Curvilinear Active Grille Shutter for Non-Planar Vehicle A-Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional active grille shutter systems that are not curvilinear compromise aerodynamic benefits and appearance when integrated into vehicles with non-planar grille openings, as they cannot conform to the desired shape, especially when forming the A-surface of the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
An active grille shutter system with a frame featuring curvilinear sides and vanes that pivot and move between open and closed positions, aligning with the curved edges of the grille opening to maintain aerodynamic benefits and aesthetic appeal, utilizing pivot and guide pins, vane mounting plates, and a linkage bar for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flat active grille shutter system is used, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the aerodynamic benefits are compromised and appearance is degraded when integrated into non-planar grille openings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing the active grille shutter system with a curvilinear configuration that matches the non-planar grille opening shape. The frame and vanes are specifically shaped to conform to the curved A-surface of the vehicle, eliminating the need for complex manufacturing while achieving perfect shape conformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by making different portions of the shutter system have different geometric properties. The outer frame follows the curvilinear contour of the grille opening while the inner vanes maintain a different configuration to optimize airflow control, allowing each local region to serve its specific function.
2Reliability
If the vanes are positioned close to the A-surface when closed, then aerodynamic benefits are maximized, but the ability to remain parallel and behind the A-surface when open is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the vanes to change their position and orientation dynamically between two states: when closed, they align with the A-surface to maximize aerodynamic benefits; when open, they rotate to a position parallel to and behind the A-surface to allow airflow while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
3Shape
If the vanes follow the curve when closed, then shape conformity and appearance are improved, but the mechanism complexity increases to achieve the curvilinear motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses guide pins as intermediary elements that constrain the motion of the vanes along the curvilinear path. These guide pins interact with curved slots in the mounting plates to automatically guide the vanes through the complex curvilinear motion required for shape conformity, simplifying the overall mechanism while achieving the desired curved movement.
Data Source
AI summary
An active grille shutter system having a frame with a first side facing a vehicle exterior and a second side opposite the first side that generally faces a vehicle engine compartment. The frame also includes at least two opposing cross-sectional curvilinear sides that form part of a curvilinear opening to allow air to selectively pass through the frame from the first side to the second side. Multiple rotatable vanes are placed within the curvilinear opening in order to selectively block airflow through the frame member. During operation of the active grille shutter system the vanes do not extend beyond the perimeter of the curvilinear opening of the frame when in the open and closed position.