Pivotable Grille Mechanism for Electric Vehicle Front Trunk Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with battery electric powertrains lack easy access to the front trunk area, as the space typically reserved for the engine is used for storage, requiring a solution that maintains the vehicle's front end structure and aesthetics while providing convenient access.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable grille with a vertical or horizontal hinge mechanism, equipped with features like storage bins, lighting, and climate control, allows for easy access to the front trunk while maintaining the vehicle's overall structure and appearance across different powertrain configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the grille is made fixed to maintain structural integrity and aesthetics, then the vehicle maintains consistent front end appearance across powertrain configurations, but access to the front trunk becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The grille is transformed from a fixed structure to a movable one by incorporating a hinge mechanism. This allows the grille to pivot between a closed position (maintaining structural integrity and aesthetics) and an open position (providing access to the front trunk), thus resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The front end structure is segmented by separating the grille from the main body through a hinge connection. This segmentation allows the grille to move independently while the rest of the front end structure remains stable, enabling both aesthetic consistency and functional access
2Ease of operation
If the grille is made movable to provide access to the front trunk, then ease of operation is improved, but the structural integrity and aesthetic consistency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism enables the grille to move dynamically between closed and open states. When closed, the grille maintains the same appearance and structural integrity as a fixed grille. When opened, it provides access to the front trunk, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge acts as an intermediary element between the grille and the front end structure. It allows the grille to move for access while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the front end, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and structural strength
3Adaptability or versatility
If the same vehicle structure is used for various drivetrain configurations, then manufacturing cost and aesthetic consistency are improved, but adaptability to different powertrain types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The grille assembly with hinge mechanism serves multiple functions: it maintains aesthetic consistency across different powertrain configurations, provides access to the front trunk when needed, and accommodates various drivetrain types (ICE, hybrid, electric). This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a body structure defining a front trunk having a front opening. A grille coves the front opening in a closed position and is pivotable about a vertical hinge, or a horizontal hinge along a top edge, secured to the body structure to provide access to the front opening. The grille may include a bin mounted on an inner surface of the grille and pivotable with the grille, a heating/cooling duct or a video display.