Combined Shutter System for Brake Duct and Radiator Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles face reduced fuel efficiency and increased aerodynamic drag due to continuous airflow through brake ducts, even when the brake system does not require cooling, which is not efficiently controlled by existing shutter systems.
Innovation Solution
A shutter system is positioned between the heat exchanger and the brake duct inlet, allowing airflow to both when cooling is needed and blocking airflow when neither system requires cooling, thereby optimizing airflow and reducing drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the brake duct inlet is positioned to receive continuous airflow through the opening, then the brake system can be cooled when needed, but aerodynamic drag increases and fuel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter system is made movable between open and closed positions, allowing the airflow to the brake duct to be dynamically controlled based on cooling requirements. This dynamic adjustment eliminates continuous aerodynamic drag when cooling is not needed, resolving the contradiction between brake cooling capability and fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter system changes the airflow parameter by blocking or allowing passage through the opening. When the brake system does not require cooling, the shutter closes to block airflow, reducing aerodynamic drag and improving fuel efficiency while maintaining the capability to provide cooling when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate shutter systems are used for the heat exchanger and brake duct, then each component can be controlled independently, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter system is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls airflow to both the heat exchanger and the brake duct through a single mechanism. This multi-functional approach provides independent control capability for both cooling systems while avoiding the complexity of separate shutter systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the control function for both the heat exchanger and brake duct into a single shutter system. By merging these control functions, the system achieves the adaptability of independent control while reducing device complexity compared to having separate shutter systems for each component.
3Loss of energy
If the shutter system blocks airflow through the opening, then aerodynamic drag is reduced and fuel efficiency increases, but cooling of the heat exchanger and brake system cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter system dynamically adjusts its position based on real-time cooling requirements. When cooling is not needed, it closes to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve fuel efficiency. When cooling is required, it opens to allow airflow to the heat exchanger and/or brake duct, thus resolving the contradiction between fuel efficiency and cooling provision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from temperature sensors and cooling requirements to control the shutter position. This feedback mechanism ensures that the shutter blocks airflow (improving fuel efficiency) only when cooling is not needed, and opens (providing cooling) when required, thus resolving the contradiction between fuel efficiency and cooling provision.
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
This configuration decreases aerodynamic drag and increases fuel efficiency by ensuring airflow is only directed to cooling components when necessary, enhancing vehicle performance.
Implementation Method 1
A heat exchanger is disposed within the engine compartment adjacent the opening. The heat exchanger is positioned relative to the opening to receive the airflow through the opening.
Implementation Method 2
The brake duct is configured for directing a portion of the airflow received through the opening to a brake system to cool the brake system.
Implementation Method 3
When the engine is not in need of cooling, the shutter system is positioned in the closed position to block airflow through the opening, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag on the vehicle which increases the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a body that defines an opening in a forward end thereof. A heat exchanger and an inlet of a brake duct are each positioned rearward of the opening to receive a flow of air through the opening. A shutter system is movable between an open position to allow airflow through the opening and a closed position to block airflow through the opening. The shutter system controls the airflow to both the heat exchanger and to the inlet of the brake duct.