Front Air Intake Shutter Release for Broken Flap Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle air inlet blocking devices with pivotably mounted flaps can suffer from broken flaps remaining attached to the support frame, making it difficult to detect and replace them, which can negatively impact performance, especially if the broken flap is in the closed position.
Innovation Solution
A blocking device with a release mechanism that allows broken flaps to automatically detach from the support frame, featuring a male/female device with contact zones that transmit rotational movements and include a stop to detect resistance, enabling the flap to separate and send an error signal when broken, thus preventing performance degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flaps are pivotably mounted to control air flow, then air flow control effectiveness is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential breakage and difficulty in detection
Solution Approach 1:
The release device enables the flap to automatically detach from the support frame when broken, without requiring manual inspection or intervention. The system self-diagnoses the breakage condition through the drive device detecting resistance anomalies and automatically executes the release function, making the system self-service in detecting and responding to flap failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive device incorporates a feedback mechanism that monitors the resistance encountered during flap rotation. When the resistance exceeds a predetermined threshold or the rotation distance is insufficient, the system receives feedback indicating potential flap breakage and triggers the release device to detach the problematic flap, closing the feedback loop for automatic fault response.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If manual inspection and removal of broken flaps is used, then detection capability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release device is pre-configured with a release command mechanism that can be activated immediately when breakage is detected. The drive device and release device are positioned and configured in advance to enable instant response, eliminating the need for scheduled manual inspections and reducing the time lag between breakage detection and flap removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs the flap removal action through the release device without requiring human intervention. The drive device detects breakage conditions and automatically triggers the release mechanism to detach the broken flap, converting a manual time-consuming task into an automated self-service operation that occurs in real-time.
3Loss of energy
If broken flaps remain in closed position, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but heat exchanger effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The release device converts the harmful effect of a broken flap remaining in the closed position (blocking air flow to heat exchangers) into a beneficial outcome by automatically detaching the broken flap. The system recognizes when a flap is broken and inappropriately positioned, and the release mechanism removes the obstruction, transforming the potential harm into a restored operational state that benefits heat exchanger performance.
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
The solution ensures that broken flaps are automatically removed without manual inspection, preventing performance issues by allowing the device to detect and signal flap breakage, ensuring continuous optimal operation of heat exchangers.
Implementation Method 1
a male/female device comprising at least one first contact zone so as to transmit the rotational movements of the drive device to the flap body towards the first open end position, and at least one second contact zone so as to transmit the rotational movements of the drive device to the flap body towards the second closed end position
Implementation Method 2
each blocking device comprising at least one stop, the first part of the release device and/or the flap body being configured to come into contact with said at least one stop, such that when the first part of the release device and/or the flap body are/is in contact with said stop, the first part and the second part move apart from one another by the rotation of the second part
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a shutter device (1) for a front-end air intake of a motor vehicle, comprising:—a support frame (3),—at least two shutters (5) comprising a shutter body (Sa) and a first end (Sb) connected to the support frame (3). According to the invention, the first end (Sb) of a first shutter (5) comprises a device for disconnecting (60) the first shutter (5), and the first end (Sb) of a second shutter comprises a device for disconnecting (60) the second shutter (5), each disconnection device (60) comprising:—a first portion (61) connected to the shutter body (Sa), and—a second portion (62) arranged opposite the first portion (61), each shutter device (1) comprising at least one stop (9), the first portion (61) and/or the shutter body (Sa) being configured to core into contact with the stop (9).(57) Abrgf: L′invention concerne un dispositif d′obturation (1) pour entrie d′air de face avant de vihicule automobile comprenant: un cadre support (3),—au moirn deux volet (5) comportant un corps de volet (Sa), une premibre extrmiit (Sb) relide au cadre support t-(3). Selon l′invention, la premibre extrtmitt (Sb) d′un premier volet (5) comporte un dispositif de desolidarisation (60) dudit premier C volet (5), et la premi6re extiemitt (Sb) dun second volet comporte un dispositif de d&solidarisation (60) dudit second volet (5) chaque dispositif de desolidarisation (60) comportant:—une premibre partie (61) reli6e au corps de volet (Sa), et—une deuxibne partie (62) C disposde en regard de la premitre partie (61), chaque dispositif d′obturation (1) comportant au moins une butde (9), ladite premi6re N partie (61) et/ou le corps de volet (Sa) itant configurds pour venir en contact de ladite butde (9).