Modular aero device actuator and a modular active grille shutter system having a reduced number of vanes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional active grille shutter systems are limited to a minimum of five vanes due to the need for a robust actuator pocket and vertical height, which is not suitable for electric vehicles with smaller cooling apertures and require a smaller actuator that can fit within a reduced space.
Innovation Solution
A modular active grille shutter system with a reduced actuator pocket size and a compact actuator that allows for a single degree of freedom assembly, featuring a plurality of alternate actuator output axes and a preprogrammed actuator with modular communication software to adapt to different vehicle types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robust actuator pocket is used to support the actuator, then the actuator can operate reliably, but the vertical height of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator pocket is reoriented from a vertical configuration to a horizontal configuration, allowing the actuator to operate reliably without increasing vertical height. The pocket extends horizontally from the frame, changing the dimension in which the actuator is accommodated while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator pocket is designed with adjustable positioning capabilities, allowing it to be moved to different locations on the frame. This dynamic positioning enables optimization of both reliability (by placing it where it can best support the actuator) and vertical height (by selecting positions that minimize overall system height).
2Reliability
If five or more vanes are used in the active grille shutter system, then the system can provide adequate cooling aperture control, but the frame size and actuator pocket size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed with multiple output axes that can drive different numbers of vanes (three, four, or five) depending on the application. This universal design allows the same actuator to provide adequate cooling aperture control for various configurations without requiring a larger frame size.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in the number of vanes based on specific application requirements. By optimizing the vane count parameter rather than using a fixed five-vane configuration, the frame size can be reduced while maintaining adequate cooling aperture control.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular active grille shutter system that includes a frame connected to an automobile at a location forward of an engine or energy source such as a battery pack. The frame is formed from assembling several different sized components to create a cooling aperture. The modular active grille shutter system also includes an actuator pocket in the frame, the actuator pocket has an aperture and a surface that forms side walls of a pocket and the surface also includes a vane connection side. There is a plurality of alternate actuator output axes located within the actuator pocket, which depending on the actuator design they represent different possible locations for alignment of the actuator with the three vanes.