Air supply adjusting device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radiator grilles in motor vehicles face issues with aerodynamic improvements, air flow pattern influence, and snow or rain penetration, leading to faulty functions during cold seasons due to gaps between flaps.

Innovation Solution

An air intake adjusting system with rotating struts that form a uniform surface in both open and closed positions, featuring converging rotating sections to create an approach flow edge, reducing snow and rain accumulation and maintaining visual uniformity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If flaps are arranged side-by-side with gaps to form a uniform surface in closed position, then aerodynamic features are improved, but snow and rain can penetrate into the gaps causing freezing and faulty functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiator grille functionVSAvoidsnow and rain penetration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having gaps between adjacent flaps as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the approach by having the flap sections overlap in the closed position. The second flap section extends beyond the first flap section, creating an overlapping arrangement that prevents snow and rain penetration while maintaining aerodynamic benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The radiator grille is divided into multiple independent flap elements that can be individually adjusted. Each flap consists of multiple flap sections that can rotate independently about their axes, allowing precise control over the closing arrangement to optimize both aerodynamics and protection against weather elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If flaps are arranged side-by-side with gaps, then the adjusting mechanism can operate, but the gaps allow rain water or snow to penetrate unhindered leading to freezing and blocked flaps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjusting mechanism operationVSAvoidflap function in cold season

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional gap arrangement by implementing overlapping flap sections. This reversal eliminates the harmful gaps that allow weather penetration while preserving the mechanical operation capability of the adjusting mechanism through rotational movement about defined axes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If conventional radiator grille is used, then basic air intake function is provided, but air flow pattern can be influenced only slightly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair intake functionVSAvoidair flow pattern influence

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The radiator grille implements dynamic adjustability through multiple rotation axes and adjustable flap sections. The first flap section rotates about a first axis and the second flap section rotates about a second axis, enabling the system to adapt air flow patterns dynamically based on driving conditions, thereby significantly enhancing flow control versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable flap sections serve multiple functions: they control air intake for cooling, influence air flow patterns for aerodynamics, and prevent weather penetration when closed. This multi-functionality allows a single system to address various operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Shape

If flaps are made to form a uniform surface when closed, then aerodynamic features are improved, but the adjusting mechanism must operate very precisely to maintain uniformity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniform surface formationVSAvoidadjusting mechanism precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying on precise mechanical adjustment to eliminate gaps between flaps, the patent inverts the approach by designing overlapping flap sections. This geometric inversion naturally creates a uniform closed surface without requiring high-precision adjustment mechanisms, as the overlap itself ensures continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS9556783B2Air supply adjusting device

Publication Date: 2017.01.31 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

AI summary

An air intake adjusting system for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of struts which are arranged at distances from one another and can each be rotated about an axis of rotation such that, in a first position of the struts, the air intake adjusting system is open and, in a second position of the struts, the air intake adjusting system is closed. The struts each have a rotating section, through which the axis of rotation of the respective strut extends, and a flap section, which extends from the rotating section and, in the second position, rests against the rotating section of an adjacent strut. The rotating sections of the struts each have a first side and a second side which, when the struts are in the second position, converge against an intended approach flow direction of the air intake adjusting system such that they form an approach flow edge.