Radiator Shutter Control for Vehicle Debris Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiator protection systems in vehicles, such as bug screens, are costly and inefficient in preventing dust, pebbles, mud, and insects from reaching the radiator, and there is a need for a more effective and cost-efficient solution that does not compromise protection.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control unit with sensors and a thermometer is used to control a shutter in front of the radiator, opening or closing it based on the presence of objects and engine temperature to optimize protection and cooling requirements.
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 space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bug screen component entirely from the system and replaces it with an electronic control system that uses sensors and a shutter mechanism to achieve protection without the physical screen, thereby reducing part cost and packaging requirements while maintaining radiator protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical bug screen with an electronic control system comprising sensors (lidar, 4D radar), a processor, and an actuator-controlled shutter, substituting a simple mechanical structure with an intelligent control system that achieves the same protective function with fewer physical components
2Reliability
If the shutter is closed to protect the radiator from objects, then protection is improved, but engine cooling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the shutter dynamic by enabling it to open and close based on real-time sensor detection of objects and processor analysis, allowing the system to adapt between protection mode (shutter closed) and cooling mode (shutter open) rather than remaining static, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously detect the environment, the processor analyzes the data to determine object presence and threat level, and the actuator adjusts the shutter position accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that automatically balances protection and cooling needs based on real-time conditions
3Temperature
If the shutter is opened completely for engine cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the radiator becomes vulnerable to objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sensors to detect objects in advance before they can reach the radiator, allowing the processor to determine threat levels and close the shutter proactively before any harmful contact occurs, thus protecting the radiator while minimizing disruption to cooling operations
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic control unit includes a computer system provided with a processor device. The electronic control unit is configured to: collect from at least one sensor a detection signal indicative of a presence of objects in an environment ahead of a radiator of a vehicle, collect from a thermometer a measured temperature of an engine of the vehicle control an actuator to actuate a shutter of the radiator to either open the shutter completely, or close the shutter completely, or close the shutter partially, depending on a result of a test based on the detection signal and/or on the measured temperature.