Grille Shutter Anti-Sticking Actuator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grille shutter control systems for vehicles fail to prevent opening-closing units from becoming stuck due to ice, mud, or other obstructions, leading to inadequate or excessive radiator cooling, and are limited by the spring's urging force.
Innovation Solution
A grille shutter control device equipped with an actuator, such as a motor or vibration motor, that performs periodic anti-sticking operations to prevent the opening-closing units from being stuck, controlled by a computer that adjusts the frequency of these operations based on vehicle conditions like temperature and rainfall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spring's urging force is increased to prevent the units from being stuck closed, then the units can overcome obstructions, but the number of components and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical spring-based solution with an actuator-driven system that performs reciprocating operations. This substitution allows for more flexible and effective anti-sticking operations without being limited by spring force constraints, while the actuator can be controlled to provide precise reciprocating motion.
2Reliability
If the actuator performs frequent anti-sticking operations, then the opening-closing units are better prevented from being stuck, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator performs anti-sticking operations periodically at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. This periodic operation balances the need to prevent sticking with energy conservation, activating the actuator only when necessary to reciprocate the opening-closing units and clear potential obstructions.
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 device effectively prevents the opening-closing units from being stuck by periodically discharging obstructions, ensuring optimal radiator cooling and reducing the number of components needed, with increased frequency during low temperatures and rainfall to address mud and ice issues.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator that performs an anti-sticking operation for preventing the opening-closing unit from being stuck
Implementation Method 2
An actuator that performs an anti-sticking operation for preventing the opening-closing unit from being stuck
Data Source
AI summary
A grille shutter control device is employed for a grille shutter that includes a frame, which is provided in a front grille of a vehicle and has an outside air inlet, and an opening-closing unit for opening and closing the outside air inlet. The grille shutter control device controls an opening-closing operation of the opening-closing unit such that the outside air inlet is opened or closed in accordance with a condition of the vehicle. The grille shutter controller includes an actuator and a controlling section. The actuator performs an anti-sticking operation for preventing the opening-closing unit from being stuck. The controlling section controls the actuator such that the anti-sticking operation is periodically performed by the actuator.