Vehicle Airflow Metering With Central Fabric Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current active grill shutter systems with vanes suffer from leak paths that reduce aerodynamic efficiency, leading to higher emissions in internal combustion vehicles and lower driving range in electric vehicles, while fabric-panel roller shade devices are complex and do not optimize airflow when partially opened.
Innovation Solution
An airflow metering device using a continuous roll of double-panel fabric between two rollers, with fabric coverings that rotate to create a central opening, actuated by a continuous loop drive system for rapid and efficient airflow control, minimizing complexity and leakages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vanes are used for opening and closing airflow path, then the device can control airflow, but leak paths between vanes occur that reduce aerodynamic efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid vanes with a flexible fabric panel that can be rolled onto drums to control airflow. This flexible membrane approach eliminates the gap leakage problem inherent in rigid vane systems, as the fabric can conform completely to the opening shape when deployed, achieving both airflow control and aerodynamic efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If fabric-panel roller shade style devices are used, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but the mechanism becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fabric panels into a single continuous fabric piece that spans across the airflow opening. This continuous fabric is controlled by rotating drums at the edges, merging what would otherwise be multiple separate roller shade mechanisms into a unified, simpler system that maintains aerodynamic efficiency while reducing mechanical complexity.
3Device complexity
If fabric panel shades open from the bottom, then the mechanism is simple, but airflow is focused on the bottom of the heat exchanger which is not optimal
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the fabric panel open from the bottom as in conventional roller shades, the patent inverts the approach by having the fabric controlled by drums at the top and sides, allowing the opening to progress uniformly across the entire heat exchanger surface. This inversion of the opening mechanism ensures optimal airflow distribution across all areas of the heat exchanger while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An airflow metering device for metering airflow to a heat exchanger of a vehicle includes a first movable airflow fabric member and a second airflow fabric member. In a first closed position, the first movable airflow fabric member and second airflow fabric members meet at a central area of the airflow. The first movable airflow fabric member and second airflow fabric member are actuatable for withdrawing away from each other for providing an opening from the close position outward. This provides a central opening for metering airflow to the heat exchanger such as a radiator or the like. A continuous loop drive system is used for actuating both first and second airflow fabric members simultaneously.