Vehicle Front Air Intake Module with Deformable Support Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing motor vehicle front panel designs with increased air intake for ventilation and heat exchange compromise aerodynamic performance and fuel efficiency, and pose risks during pedestrian impacts, potentially lowering vehicle classification and increasing damage to the fan motor assembly.
Innovation Solution
A piloted air intake module with a vertically oriented face and support tabs extending from the upper edge, featuring a zone of reduced mechanical resistance, is integrated with the motorized fan unit to provide additional support and facilitate rearward movement during impacts, while being designed to fuse under angled forces to protect pedestrians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the air intake surface is increased to satisfy ventilation and heat exchange needs, then the ventilation and heat exchange performance is improved, but the aerodynamic performance degrades and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs movable flaps that can dynamically adjust between open and closed positions based on operational requirements. When the motorized fan unit requires enhanced cooling, the flaps open to increase air intake; otherwise, they close to minimize aerodynamic drag and reduce fuel consumption, thus dynamically optimizing the trade-off between heat exchange and energy efficiency
2Area of stationary object
If the MEAP is fixed on deformable elements under the bumper beam, then the air intake function is achieved, but the vehicle's deformability in pedestrian impact is compromised and classification is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The MEAP is segmented into a separate, detachable module that can be independently managed. In the event of pedestrian impact, this modular design allows the MEAP to be detached or damaged without compromising the overall deformability of the vehicle's front end, thus maintaining both air intake functionality and pedestrian safety performance
3Area of stationary object
If the MEAP extends above the bumper beam to increase air intake, then the air intake capacity is improved, but the risk of damage to the fan motor assembly during impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a deformable support structure with energy-absorbing characteristics positioned between the MEAP and the fan motor assembly. This cushioning element is designed to deform and absorb impact energy during collisions, protecting the fan motor assembly from direct damage while allowing the MEAP to extend above the bumper beam for enhanced air intake capacity
4Stability of the object's composition
If additional support elements are added to the upper part of the bumper beam to stabilize the MEAP, then the MEAP stability is improved, but the compressibility of the front panel is reduced and deformability in impact is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are designed with variable mechanical properties that change under different loading conditions. During normal operation, they provide sufficient stability to support the MEAP; during impact, their structural parameters change (through deformation or failure) to maintain front panel compressibility and deformability, thus adapting to different operational states
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly (1) for a motor vehicle comprising a motor-fan unit (3), a controlled air intake module (5) fixed to the front face of the motor-fan unit (3), and at least one support bracket (17) connected at one end to the controlled air intake module (5) or to the motor-fan unit (3) and intended to bear its other end against the motor-fan unit (3) or the controlled air intake module (5), respectively. The support bracket(s) (17) have a zone (27) of reduced mechanical resistance configured to bend or break under the application of a force whose direction forms an angle with the horizontal.