Air Flow Closure Actuation With Asynchronous Wind Load Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air flow control assemblies for vehicles often rely on synchronous actuation of closure devices, which limits their effectiveness in managing wind loads and energy efficiency, especially at higher speeds.
Innovation Solution
An actuation mechanism that allows for at least partially asynchronous actuation of two closure devices using a control element with control pins and bearing grooves, enabling a compact and robust design by transmitting forces over short paths and dividing wind loads effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If synchronous actuation of two closure devices is used, then the actuator design is simplified, but the effectiveness in managing wind loads and energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure devices are segmented into two independently actuatable units, each with its own coupling part. The actuation mechanism is segmented into first and second coupling parts that can be shifted independently relative to the control element, allowing asynchronous operation. This segmentation enables each closure device to be optimized for specific flow conditions, improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining manageable actuator complexity through modular design.
2Weight of moving object
If a single actuator is used for both closure devices, then the construction is more lightweight and economical, but the ability to manage wind loads effectively deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A control element with control pins and bearing grooves serves as an intermediary mechanism between the single actuator and the two coupling parts. The control element converts rotational movement into differential linear displacement of the first and second coupling parts through the bearing grooves, enabling independent positioning of both closure devices. This intermediary mechanism allows a single actuator to effectively manage wind loads on both closure devices by enabling asynchronous actuation, while maintaining the weight and cost advantages of a single-actuator construction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If asynchronous actuation of closure devices is implemented, then the control surface and absorbable wind loads are increased, but the actuator forces and dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control element introduces a rotational dimension to the actuation system, converting single-actuator rotational motion into differential linear motion of the two coupling parts. The bearing grooves on the control element translate rotational displacement into independent linear displacement of each coupling part, effectively multiplying the control capability without proportionally increasing actuator force requirements. This dimensional transformation enables increased adaptability and control surface area while keeping the actuator forces manageable.
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 mechanism achieves a compact and robust design, allowing for precise and resilient operation of closure devices, increasing the control surface and absorbable wind loads while reducing actuator forces and dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a movement of the control element occurring about an axis of rotation can be converted into a shifting of the two coupling parts via a slide controller having mutually corresponding control pins and bearing grooves
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation mechanism for at least partially asynchronously actuating two closure devices of an air flow control assembly for a vehicle, comprising a control element that is/can be connected to an actuator. This is operatively connected via a first coupling part provided for actuating the first closure device and via a second coupling part provided for actuating the second closure device in such a way that a movement of the control element occurring about an axis of rotation can be converted into a shifting of the two coupling parts via a slide controller having corresponding control pins and bearing grooves. The control element having the control pins is integrated at least partially between the two coupling parts which are at least partially overlapping and can be shifted relative to the control element. The control pins engage at least partially into the bearing grooves positioned on the coupling parts.