Center-Opening Airflow Panel for Low-Leak Heat Exchanger Inlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current active grill shutter systems with vanes suffer from aerodynamic inefficiencies and complexity, leading to higher emissions in internal combustion vehicles and reduced driving range in electric vehicles, while fabric-panel roller shades do not optimize airflow when partially opened.
Innovation Solution
An air flow control panel with two sheets, one connected to an upper drum and the other to a lower drum, that extend across the air inlet, allowing airflow when aligned and blocking it when closed, utilizing a window and closed portion mechanism to control airflow efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vanes are used to control airflow path, then airflow control function is achieved, but aerodynamic efficiency deteriorates due to leak paths between vanes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fabric sheets instead of rigid vanes to control airflow. The fabric sheets can conform to the housing surfaces and seal against each other, eliminating the leak paths that exist between rigid vanes. This flexible membrane approach maintains aerodynamic efficiency while providing the required airflow control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the airflow control into multiple fabric sheets (first sheet and second sheet) that can independently seal and control different portions of the airflow path. Each sheet can seal against the housing and against each other, creating multiple sealing surfaces that prevent leaks while maintaining control functionality.
2Loss of energy
If fabric-panel roller shade style devices are used, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to complicated control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the fabric sheets themselves. The sheets serve as both the sealing element and the control element, eliminating the need for separate complex control mechanisms. The sheets are directly connected to the housing at defined locations, integrating the control structure into the sealing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric sheets are designed to seal against each other and the housing through their own structural properties and positioning, without requiring additional complex control mechanisms. The sheets self-adjust to maintain sealing contact as they move between open and closed positions.
3Device complexity
If fabric panel shades opening from bottom are used, then simplified control is achieved, but airflow optimization deteriorates when partially opened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from bottom-opening to center-opening configuration, allowing the fabric sheets to seal at the center of the housing. This dimensional change in the sealing location enables optimal airflow distribution across the heat exchanger core when partially opened, as the sealed center portion creates symmetric airflow patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates different functional zones within the airflow path by sealing at the center. The sealed center portion and the open portions have different flow characteristics, optimizing airflow distribution across different regions of the heat exchanger. This local differentiation of flow quality improves overall system performance.
Data Source
AI summary
An air flow control panel for controlling the flow of air into a vehicle. The air flow control panel includes an air inlet for a vehicle providing an air flow path with two sheets of material moveable within the air flow path. When the first sheet and the second sheet are in the open position, the window portion of the first sheet and the window portion of the second sheet are aligned in the air inlet and allow air to flow through the air flow path of the air inlet. When the first sheet and the second sheet are in the closed position, the closed portion of the first sheet blocks the open window portion of the second sheet, and the closed portion of the second sheet blocks the open window portion of the first sheet to block the air inlet and air flow through the air flow path.