Radiator Shutter Control for Debris Protection and Engine Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiator protection systems for vehicles, such as bug screens, are costly and limit packaging options without effectively preventing dust, pebbles, mud, and insects from damaging the radiator.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control unit with sensors (like LIDAR or 4D radar) and a thermometer that controls a shutter to open, close, or partially open based on detected object levels and engine temperature thresholds to optimize radiator protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bug screen is used to protect the radiator, then the radiator is protected from dust particles, pebbles, mud, and insects, but the part cost increases and packaging options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic shutter mechanism that can open and close based on detected debris conditions. Sensors detect dust particles, pebbles, mud, and insects, and the control unit actuates the shutter accordingly. This dynamic approach replaces the static bug screen, providing protection only when needed, thus reducing part cost and packaging requirements while maintaining radiator protection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical bug screen with an active control system consisting of sensors (optical or other types), a control unit, and an actuator. This substitution transforms the passive mechanical protection into an active sensor-actuator system, eliminating the need for a permanent bug screen structure and reducing overall device complexity and packaging space
2Reliability
If the shutter is closed to protect the radiator from debris, then the radiator is protected, but the engine cooling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing it to open completely, close completely, or close partially based on the severity of debris detection and engine temperature conditions. The control unit adjusts the shutter position dynamically to balance protection needs with cooling requirements, preventing overheating while protecting the radiator
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the shutter opening parameter (fully open, partially closed, fully closed) based on detected conditions. When debris is detected at low levels and engine temperature is normal, the shutter remains open for optimal cooling. When debris levels increase or engine temperature rises, the shutter closes partially or completely to protect the radiator, thus adapting the cooling parameter to match protection needs
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 dynamically adjusts the radiator's shutter to protect it from debris and ensure efficient engine cooling, reducing maintenance needs and costs while allowing for more compact packaging.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one sensor is at least one of a lidar, a 4D radar
Implementation Method 2
the at least one sensor is at least one of a lidar, a 4D radar
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An electronic control unit (1) for protecting a radiator, the electronic control unit (1) comprising a computer system (300) provided with a processor device (302), the electronic control unit (1) being configured to: - collect (101) from at least one sensor (5) a detection signal indicative of a presence of objects in an environment ahead of a radiator (2) of a vehicle (10), - collect (102) from a thermometer (6) a measured temperature of an engine (4) of the vehicle (10), - control (103) an actuator (7) to actuate a shutter (3) of the radiator (2) to either open the shutter (3) completely, or close the shutter (3) completely, or close the shutter (3) partially, depending on a result of a test (103bis) based on the detection signal and/or on the measured temperature.