Vehicle Airflow Grille and Wheel Deflectors With Single-Motor Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle deflector devices are complex and costly to install, with limited vertical dimension for effective air flow guidance, which hinders aerodynamic performance and increases energy losses.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising two air flow guiding devices with movable deflector members and grilles, each with pivoting shutters controlled by a single electric motor, allowing for optimized aerodynamic performance and easy installation by integrating assembly during shield assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the vertical dimension of air barriers is increased to improve aerodynamic effectiveness, then air flow guidance improves, but the vehicle's ability to pass over urban obstacles is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The air barrier is designed with movable deflector members that can pivot between a first position (extending vertically to maximize aerodynamic effect) and a second position (retracted to allow passage over obstacles). This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different driving conditions, resolving the contradiction between aerodynamic effectiveness and obstacle clearance capability.
2Loss of energy
If complex pivoting deflectors with multiple parts are used to improve air flow guidance, then aerodynamic performance improves, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple deflector members are integrated into a single air barrier assembly that can be installed as one unit. The deflector members are connected to a common actuation system, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying installation while maintaining the ability to provide effective air flow guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The air barrier assembly serves multiple functions: it provides aerodynamic guidance, can be reconfigured for obstacle passage, and integrates with the vehicle's existing shield and bumper structures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate motors are used to control deflector members and shutters independently, then control precision improves, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single motor is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the deflector members and the shutters through a unified actuation mechanism. This multi-functional motor reduces the total number of motors while maintaining coordinated control of all movable components.
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanical linkage or transmission system acts as an intermediary between the single motor and the multiple movable components. This intermediary mechanism distributes the motor's rotational motion to both the deflector members and shutters, enabling coordinated control from a single actuator.
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 system enhances aerodynamic efficiency at high speeds while allowing passage over urban obstacles, reducing assembly complexity and costs by using a single motor to control both deflector members and shutters, thereby improving air flow guidance and reducing energy losses.
Implementation Method 1
the control device includes a single motor, for example electric, configured to simultaneously drive the movable flaps and the deflector elements in rotation
Implementation Method 2
each deflector member being movable in rotation about a horizontal axis of rotation, parallel to a transverse axis between an airflow deflection position and an airflow circulation position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Airflow guidance system (10) for a motor vehicle comprising a first airflow guidance device (11) configured to direct an airflow towards a radiator of the motor vehicle and comprising two grilles (12a, 12b) arranged side by side along a transverse axis (Y) and each comprising a plurality of openings (13a, 13b) and a plurality of movable flaps (14a, 14b) each pivoting between a closed position of an opening and an open position, a second airflow guidance device (20) comprising two deflector elements (22, 24) each disposed upstream of a front wheel (7, 8) and each configured to deflect an airflow directed at the corresponding front wheel, and movable in rotation about a horizontal axis of rotation (26), and a control device (30) configured to simultaneously pivot the movable flaps (14a, 14b) and the deflecting organs (22, 24).