Vehicle Grille Airflow Flaps With Integrated Debris Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for regulating air flow in vehicle radiators often require protective grilles to prevent damage from foreign particles, which increases space requirements and integration complexity.

Innovation Solution

A device with a frame and adjustable flaps, equipped with a blocking member featuring fins that extend parallel to the pivot axes, hindering the passage of external projections while allowing air flow, thus eliminating the need for a protective grille.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a protective grille is mounted upstream of the cooling module to prevent damage from foreign particles, then the protection of the cooling module is improved, but the space required at the front of the vehicle increases and integration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of cooling moduleVSAvoidspace at front of vehicle

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member with fins is integrated into the existing frame structure of the air intake device, merging the protective function with the air regulation structure. This eliminates the need for a separate protective grille while maintaining protection against foreign particles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking member with fins serves multiple functions: it blocks foreign particles from entering the cooling module while simultaneously being part of the air intake regulation system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a protective grille is mounted upstream of the cooling module to prevent damage from foreign particles, then the protection of the cooling module is improved, but the integration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of cooling moduleVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member is integrated into the frame structure of the air intake device, combining the protective function with the existing air regulation mechanism. This reduces integration complexity by eliminating the need for separate mounting arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking member with fins performs both protection and air regulation functions within a single integrated component, reducing the number of parts and simplifying integration into the cooling module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the flaps are positioned to allow maximum air flow through the grille, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the vulnerability to foreign particle damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidvulnerability to foreign particle damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fins of the blocking member are strategically positioned to block foreign particles while allowing air flow to pass through. The local structure of the fins provides protection without impeding the overall air flow needed for cooling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking member with fins acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the cooling module. It filters out foreign particles while allowing air to pass through, protecting the system without reducing cooling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4098856B1Device for regulating the circulation of a flow of external air for a grille of a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.05.21 RENAULT SA

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AI summary

Air flow regulation device (1) for an external airflow (FA) for a grille or ventilation opening of a vehicle comprising on the one hand an airflow (FA) intake adjustment means (7) having movable flaps (71) and on the other hand a blocking member (6) having fins (61) extending at least opposite a space (76) separating adjacent flaps in order to prevent the passage of external projections through the regulation device.