Kinematic Linkage Assembly for Active Grille Shutter Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Active Grille Shutters (AGS) lack adequate monitoring capabilities to detect damaged or missing components, leading to potential degradation of aerodynamic performance without driver knowledge, and are not On Board Diagnostic (OBD-2) compliant.
Innovation Solution
A kinematic linkage assembly using a two-shot component with laterally opposing links that transfer drive forces in a zig-zag pattern across the AGS, allowing for on-board diagnostics to detect missing or damaged components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single piece linkage is used to connect all vanes together, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect missing or damaged components is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The single piece linkage is segmented into multiple individual links (first link, second link, third link, fourth link) that connect adjacent vanes laterally. This segmentation allows each link to independently transmit force while enabling diagnostic detection of missing or damaged components through the vehicle's OBD-2 system, resolving the contradiction between simplified structure and component detectability.
2Reliability
If laterally opposing links are used to transfer drive forces in a zig-zag pattern, then on-board diagnostic capability is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic capability is merged with the existing mechanical linkage function. The laterally opposing links serve dual purposes: transmitting drive forces from the actuator to adjacent vanes and enabling OBD-2 system detection of component status. This combining of functions achieves diagnostic capability without adding separate monitoring systems, partially offsetting the increased structural complexity.
3Reliability
If adjacent vanes are connected by individual links, then missing or damaged components can be detected, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each lateral link is designed as a universal component that connects adjacent vanes and participates in the zig-zag force transmission pattern. The standardized link design allows for simplified manufacturing and assembly, where multiple identical links can be produced efficiently and assembled in a repeating pattern, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity despite the increased number of components.
Data Source
AI summary
A kinematic linkage assembly for an active grille shutter system having a frame connectable to a vehicle and forming an aperture. A kinematic linkage assembly with a plurality of vanes each moveable between an open position, an intermediate position, and a closed position. The rotation force from an actuator is transmitted across the first vane of the plurality of vanes to the first link at the first connection.