Front-End Air Shutter Layout for Space and Cooling Balance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing air flow regulation devices for motor vehicle front panels face challenges in optimizing space under the hood and improving air flow efficiency, particularly when the shutter flaps are in the open position, which can reduce cooling capacities and increase the size of the device, complicating integration with other components like the electric parking assistance radar.
Innovation Solution
A device with a support frame and shutter flaps that can follow the shape of the bumper beam and grille, allowing closer integration and increasing underhood space, featuring a housing for electronic detection components and an actuator to control the shutter positioning, ensuring a more laminar and efficient air flow by minimizing obstacles and distance from heat exchangers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the air flow regulation device is positioned closer to the front air intake to optimize space under the hood, then the space available under the hood increases, but the air flow becomes more turbulent and cooling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the air flow regulation device from a longitudinal arrangement (behind the bumper beam) to a transverse arrangement (at the rear of the air intake opening). This dimensional change allows the device to be positioned closer to the front while maintaining optimal distance from heat exchangers through the transverse layout, resolving the contradiction between space optimization and cooling efficiency.
2Volume of moving object
If the air flow regulation device is positioned closer to the front air intake, then space under the hood increases, but the device size increases complicating integration with components like electric parking assistance radar
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning from a longitudinal to transverse arrangement, the patent reduces the longitudinal footprint of the device. This dimensional reconfiguration allows easier integration with front-mounted components like electric parking assistance radar while still achieving space optimization under the hood.
3Productivity
If the shutter flaps are positioned to allow maximum air flow for heat exchanger cooling, then cooling capacity increases, but the device size increases reducing space under the hood
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse arrangement allows the shutter flaps to be positioned at the rear of the air intake opening, perpendicular to the main air flow path. This enables maximum opening area for cooling while maintaining a compact longitudinal profile that preserves space under the hood.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pivotable shutter flaps that can dynamically adjust between fully open (maximum cooling) and closed positions. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize cooling capacity when needed while maintaining a compact form factor that preserves under-hood space during normal operation.
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
This configuration optimizes space under the hood, allows for better integration of other components, and enhances air flow efficiency by reducing turbulence, enabling faster and more effective cooling of heat exchangers while maintaining the ability to block air flow when needed, thus reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Implementation Method 1
The shutters are formed of slats pivotally mounted transversely on a support frame. The inclination of the shutters can be controlled between a vertical closing position blocking the passage of air and several intermediate positions up to a horizontal opening position where maximum air flow can circulate.
Implementation Method 2
an actuator 18 inducing a simultaneous pivoting of the shutter flaps 14
Implementation Method 3
Behind this bumper beam are generally placed the heat exchangers of the motor vehicle, such as that used for air conditioning of the passenger compartment
Implementation Method 4
the controlled shutters are arranged in front of a heat exchange device, which allows, in the closed position, to accelerate the rise in temperature of the exchangers in the heating phase
Implementation Method 5
The absence of obstacles as well as the increased distance between the air flow regulation device and the heat exchangers located downstream makes it possible to obtain a less turbulent, more laminar, faster and therefore more efficient air flow for cooling of heat exchangers.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for regulating an air flow for an air inlet of a motor vehicle front-end module, comprising a holding frame (12) in which are fitted a plurality of shutter flaps (14) that pivot between a closed position and an open position. According to the invention, the regulating device (10) comprises a recess (20) for receiving an electronic detection component (22).