Vehicle Grille Shutter Initialization for Ice Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle grille shutter systems fail to efficiently manage airflow and ice formation during temperature fluctuations, leading to potential operational impediments and aerodynamic inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method that initializes the shutter operation by detecting power-plant start-up and ambient temperature, commanding it to a fully-opened position above a temperature threshold to prevent ice formation and ensure airflow, and switching to a fully-closed position when the power-plant temperature drops below a threshold or vehicle speed increases for enhanced aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the shutter is commanded to change position during cold operation, then aerodynamic efficiency can be improved, but ice formation may impede free operation of the shutter
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary warming of the shutter assembly using heated air directed onto the shutter before commanding position changes. This preliminary action prevents ice formation that would impede subsequent operational movements, resolving the contradiction between aerodynamic efficiency and operational reliability in cold conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by using heating elements to counteract ice formation before it can impede shutter operation. By preemptively warming the shutter surface and mechanism, the system prevents the harmful effect of ice accumulation, allowing aerodynamic optimization without compromising reliability.
2Reliability
If the shutter remains fully-open during cold operation, then ice formation is prevented, but aerodynamic drag increases reducing fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary warming of the shutter assembly using heated air directed onto the shutter before commanding position changes. This preliminary action prevents ice formation that would impede subsequent operational movements, resolving the contradiction between aerodynamic efficiency and operational reliability in cold conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts shutter operation based on temperature conditions. When temperatures are above freezing, the shutter can be commanded to closed positions for aerodynamic efficiency. When temperatures approach freezing, the system transitions to warming mode, preventing ice formation and maintaining operational reliability while reducing aerodynamic drag only when safe.
3Loss of energy
If the shutter is commanded to closed position for aerodynamic efficiency, then fuel consumption decreases, but ice formation may impede operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary warming of the shutter assembly using heated air directed onto the shutter before commanding position changes. This preliminary action prevents ice formation that would impede subsequent operational movements, resolving the contradiction between aerodynamic efficiency and operational reliability in cold conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature sensors to continuously monitor shutter and ambient conditions, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback enables intelligent decision-making about when to command shutter closure for aerodynamic efficiency versus when to prioritize warming to prevent ice formation, thus resolving the contradiction between fuel consumption and operational reliability.
4Device complexity
If the shutter operation is initialized without temperature checking, then system complexity is reduced, but ice-related operational issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary warming of the shutter assembly using heated air directed onto the shutter before commanding position changes. This preliminary action prevents ice formation that would impede subsequent operational movements, resolving the contradiction between aerodynamic efficiency and operational reliability in cold conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of initializing operation of a shutter arranged relative to a grille opening in a vehicle having a power-plant includes detecting a start-up of the power-plant. The method also includes sensing a temperature of ambient air. The method also includes commanding the shutter to achieve a fully-opened position when the temperature of ambient air is above a predetermined value such that a flow of ambient air to the power-plant through the grille opening is substantially unrestricted. The method additionally includes commanding the shutter to achieve a fully-closed position when a temperature of the power-plant is maintained below a threshold value such that the flow of ambient air through the grille opening to the power-plant is substantially blocked. A vehicle using a controller configured to perform the above method is also provided.