Active Grille Shutter Mounting on Crash Beam for Simpler Front-End Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle airflow regulation assemblies with active grille shutters are complex and require multiple components, complicating assembly, repair, and maintenance, as they are typically connected to radiator core support structures.
Innovation Solution
The active grille shutter is connected to a vehicle's front-end reinforcement member, such as a crash beam, which supports the shutter and absorbs impact forces, reducing the number of components and improving assembly and maintenance by integrating the shutter with the reinforcement member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the active grille shutter is connected to the radiator core support structure, then the thermal components are supported, but the assembly complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the active grille shutter assembly with the front-end reinforcement member (crash beam) by integrating mounting brackets directly onto the reinforcement member. This merging eliminates the need for separate radiator core support structures to hold the shutter, thereby reducing overall component count and assembly complexity while maintaining structural support functionality.
2Ease of operation
If multiple components are used to support the active grille shutter, then the shutter can be properly positioned, but the number of parts increases maintenance difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The front-end reinforcement member is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural impact absorption, acts as a mounting platform for the active grille shutter via integrated brackets, and supports the overall front-end architecture. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated components needed, simplifying maintenance and repair operations.
3Device complexity
If the active grille shutter is integrated with the reinforcement member, then component count is reduced, but the impact force absorption capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement member is designed with segmented or zoned structural characteristics, with specific regions optimized for impact absorption and other regions providing mounting surfaces for the shutter assembly. This segmentation allows the single reinforcement member to simultaneously handle structural loads and support aerodynamic components without compromising either function.
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 configuration simplifies the assembly and maintenance of airflow regulation systems by reducing component complexity while maintaining effective airflow control and impact absorption.
Implementation Method 1
a reinforcement member that is connected to the vehicle body and which is configured to absorb impact forces
Implementation Method 2
an actuator that is connected to the at least one shutter such that the at least one shutter is repositionable between open and closed positions to thereby vary airflow into the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes: a vehicle body; a support structure that is connected to the vehicle body and which is configured to provide a framework for one or more thermal components of the vehicle; a reinforcement member that is connected to the vehicle body and which is configured to absorb impact forces; and an airflow regulation assembly that includes an active grille shutter. The active grille shutter is mechanically connected to the reinforcement member such that the reinforcement member directly supports the active grille shutter in an elevated position (e.g., vertically above the reinforcement member).