Active Grille Shutter Spring Mechanism for Pedestrian Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle front end structures lack effective pedestrian protection and efficient airflow control, particularly in managing impact energy and maintaining vehicle performance.
Innovation Solution
A front end structure featuring an active grille shutter system with a movable frame assembly, rotatable vanes, and spring portions that absorb impact energy, allowing for controlled airflow and pedestrian protection by nesting and compressing to absorb forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid grille structure is used to maintain structural strength, then vehicle front end strength is improved, but pedestrian protection is worsened due to inability to absorb impact energy
Solution Approach 1:
The grille assembly incorporates a movable forward frame portion that can dynamically shift position relative to the aft frame portion during pedestrian impact. This dynamic movement allows the structure to absorb impact energy through controlled deformation rather than rigid resistance, reducing harmful effects to pedestrians while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Spring portions are pre-installed between the forward and aft frame portions to provide cushioning before impact occurs. These springs are configured to compress and absorb impact energy during pedestrian contact, creating a protective cushioning effect that mitigates harmful forces before they can be transmitted to the pedestrian.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the forward frame portion is made movable to absorb impact energy, then pedestrian protection is improved, but structural stability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the stability parameter dynamically - the forward frame portion is stabilized in its normal operating position by the spring portions during regular vehicle operation, providing structural stability. During impact, the spring portions compress, changing the stability parameter to allow controlled movement and energy absorption, thus protecting pedestrians while maintaining operational stability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If spring portions are added to couple forward and aft frame portions, then impact energy absorption is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The spring portions are integrated directly into the coupling structure between the forward and aft frame portions, merging the shock absorption function with the structural connection function. This integration allows impact energy absorption to be achieved without adding separate, complex shock absorption systems, thus limiting the increase in device complexity while still improving impact energy absorption.
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
The solution provides enhanced pedestrian protection by absorbing impact energy while maintaining vehicle performance through efficient airflow management and controlled movement of the grille assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of spring portions coupling the forward frame portion to the aft frame portion such that the forward frame is movable relative to the aft frame
Data Source
AI summary
A grille assembly for a vehicle is disclosed and includes a forward frame portion, an aft frame portion, and a plurality of spring portions coupling the forward frame portion to the aft frame portion such that the forward frame is movable relative to the aft frame portion. A front end assembly for a vehicle is also disclosed that includes a bolster assembly and an active grille shutter system supported relative to the bolster assembly. The disclosed active grille shutter system includes a plurality of spring portions coupling forward and aft frame portions such that the forward frame is movable relative to the aft frame. Vanes are supported by at least one of the forward and aft frame portions and are rotatable for controlling airflow.