Radiator Shutter Locking Discs for Slat Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiator shutters for motor vehicles face issues with reliability, simplicity of production, and robustness against malfunctions, which can lead to inefficient engine ventilation and increased pollutant emissions.
Innovation Solution
A radiator shutter design featuring a frame with rotatably mounted slats, a motor-driven coupling element, and locking elements that synchronize slat movement and lock if any slat fails, ensuring reliable operation and rapid detection of malfunctions through increased torque feedback to the controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking elements are added to each slat to detect malfunctions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking detection system is segmented by implementing individual locking elements for each slat rather than a centralized detection system. Each locking element independently monitors its associated slat's rotational state, distributing the complexity across multiple simple components while achieving comprehensive reliability monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements perform self-service by automatically detecting and signaling malfunction conditions without requiring external monitoring systems. When a slat fails to rotate synchronously, the locking element for that slat automatically engages or signals the fault condition, eliminating the need for complex external sensors or control systems.
2Reliability
If synchronous rotation of all slats is enforced through locking elements, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronous rotation mechanism is segmented into individual locking elements, each associated with a specific slat. This segmentation allows each locking element to be manufactured and assembled independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while ensuring that all slats rotate synchronously through distributed control rather than complex centralized mechanisms.
3Reliability
If locking elements are provided for each slat to prevent malfunction, then robustness against malfunctions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements perform preliminary action by being pre-configured to automatically engage when a slat fails to rotate synchronously with the others. This preliminary setup ensures that malfunction prevention is built into the system architecture itself, providing robustness through pre-established protective mechanisms rather than complex real-time control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A radiator shutter for a motor vehicle for controlled engine ventilation, having a frame in which at least two louvres are mounted rotatably to pivot from a closed position to an open position. A motor which drives a single louvre is provided in or on the frame on an engine side of the frame. On the same side is a coupling element which synchronously transmits the rotation of the louvre to the other louvres. A locking disc is provided for each louvre on the mounting side of the frame facing away from the engine side of the frame, in the region of the mounting provided there for the louvres. The locking discs have a form which, if at least one of the locking discs does not rotate synchronously with all the other locking discs, blocks the rotational movement of the locking discs in a force-fitting and form-fitting manner.