Grille Shutter Time-Difference Link for Icing-Tolerant Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grille shutters with a common actuator can fail to open if one movable fin becomes non-rotatable due to foreign matter or icing, leading to overheating of cooling targets like radiators.
Innovation Solution
A grille shutter design with a time difference link mechanism that allows the second movable fin to be rotationally driven later than the first, enabling partial opening of the grille even if the second fin is fixed, using a configuration where the second fin rotates at a higher speed than the first.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If movable fins are rotationally driven by a common actuator, then the number of actuators is reduced, but the system becomes vulnerable to complete failure when one fin is fixed
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism is segmented into multiple independent linkage units, each capable of independent motion. When one fin is fixed, other fins can still be driven by their respective linkage units, dividing the system into independent functional segments that operate autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic articulated structure with multiple degrees of freedom. This allows the system to adapt its configuration based on the rotational status of individual fins, maintaining functionality even when some fins are fixed.
2Ease of operation
If all movable fins are interconnected, then the grille can open completely, but foreign matter or icing on one fin prevents any opening
Solution Approach 1:
The grille is divided into multiple independently controllable fin groups through segmented linkage units. Each unit can operate independently, so if one fin is blocked by foreign matter or icing, the other units can still open their respective fins to maintain airflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of different fin groups independently. When one fin is fixed, the actuator can adjust the rotation angle and timing parameters of other fins to compensate, ensuring the grille maintains sufficient opening capability despite the blockage.
3Reliability
If the second movable fin is driven later than the first, then partial opening is possible when the second fin is fixed, but the linkage mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism employs dynamic articulated connections that allow sequential activation of fins. The second linkage unit is designed to engage after the first fin has rotated, creating a time-differential operation that enables partial opening capability while using relatively simple mechanical components.
Data Source
AI summary
The plurality of movable fins includes at least a first movable fin coupled to the actuator and a second movable fin coupled to the first movable fin via a time difference link. The time difference link does not interlock the second movable fin with respect to the first movable fin while the first movable fin rotates from the closed position to the predetermined intermediate position, and interlocks the second movable fin with respect to the first movable fin while the first movable fin rotates from the intermediate position to the open position.