Cooling Module Air Inlet Closure for Symmetric Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure systems for motor vehicle cooling modules are unable to precisely and controllably open or close only partial areas of the vehicle interior symmetrically arranged along the vehicle width, leading to inefficient airflow and increased fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A device with first and second closing elements, guide elements, and control elements that allow for precise, controllable, and flexible opening and closing of air inlets along the vehicle width, enabling simultaneous opening or closing of air inlets on opposite sides of the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If roller blind systems are used to close air inlets in the engine compartment, then turbulent flows are reduced and fuel consumption decreases, but the system cannot open or close partial areas symmetrically arranged along the vehicle width
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into multiple independent closing elements (first closing element and second closing element) that can operate independently to close different air inlets. Each closing element is controlled separately by its own control element, enabling selective closure of partial areas such as brake air ducts on one side while leaving other areas open.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables different regions of the vehicle front to have different airflow states simultaneously. The guide elements and control elements are arranged to allow independent control of closing elements at different locations along the vehicle width, creating local airflow management capabilities.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If closure systems are designed to close entire air inlet areas, then turbulent flows are reduced, but the system lacks precision in controlling partial areas
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet closure system is segmented into multiple independent closing elements, each capable of being controlled individually. This segmentation allows precise control over specific regions (such as brake air ducts) while maintaining the ability to reduce turbulent flows by closing selected areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to close only the necessary partial areas rather than entire air inlet regions. The closing elements can be positioned at different locations along the vehicle width, enabling closure of specific zones (e.g., outer regions for brake cooling) while leaving other zones open for engine compartment cooling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple closing elements are arranged along the vehicle width, then selective airflow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple closing elements are merged into a single integrated device structure with shared guide elements and control mechanisms. The first and second closing elements operate within a common framework, reducing overall complexity compared to separate systems while maintaining selective control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide elements and control elements are designed to serve multiple functions: they guide the closing elements during movement, enable independent control of different air inlets, and maintain the structural integrity of the entire closure system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (2) for closing a motor vehicle cooling module, comprising a first and a second closing element (4a, 4b) for closing air inlets (6) in a motor vehicle, a first and a second guide element (8a, 8b) for guiding the closing elements (4a, 4b) during an opening and a closing movement, respectively a first and a second control element (10a, 10b) for controlling an opening and a closing movement of the closure elements (4a, 4b), the closure elements (4a, 4b) and the guide elements (8a, 8b) being arranged relative to one another and being controllable by the control elements (10a, 10b) in such a way that air inlets (6) in a motor vehicle are guided by the closure elements (4a, 4b) along a vehicle width (B), it being possible for two air inlets (6) arranged opposite one another along a vehicle width (B) to be opened and closed simultaneously by the closure elements (4a, 4b), the closure elements (4a, 4b) and the guide elements (8a, 8b) are arranged relative to one another and can be controlled by the control elements (10a, 10b) in such a way that the closure elements (4a, 4b) can be opened during an opening movement from the vehicle centre (M) towards the vehicle outer regions (A1, A2) and can be opened during a closing movement from the vehicle outer regions (A1, A2) towards the vehicle centre (M).