensuring, and a stop element, the absence is detected without blocking the movement of other flaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a diagnostic system using concatenated force transmission is implemented, then the detection precision of flap absence is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces transmission elements as intermediaries between the actuator and flaps. These transmission elements facilitate concatenated force transmission and enable diagnostic detection of flap absence through torque monitoring, without requiring direct complex sensing mechanisms at each flap location.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic system implements feedback by monitoring the torque signal from the actuator during movement. When a flap is absent, the torque signal exhibits characteristic variations that trigger a diagnostic alert, allowing the system to self-diagnose without external intervention.
2Reliability
If the movement of the actuator is locked upon detection of a missing flap, then the reliability of the system is improved, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on diagnostic results. When a flap absence is detected, the system transitions from normal operation to a locked state, preventing unsafe operation. This dynamic response ensures reliability while allowing continuous operation when no defects are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic system performs preliminary detection of flap absence before the actuator attempts movement. By detecting the missing flap in advance and locking the actuator beforehand, the system prevents potential damage or unsafe conditions, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining productivity when no issues are detected.
3Reliability
If traditional OBD systems are used to detect missing flaps, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically monitoring torque signals during actuator movement. The diagnostic evaluation occurs automatically without requiring manual inspection or intervention, making the system easy to operate while maintaining high reliability through continuous self-monitoring.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A shutter device comprising a frame (2), a plurality of flaps (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39) pivotably coupled to said frame (2) and configured to pivot between a closed position and an open position, an actuator (5), a transmission part (4) configured to transmit the movement of the actuator (5) to said flaps (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39), and a diagnostic system which allows the absence of at least one of the flaps (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39) to be detected during an evaluation process. The diagnostic system comprises transmission elements (60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69) associated with the flaps (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39) which cooperate with one another, causing a concatenated force transmission.