Dual-Output Grill Shutter Actuator for Independent Vane Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current active grille shutter systems employ synchronous movement for all vanes, lacking independent control over different areas, which is not optimal for reducing aerodynamic drag and addressing varying cooling needs of different radiators.
Innovation Solution
A dual output actuator with a gear system that allows independent rotation of two outputs about a common axis, enabling separate control of upper and lower shutter portions through a mechanism involving worm gears, pinion gears, and a motor controlled by a printed circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If synchronous movement is used for all vanes, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system is segmented into multiple independent outputs (first output and second output), each capable of independently controlling different areas of the shutter system. This segmentation allows different vanes in different areas to be controlled independently while maintaining a single integrated actuator unit, thus achieving area-independent control without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If all vanes are closed to reduce aerodynamic drag, then drag reduction is improved, but cooling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different areas of the shutter system are assigned different functional qualities - upper area shutters can remain closed to reduce aerodynamic drag, while lower area shutters can remain open to maintain cooling efficiency. This local differentiation allows the system to optimize for both drag reduction and cooling performance simultaneously by applying different shutter positions to different spatial zones.
3Adaptability or versatility
If parallel active grill shutter systems are used for independent control, then adaptability is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions that would traditionally require separate parallel actuator systems are merged into a single dual-output actuator. The first and second outputs of the same actuator can independently control different shutter areas, achieving the adaptability of multiple systems while sharing common structural components, mounting interfaces, and control architecture, thereby reducing overall weight and cost.
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 independent control of different areas of the active grill shutter system, reducing aerodynamic drag and optimizing cooling efficiency by allowing sequential operation of shutter portions, thus improving vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a gear rotationally mounted about the axis, the gear being capable of independently rotating either the first output or the second output by moving axially along the axis
Implementation Method 2
the gear is operably coupled to a first worm gear rotationally mounted to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A dual output actuator for use with an active grill shutter system, including: a first output rotationally mounted about an axis; a second output rotationally mounted about the axis, the first output capable of independent rotation about the axis with respect to the second output and the second output capable of independent rotation about the axis with respect to the first output; and a gear rotationally mounted about the axis, the gear being capable of independently rotating either the first output or the second output by moving axially along the axis.