Modular Structural Air Guide for Vehicle Radiator Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle front panel arrangements do not provide adequate air guidance to radiators and are specific to individual vehicle models, lacking standardization across different models.
Innovation Solution
A modular structural air guide assembly with an adaptive air guide module and a cooling case that can be standardized across multiple vehicle models, featuring a rectangular structure with a fixing zone for the air guide, a housing for the cooling case, and modular equipment attachments, allowing for adjustable positioning to accommodate various engine sizes and improve repairability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a standardized structural air guide is used across multiple vehicle models, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but adaptation to different engine sizes and vehicle configurations becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The structural air guide is divided into modular components: a standardized base structure and interchangeable adaptive air guide modules. Each module can be independently selected and attached to the front face based on specific vehicle requirements, allowing standardization of the core structure while maintaining adaptability through module substitution.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling unit is designed with adjustable positioning capability, allowing it to be relocated between forward and backward positions within the housing. This dynamic repositioning enables the same standardized air guide to accommodate different engine configurations and space requirements across various vehicle models.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cooling unit is positioned forward to accommodate bulky engines, then engine compatibility is improved, but exposure to impact damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling unit incorporates a movable positioning mechanism that allows it to be shifted between forward and backward positions. When bulky engines require space, the cooling unit can be positioned forward to maintain compatibility. When impact protection is prioritized, it can be relocated backward, reducing exposure to frontal impacts while maintaining functional performance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cooling unit is positioned backward to reduce impact exposure, then damage risk is reduced, but space availability for bulky engines is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reversible positioning system enables the cooling unit to dynamically adjust its location based on spatial requirements. When positioned backward, it minimizes impact exposure and protects vulnerable components. When bulky engines require accommodation, the same cooling unit can be relocated forward, ensuring space availability without requiring different designs for different engine sizes.
4Productivity
If a fixed air guide design is used for each vehicle model, then optimal airflow is achieved, but standardization across models is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized structural air guide base is designed to perform the core air guidance function across all vehicle models. By attaching different adaptive air guide modules to the same base structure, the system maintains optimized airflow characteristics for each specific vehicle configuration while eliminating the need to redesign the entire air guide for every model, thus achieving both efficiency and standardization.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a structural air guide intended to be built into the front of a vehicle in an engine compartment of the vehicle. The air guide forms a substantially rectangular structure comprising in particular a front surface (12), a rear surface (13), and an upper edge (20), said structure including at least one built-in radiator and comprising means (40) for securing same to the structure of the vehicle. The rear surface (13) forms a housing for receiving a cooling module (80) comprising at least the aforementioned radiator (82), said module (80) being provided with sealing means (85) that co-operate with the housing. The upper edge (20) comprises at least one zone for securing equipment (30, 31, 32) of the technical front surface. The above-mentioned housing for the cooling module, which is located behind the structural air guide, can receive the module in one of at least two positions, namely forward or rearward.