Compound Shutter System Independent Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shutter systems lack independent and non-sequential operation capabilities, limiting their ability to efficiently control airflow and cooling in vehicles with multiple grille openings, especially under varying engine loads.
Innovation Solution
A compound shutter system with multiple operable shutter assemblies and a mechanism featuring a clutch and motor, utilizing shape memory materials to actuate each shutter assembly independently and non-sequentially, along with a controller to regulate airflow through separate grille openings based on engine load and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single shutter assembly is used to cover multiple grille openings, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to independently control airflow through each grille opening is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter system is divided into multiple independent shutter assemblies, each corresponding to a specific grille opening. Each shutter assembly can be actuated independently to control airflow through its associated grille opening, enabling precise airflow management while maintaining separate control capabilities for each grille opening.
2Device complexity
If shutter assemblies are actuated sequentially by a single motor, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to independently and simultaneously control multiple shutters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A clutch mechanism serves as an intermediary between the single motor and multiple shutter assemblies. The clutch selectively engages different shutter assemblies based on control signals, allowing the motor to independently actuate individual shutters or multiple shutters in sequence or simultaneously, providing flexible control without requiring separate motors for each shutter.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed louver angles are used in shutter assemblies, then the manufacturing precision and structural stability are improved, but the ability to adjust airflow characteristics is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The louver assemblies are designed with movable louvers that can be rotated to different angles relative to the shutter frame. This dynamic configuration allows the louver angle to be adjusted independently of the shutter's open/closed state, enabling precise control of airflow characteristics while maintaining structural stability through well-defined angular positions.
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
Enables precise control of airflow and cooling in vehicles by allowing independent operation of shutter assemblies, optimizing engine cooling and aerodynamic performance while accommodating separate grille openings.
Implementation Method 1
The clutch may employ a shape memory material selectively energized to operate the motor in one of the first, second, and third modes
Data Source
AI summary
A compound shutter system includes a plurality of shutter assemblies. Each of the shutter assemblies has at least one louver operable to selectively open and close the respective shutter assembly. The compound shutter system additionally includes a mechanism operatively connected to each of the plurality of shutter assemblies. The mechanism is also configured to actuate each of the shutter assemblies independently and non-sequentially relative to each other. A vehicle employing the compound shutter system is also disclosed.