Grille Shutter Frame Rotational Moment for Collision Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grille shutter apparatuses face interference issues during collisions, where the front grille's rearward movement is restricted due to contact with the shutter mechanism and support frame, leading to inadequate impact absorption.
Innovation Solution
A grille shutter apparatus with a frame that includes protruding portions generating a rotational moment about a fixing portion, allowing the front grille to smoothly move rearward during collisions by converting the pressing force into a rotational moment, thus avoiding interference with the shutter mechanism and support frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the front grille is designed to move rearward to absorb impact during collision, then the impact absorption capability is improved, but the grille may interfere with the shutter mechanism and support frame, restricting smooth movement
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is divided into multiple segments including a first support portion, second support portion, and connecting portion. This segmentation allows each part to move independently during collision, enabling the grille to move rearward without interfering with the shutter mechanism while maintaining structural integrity for impact absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame is designed with dynamic characteristics where the connecting portion has different stiffness characteristics compared to the support portions. This allows the frame to adapt its rigidity during collision - being rigid enough to absorb impact but flexible enough to allow smooth grille movement, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the frame is made rigid to support the shutter mechanism, then the shutter mechanism stability is improved, but the front grille cannot move smoothly rearward during collision
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the frame have different mechanical properties. The first and second support portions are designed to be rigid to stabilize the shutter mechanism, while the connecting portion is designed with different stiffness to allow controlled movement during collision. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between stability and impact absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is segmented into functional zones: stable support portions for shutter mounting and a more compliant connecting portion for impact absorption. This segmentation allows the frame to simultaneously provide stability where needed and flexibility where required for safe collision performance.
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
Enables smooth rearward movement of the front grille during collisions, optimizing the rotational moment and stroke to prevent deformation and ensure effective impact absorption, protecting the shutter mechanism and reducing repair needs.
Implementation Method 1
the frame including a protruding portion making contact with a front grille and generating a rotational moment at the frame in a case where the front grille arranged at an opening end of the grille opening portion moves rearward due to an occurrence of a collision of the vehicle, the rotational moment acting about the fixing portion
Data Source
AI summary
A grille shutter apparatus includes a shutter mechanism arranged in an grille opening portion positioned at a front portion of a vehicle body of a vehicle to control a flow rate of air flowing from the grille opening portion to an internal portion of the vehicle body, and a frame supporting the shutter mechanism in the grille opening portion, the frame including a fixing portion at one end to be fixed in the grille opening portion, the frame including a protruding portion making contact with a front grille and generating a rotational moment at the frame in a case where the front grille arranged at an opening end of the grille opening portion moves rearward due to an occurrence of a collision of the vehicle, the rotational moment acting about the fixing portion.