Grille Shutter Actuator with Pivotable Couplings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dual drive grille shutter actuators are limited to applications with co-planar shutter louvers, requiring separate actuators for non-co-planar configurations, increasing weight and cost.
Innovation Solution
A dual drive actuator with pivotable couplings, such as universal or constant velocity joints, allows for adjustable angles between output shafts, enabling the actuator to drive non-parallel shutter louvers and accommodating various grille shutter configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current dual drive actuators use parallel output shafts, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the actuator can only drive co-planar shutter louvers and requires separate actuators for non-co-planar configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed with a universal joint connecting the drive shaft to the output shaft, allowing the same actuator structure to accommodate both co-planar and non-co-planar shutter louvers. The universal joint enables the output shaft to operate at different angles relative to the drive shaft, making the actuator universally applicable to various grille shutter configurations without requiring separate actuators for different applications.
2Reliability
If separate actuators are used for non-co-planar shutter louvers, then each louver set is properly actuated, but the overall weight and cost of the grille shutter assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the functionality of multiple actuators into a single actuator unit. By using a universal joint to connect the drive shaft to the output shaft, the actuator can simultaneously or independently actuate multiple non-co-planar louver sets that would otherwise require separate actuators. This merging of functions reduces the total number of actuators needed, thereby reducing the overall weight of the grille shutter assembly while maintaining reliable actuation for all louver sets.
3Reliability
If separate actuators are used for non-co-planar shutter louvers, then proper actuation is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator incorporates a universal joint that provides multi-functional capability, allowing a single actuator design to serve multiple louver configurations. This universality means that the same actuator can be used for both co-planar and non-co-planar shutter arrangements, eliminating the need to manufacture and stock multiple different actuator types. Consequently, manufacturing costs are reduced due to economies of scale in producing a standardized actuator design, while still achieving reliable actuation for various louver configurations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator uses a pivotable coupling, then adaptability to different louver angles is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal joint serves as an intermediary mechanism between the drive shaft and the output shaft. It mediates the transmission of rotational motion while accommodating angular misalignment between the two shafts. This intermediary coupling allows the output shaft to pivot at different angles relative to the drive shaft, providing adaptability to various louver configurations. The universal joint achieves this angle adjustment function through a relatively simple and well-established mechanical design, minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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 actuator can efficiently control airflow to heat exchangers with non-parallel louvers, reducing weight and cost by allowing a single actuator to fit a range of grille shutter assemblies, and improving aerodynamics and engine efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first pivotable coupling is a universal joint, ball joint or constant velocity joint
Implementation Method 2
The second pivotable coupling is a universal joint, ball joint or constant velocity joint
Implementation Method 3
The first pivotable coupling is a universal joint, ball joint or constant velocity joint
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator for opening and closing grille shutters includes a drive unit, a wheel driven by the drive unit, and a pair of shafts attached to the wheel and configured for driving the grille shutters to open or close. At least one of the shafts is pivotally coupled to the wheel so that an angle formed between the shafts and the wheel is adjustable.