Flap Actuation Mechanism Using Animation Plate and Cable Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for controlling and maneuvering multiple flaps in motor vehicles are complex and difficult to adapt for various functionalities, failing to provide the necessary specific mechanisms for multiple functionalities simultaneously or independently, especially at a lower cost.
Innovation Solution
A simplified mechanism using a drive cable system with animation plates and guide grooves, where the drive cable forms a closed loop along the edges of the flaps, allowing simultaneous movement in two directions, and the arrangement of guide grooves and pulleys enables adaptable and efficient operation for different functionalities and aerodynamic conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of control mechanisms are implemented for multiple functionalities, then each specific function can be controlled precisely, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single control mechanism comprising an animation plate with guide grooves and a drive cable system is designed to perform multiple functions: regulating air flow through engine compartment flaps, concealing technical equipment, and managing aerodynamic forces. The animation plate's guide grooves can be configured in different patterns to accommodate various functional requirements, allowing one mechanism to serve multiple purposes without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism is divided into modular components: an animation plate with configurable guide grooves, connecting rods with fingers, and a drive cable system with pulleys. Each component can be independently designed and adjusted for specific functional requirements. The guide grooves can be segmented into different sections with varying orientations to control different flaps or equipment shutters independently, enabling functional versatility without requiring entirely separate control systems
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple flaps with reduced surface are used, then aerodynamic forces are distributed and free space is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flaps with reduced surface areas are controlled by a single animation plate and drive cable system rather than individual mechanisms for each flap. The animation plate simultaneously actuates multiple connecting rods that are each attached to different flaps, merging the control function across multiple components. This reduces the overall device complexity while still achieving the benefit of distributed aerodynamic forces across multiple smaller flaps
3Ease of operation
If a single drive cable forms a closed loop along flap edges, then simultaneous two-directional movement is enabled, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Pulleys are introduced as intermediary components to guide and support the drive cable as it forms a closed loop along the flap edges. The pulleys provide fixed reference points and maintain proper cable tension and alignment, reducing the precision requirements for the cable loop itself. The pulley system acts as a mediator that translates the cable's linear motion into precise rotational movement of the flaps, accommodating manufacturing tolerances in the cable and mounting positions
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
This solution provides a modular, cost-effective mechanism for controlling multiple flaps, allowing simultaneous or independent operation of various functionalities, such as air regulation and concealing technical equipment, while efficiently managing aerodynamic forces at high speeds.
Implementation Method 1
the animation plate or plates are driven in translation by at least one drive cable forming a closed loop and circulating along the lower and/or upper edges of the flaps so that the movement of an animation plate between said end positions in one direction and in an opposite direction respectively causes the opening and closing of each of the flaps
Implementation Method 2
said animation plate comprising guide grooves, each guide grooves cooperating with a finger disposed on a set of connecting rods mounted on an upper and/or lower edge of each of the flaps
Implementation Method 3
By judiciously arranging the route of the cable using, for example, return pulleys, it is possible to animate in translation one or more animation plates arranged as required
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~6e
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for manoeuvring one or more sets of flaps (1, 2) formed of one or more flaps (11, 12, 13, 14 and 21, 22, 23, 24), each flap pivoting about an axis of rotation (a1a1', b1b1', c1c1', d1d1', a2a2', b2b2', c2c2', d2d2') mounted on a chassis (3). The flaps of a set of flaps (1, 2) are set in rotation by at least one activating plate (120, 130, 220, 230) that moves in translation between two end positions in a main direction (YY') substantially perpendicular to the axes of the flaps, said activating plate having guide slots (121, 122, 123, 124), each of the guide slots engaging with a finger (151, 152, 153, 154) disposed on a set of link rods (141, 142, 143, 144) mounted on an upper edge (110) and/or lower edge (111) of each of the flaps of said set, such that movement of the activating plate between said end positions in one direction and in an opposite direction causes each of the flaps of said set of flaps to open and close, respectively.