Vehicle Radiator Grille Actuator Positioning Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiator grille arrangements for vehicles face risks of damage to the drive mechanism and closure flaps due to uneven positioning caused by manipulation, snow, or ice, leading to mechanical stress and potential damage, especially when the vehicle is parked.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating the radiator grille arrangement where a drive unit automatically moves a predetermined angle against its positioning direction to ensure closure flaps are consistently set in the closed position, reducing mechanical stress and preventing damage by eliminating permanent drive torque and minimizing tension in high-load sections, using triggering criteria like engine start or door unlocking, and employing a reference run with current detection or Hall sensors for position verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drive unit positions closure flaps in the closed position during normal operation, then the closure flaps are properly closed, but mechanical stress and potential damage occur due to permanent drive torque and maximum tension in high-load sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inversion principle by moving the drive unit against its positioning direction by a predetermined angle after closing the flaps. This reverse movement releases the permanent drive torque and reduces mechanical stress in the drive mechanism, preventing damage while maintaining reliable flap positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by periodically moving the drive unit against the positioning direction after each closing operation. This periodic reverse movement systematically releases accumulated mechanical stress, preventing permanent damage to the drive mechanism while ensuring consistent flap positioning reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the closure flaps are manually manipulated or affected by snow and ice, then the flaps may remain in unequal positions, but this causes mechanical stress and potential damage to the drive mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by automatically detecting when closure flaps are in incorrect positions (caused by manual manipulation or weather effects) and autonomously correcting them. The control unit monitors flap positions and activates the drive unit to restore proper positioning without user intervention, eliminating the harmful effects of unequal positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to continuously monitor the position of closure flaps and providing this information to the control unit. When unequal positioning is detected, the control unit responds by actuating the drive unit to correct the position, creating a closed-loop system that eliminates the effects of manipulation and weather conditions.
3Measurement precision
If a reference run is performed to check the drive mechanism, then the positioning accuracy is verified, but additional time and energy are required for the extra movement cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by integrating the reference run into the normal closing operation sequence. The drive unit performs the reference run immediately after closing the flaps without returning to the initial position first, maintaining continuous motion and eliminating idle time, thus verifying position accuracy efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by performing only the necessary reference run to verify extreme positions without completing a full operational cycle. The system checks the positioning accuracy through the reference run and then proceeds directly to the next operation, reducing time loss while maintaining measurement precision.
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 method ensures consistent closure flap positioning, reduces the risk of damage to the drive mechanism and flaps, and maintains optimal radiator operation by minimizing mechanical stress and maintaining the drag coefficient, even in adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The DC motor is a known component per se and serves to move the closure flaps (3) between a closed and an open position
Implementation Method 2
a position of the drive unit is detected by means of at least one Hall sensor, which is integrated into a mechanism of the drive unit
Implementation Method 3
Reaching the closed position and the open position when carrying out the reference run is detected by an increase in an electric current of the drive unit
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a radiator grill arrangement (1) of a vehicle comprising at least one closing cap (3) mounted rotatably between a closed position and an open position, wherein the at least one closing cap (3) is positioned by means of a drive unit (5). According to the invention, the at least one closing cap (3) is positioned in the closed position by means of the drive unit (5) upon the occurrence of at least one trigger criterion, or the at least one closing cap (3) is positioned in the open position and back in the closed position by means of the drive unit (5) upon the occurrence of the at least one trigger criterion.