Grille Shutter Detection Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing grille shutter apparatuses for vehicles are complex and costly due to the need for multiple detection devices to ensure proper operation of movable fins, which can malfunction, affecting aerodynamic performance and engine temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A grille shutter apparatus with a shutter mechanism featuring plural movable fins connected by an independent connection mechanism, a control portion for air flow rate management, and a detection system using a first and second detection portion to determine the operational state of the shutter mechanism, allowing for abnormality determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple detection devices are installed to monitor each movable fin, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from multiple individual fins and concentrates it into a single detection device that monitors only the last movable fin. This eliminates the need for multiple detection devices while maintaining the ability to detect operational abnormalities through the connection mechanisms that link all fins together.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanisms serve multiple functions: they mechanically link the movable fins together for synchronized operation and simultaneously transmit the operational state information to the single detection device. This multi-functionality allows one detection device to monitor the entire shutter mechanism without requiring individual sensors on each fin.
2Reliability
If multiple detection devices are installed to monitor each movable fin, then abnormality detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from multiple individual fins and concentrates it into a single detection device that monitors only the last movable fin. This eliminates the need for multiple detection devices while maintaining the ability to detect operational abnormalities through the connection mechanisms that link all fins together.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanisms between movable fins automatically transmit operational state information from each fin to the last fin, which then provides this information to the detection device. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional detection devices on each fin, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining abnormality detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If detection devices are installed on each movable fin, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from multiple individual fins and concentrates it into a single detection device that monitors only the last movable fin. This eliminates the need for multiple detection devices while maintaining the ability to detect operational abnormalities through the connection mechanisms that link all fins together.
Data Source
AI summary
A grille shutter apparatus includes a shutter mechanism including plural of movable fins and at least one connection mechanism independently arranged to connect every two of the movable fins adjacent to one another. Accordingly, the shutter mechanism makes the movable fins operate in conjunction with one another. The grille shutter apparatus further includes a control portion controlling a flow rate of air flowing from a grille opening portion formed at a front portion of a vehicle body into the vehicle body on the basis of opening and closing operations of the shutter mechanism, and a detection device detecting an operational state of the shutter mechanism on the basis of an operation of the movable fins which correspond to a most downstream portion of a serially-arranged driving force transmission path formed at the shutter mechanism.