Linear Drive Nested in Vehicle Air Flap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air supply adjustment devices for motor vehicles require significant installation space for their drives, which can restrict airflow and increase environmental exposure.
Innovation Solution
An air supply adjustment device with a linear drive integrated parallel to the flap's axis of rotation, using a converter gear to convert translational movement into rotary movement, and incorporating actuators like shape-memory alloys for compact and protected operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If a conventional drive arrangement is used for the flap, then the drive can be reliably positioned, but significant installation space is required outside the air passage
Solution Approach 1:
The linear drive is nested within the hollow interior of the flap, utilizing the flap's internal space rather than occupying external installation space. This nesting approach allows the drive mechanism to be positioned reliably within the flap structure while minimizing the volume required outside the air passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive arrangement transitions from a conventional external positioning to an internal integration within the flap's third dimension. By moving the drive into the hollow interior space of the flap, the solution exploits the vertical dimension within the flap structure rather than requiring lateral installation space.
2Ease of manufacture
If the drive is arranged outside the air passage, then installation is simplified, but air passage is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The linear drive is nested within the hollow interior of the flap, allowing it to be installed without occupying space in the air passage. This internal positioning maintains full air passage area while still enabling drive functionality through the flap's internal volume.
3Area of stationary object
If the drive is positioned to maximize airflow, then air passage is unobstructed, but the drive is exposed to environmental influences
Solution Approach 1:
The linear drive is nested within the hollow interior of the flap, which provides protective enclosure against environmental influences such as moisture, dust, and temperature extremes. This internal positioning allows the air passage exterior to remain fully unobstructed while the drive operates in a protected environment within the flap structure.
4Volume of stationary object
If a compact drive design is used, then installation space is reduced, but the drive mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional rotary drive mechanism is replaced with a linear drive system that translates linearly within the flap's hollow interior. This substitution eliminates the need for complex rotary-to-linear conversion mechanisms outside the flap, reducing overall device complexity while achieving compact integration.
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 allows for a compact, space-saving design that minimizes installation space requirements and protects the drive from environmental influences while maintaining unobstructed airflow.
Implementation Method 1
By resistive heating of the wire, it changes its length and drives the drive rollers accordingly
Implementation Method 2
The shape memory actuator is designed in the form of a wire that wraps around drive rollers arranged on the side of the slats
Implementation Method 3
The linear drive is directly coupled to the rotatable flap via a worm link guide and the worm link guide is adapted to convert the translational movement of the linear drive into the rotary movement of the flap
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
According to the present invention, an air supply adjustment device for a motor vehicle comprises an air passage in which at least one rotatable flap is arranged for regulating a quantity of air in the air passage, i.e. a quantity of air which can pass through the air passage. The flap can be rotated between a first position, in which an air throughput through the air passage is smaller, for example a closed position in which the air throughput is minimal or prevented, and a second position, in which the air throughput through the air passage is greater, for example an open position in which the air throughput is maximal. The flap is connected or coupled to a linear drive which extends parallel to an axis of rotation of the flap.