Passive Shutter Mechanism for Vehicle Cooling Pack Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actively operated shutter mechanisms for cooling packs in motor vehicles are complex, costly, and inefficient, as they require actuators and control systems, and do not effectively manage airflow when the vehicle is stationary, leading to suboptimal cooling performance, especially for hybrid cars in hot climates.
Innovation Solution
A passive shutter mechanism that uses a blocking member to selectively open and close airflow paths based on vehicle movement, eliminating the need for actuators and control systems, with the blocking member pivoting between open and closed positions due to the vehicle's weight and airflow, ensuring efficient airflow through only necessary components of the cooling pack when stationary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If actively operated shutter mechanisms with actuators are used, then the airflow path can be controlled, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism uses the vehicle's own motion and airflow to automatically open and close the shutter. When the vehicle moves, airflow lifts the shutter to the open position; when stationary, the shutter closes automatically. This eliminates the need for external actuators and control systems, achieving self-service operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuator systems with a simple airflow-driven mechanical system. The shutter is opened by aerodynamic forces from vehicle motion rather than electric motors or pneumatic actuators, significantly simplifying the mechanical system while maintaining control functionality.
2Reliability
If the cooling pack operates with all components when stationary, then cooling coverage is maximized, but fan-condenser efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling pack is segmented into different functional zones with selective airflow control. The shutter divides the airflow path, allowing air to be directed either through the charge air cooler or through the condenser/radiator, enabling independent optimization of each component's cooling performance based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow distribution through the cooling pack components is made dynamic rather than static. The shutter automatically adjusts the airflow paths based on vehicle motion state, enabling the system to adapt between different cooling requirements: full cooling coverage when moving, and optimized fan-condenser efficiency when stationary.
3Device complexity
If passive shutter mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but actuation control capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The passive shutter mechanism leverages the vehicle's universal operational states (moving vs. stationary) to control the cooling system. The same airflow that serves the primary propulsion function also serves the dual purpose of actuating the shutter and providing cooling, eliminating the need for dedicated control systems while maintaining adaptability to different operating conditions.
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 solution enhances fan-condenser efficiency, improves battery cooling time in hybrid cars, and reduces manufacturing and installation costs by eliminating the need for complex actuation systems, while ensuring effective cooling by blocking unnecessary airflow to parts of the cooling pack when the vehicle is stationary.
Implementation Method 1
The displacement of the blocking member can be achieved e.g. by the weight of passive shutter mechanism and/or the suction effect of the fan to pull the blocking member to the closed position.
Implementation Method 2
The displacement of the blocking member can be achieved e.g. by the weight of passive shutter mechanism and/or the suction effect of the fan to pull the blocking member to the closed position.
Data Source
AI summary
A passive shutter mechanism (10; 20) for a cooling pack (2) in a vehicle (1) adapted to selectively close at least part of an airflow path into the cooling pack (2), wherein the shutter mechanism comprises at least one blocking member (11; 21) adapted to be displaced between an open position, wherein air may flow into the cooling pack (2), and a closed position, wherein air is prevented from flowing into at least part of the cooling pack (2), depending on the movement of the vehicle (1). A vehicle (1) comprising such a passive shutter mechanism, as well as a method of operating such a passive shutter mechanism is also disclosed.