Dual Support-Frame Air Shutter for Independent Front-End Airflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle shutter systems face challenges in independently controlling flaps on multiple support frames, complicating installation and connection, and often require a single actuator for both frames, limiting airflow optimization and aerodynamic efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A sealing device with two support frames, each having dedicated drive devices and flaps, where the frames are mechanically fixed to each other, allowing independent control and simplified installation, with complementary shapes and fastening mechanisms for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single actuator is used to rotate flaps on both support frames, then device complexity is reduced, but independent control capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator quantityVSAvoidindependent control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the actuation system into separate dedicated actuators for each support frame. The first actuator is exclusively coupled to the first support frame, and the second actuator is exclusively coupled to the second support frame. This segmentation enables independent control of each frame's flaps while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If support frames are made independent of each other, then ease of installation is improved, but structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the first and second support frames into a single integrated assembly. The frames are positioned adjacent to each other with their respective actuators and flaps, forming a unified shutter system that provides both installation flexibility and structural stability through their combined configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated drive devices are provided for each support frame, then airflow optimization capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow optimization capabilityVSAvoiddrive device quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by providing specialized drive devices positioned at specific locations for each support frame. The first drive device is associated with the first support frame and the second drive device with the second support frame, allowing each frame to be independently optimized for its specific airflow control requirements without affecting the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4225600B1Device for shutting off an air flow for a motor vehicle front end, comprising a plurality of support frames
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 VALEO ELECTRIFICATION
  • EP4225600B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4225600B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4225600B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A shut-off device (1) for an air inlet of a motor vehicle front end, comprising: - a first support frame (3) having four flanks (3a, 3a', 3b, 3b'), - a second support frame (4) having four flanks (4a, 4a' 4b, 4b'), - at least one shutter (5) arranged within each of the first (3) and second (4) support frames and pivoting about a pivot axis (P) between a first open end position and a second closed end position, the first (3) and the second (4) support frame being fastened mechanically to one another at one of their flanks (3a, 3a', 3b, 3b' and 4a, 4a', 4b, 4b'), termed fastening flank, the first (3) and the second (4) support frame each comprising at least one drive device (7) dedicated to bringing about movement of the at least one shutter (5) that each of said first (3) and second (4) support frames comprise.