Linear Actuation Mechanism for Active Grille Shutters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active grille shutter systems lack an efficient linear actuation mechanism to effectively control air flow for both internal combustion engines and electric vehicles, impacting wind resistance and fuel economy.
Innovation Solution
A linear actuation mechanism comprising a barrel with a plunger and rotating cam, driven by an actuator, which moves between extended and retracted positions through a spring-biased system, allowing vanes to rotate between open and closed positions, utilizing a link arm to control air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a linear actuation mechanism is implemented to control air flow, then fuel economy and wind resistance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the grille shutters based on operating conditions. The actuator moves the shutters between open and closed positions to optimize air flow, reducing wind resistance and improving fuel economy while adapting to different vehicle operating states
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a linear actuation mechanism as an intermediary device between the control system and the grille shutters. This mechanism includes a barrel, plunger, and cam system that converts actuator motion into shutter movement, providing controlled air flow management
2Stability of the object's composition
If the plunger is biased toward retracted position by spring, then the mechanism returns to initial position automatically, but additional components increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The spring acts as a counterbalancing element that biases the plunger toward the retracted position. This ensures the mechanism automatically returns to its initial state after actuation, providing stability and predictable behavior without requiring additional control components
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased plunger system is self-resetting. After the actuator completes its stroke and the shutters are positioned, the spring automatically returns the plunger to its initial position, preparing the mechanism for the next actuation cycle without external intervention
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
This mechanism enables precise control of air flow, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing wind resistance by efficiently transitioning the vanes between open and closed positions, thereby optimizing airflow management.
Implementation Method 1
There is a retraction spring circumscribing a portion of the shaft of the plunger positioned between a wall adjacent the first end aperture of the barrel, and a spring bushing on an outside surface of the plunger. The retraction spring biases the plunger tip toward the retracted position.
Implementation Method 2
The linear actuation mechanism also includes a rotating cam position between the second end of the plunger and the pusher. The rotating cam has a plunger face surface in contact with the second end of the plunger and a second cam surface in contact with the first cam surface on the pusher. The rotating cam rotates about the axis in response to the first cam surface of the pusher acting on the second cam surface of the rotating cam.
Data Source
AI summary
An active grille system having a linear actuation mechanism. The active grille system has vanes connected to a link arm. The vanes rotate between an open position and a closed position using force transmitted by the link arm. Connected to the frame is an actuator that has a mover that provides force to a linear actuation mechanism that is connected to the link arm.