Vehicle Engine Compartment Air Flow Control Shutter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle engine compartment air flow control systems compromise fuel efficiency and aerodynamic performance due to unnecessary operation of cooling fans and inefficient air flow management, especially at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a radiator with coolant inflow and exhaust tanks, phase change material tanks, a fan shroud with a rotary shutter and flaps, and an air flow rate control shutter apparatus, controlled by sensors and motors to optimize air flow based on vehicle operation status, reducing fan operation and adjusting air intake to improve cooling and aerodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cooling fan is operated by mechanical method whenever the engine is operated, then the engine cooling function is ensured, but the fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fan operation is made dynamic rather than continuous. The control unit adjusts fan operation based on real-time engine temperature and vehicle speed conditions, operating the fan only when necessary for cooling, thereby maintaining engine temperature control while reducing unnecessary energy consumption and improving fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical cooling fan drive system is replaced with an electric motor-driven cooling fan controlled by a control unit. This substitution allows for precise electronic control of fan operation based on sensor feedback, enabling the fan to operate only when cooling is needed rather than running continuously with the engine
2Loss of energy
If air flowing into the engine compartment is shut off at high speed, then the drag is reduced and fuel efficiency is improved, but the cooling performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow control system is made dynamic with adjustable flaps that can change their opening degree based on vehicle speed and engine temperature conditions. At high speeds, the flaps can close to reduce drag, while at low speeds or when cooling is needed, they open to allow adequate air flow for radiator cooling
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the air flow parameters dynamically by adjusting the flap opening degree according to vehicle operating conditions. The control unit monitors vehicle speed and engine temperature to determine the optimal flap position, balancing drag reduction at high speeds with adequate cooling air flow when required
3Use of energy by moving object
If the cooling fan operation is minimized, then the fuel efficiency is improved, but the cooling capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control where sensors continuously monitor engine temperature and vehicle speed, and the control unit adjusts cooling fan operation and air flap positions based on this feedback. This ensures the fan operates only when and as much as needed for cooling, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining adequate cooling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The air control system serves multiple functions: it controls air flow for radiator cooling, adjusts drag at different speeds, and manages engine compartment temperature. By integrating these functions, the system minimizes fan operation for fuel efficiency while ensuring cooling capability is maintained when needed through coordinated air flow management
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
The system enhances fuel efficiency and aerodynamic performance by minimizing cooling fan operation and optimizing air flow, improving cooling efficiency through phase change material heat-exchange and reducing drag, while allowing for increased design flexibility in the engine compartment.
Implementation Method 1
phase change material (PCM) tanks provided to an exterior side of the coolant inflow tank and the coolant exhaust tank and storing a phase change material, wherein the phase change material heat-exchanges with the coolant stored in the coolant inflow tank and the coolant exhaust tank
Implementation Method 2
the phase change material heat-exchanges with the coolant stored in the coolant inflow tank and the coolant exhaust tank
Implementation Method 3
when air flowing into an engine compartment of the vehicle is shut off when the vehicle travels at a high speed, drag, which is generated when air passes through the engine compartment, is reduced
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a flow rate of air into a vehicle engine compartment, may include a radiator cooling a coolant; a coolant inflow tank provided to one side of the radiator and temporarily storing the coolant that cools an engine; and a coolant exhaust tank provided to another side of the radiator and temporarily storing the coolant circulating past a cooling fin of the radiator from the coolant inflow tank.