Vehicle Grille Shutter Rotator for Airflow and Debris Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grille shutter devices require complex configurations for opening and closing, leading to potential aerodynamic performance deterioration and foreign matter entry, with increased actuator torque requirements.
Innovation Solution
A rotator mechanism with a closing plate, counter plate, and grille plates that rotate about an axis in the vehicle width direction, allowing for simple opening and closing, guided airflow, and reduced actuator torque through aerodynamic design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fins are arranged to open and close the opening, then the opening can be adjusted, but the device configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The grille shutter device is divided into multiple independent fins that can be controlled separately. Each fin can be independently opened or closed, allowing for graduated adjustment of the opening area while maintaining a simple overall structure with repetitive modular units
Solution Approach 2:
The fins are designed to be rotatable about an axis, transitioning between a closed position (parallel to the opening plane) and an open position (perpendicular to the opening plane). This dynamic capability allows the same structural element to serve multiple functions at different operational states
2Reliability
If the opening is closed by multiple overlapping fins, then the opening can be sealed, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple overlapping fins that create aerodynamic interference, the invention uses a single flat closing plate that provides a smooth surface when closed. The closing plate presents a streamlined profile to the airflow, eliminating the aerodynamic penalties associated with multiple overlapping surfaces while maintaining effective sealing capability
3Device complexity
If the closing plate is positioned without support, then the structure is simple, but the plate deflects backward due to traveling air
Solution Approach 1:
Grille plates are introduced as intermediary support elements positioned behind the closing plate. These grille plates provide structural reinforcement to prevent backward deflection of the closing plate due to traveling air, while maintaining aesthetic appearance by being hidden behind the closing plate when it is in the closed position
4Productivity
If the opening is fully open with no obstruction, then air flow is maximized, but foreign matter enters the vehicle body
Solution Approach 1:
Grille plates are positioned to extend behind the opening when the fins are in the open position. These grille plates serve as a protective barrier that prevents foreign matter from entering the vehicle body while allowing air to flow through the opening, thus maintaining both productivity and protection
Data Source
AI summary
A grille shutter device includes a rotator. The rotator is disposed in the air introduction passage and is rotatable about an axis extending in the vehicle width direction. The rotator includes a closing plate extending in the vehicle width direction, a counter plate provided opposite to the closing plate, a pair of side plates connecting both ends of the closing plate and the counter plate in the vehicle width direction, and a plurality of grille plates connecting the closing plate and the counter plate with an interval in the vehicle width direction between the pair of side plates. The rotator has a falling posture in which the closing plate closes the opening by being rotated by the actuator about the axis, and a raised posture in which a plurality of grille plates appear in the back of the opening in the front view of the vehicle.