Scannable Vehicle Grille Structure for Airflow and Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle grilles primarily serve aesthetic and functional purposes, lacking integration of modern functionalities such as connectivity to digital services.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle grille designed with a scannable matrix structure forming a code pattern, utilizing exchangeable and rearrangeable polygonal elements to present different code patterns, enabling access to vehicle-related data and digital services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vehicle grille is designed with traditional functionality only, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but it lacks integration of modern functionalities such as connectivity to digital services
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle grille is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional air intake/cooling function through the grating structure, plus modern digital connectivity function through the scannable matrix structure (QR code or similar) that provides access to vehicle information and digital services. This multi-functionality approach allows the grille to serve both conventional and modern purposes without requiring separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional electronics and internal vehicle systems are added to provide connectivity functionality, then modern functionalities are achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle grille utilizes existing external light sources (sunlight, ambient light, or vehicle exterior lights) to illuminate the scannable matrix structure, eliminating the need for dedicated electronic lighting systems. The grille structure itself serves as the code carrier, and the solution leverages already-present resources in the vehicle environment rather than adding new electronic subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The scannable matrix structure acts as an intermediary between the vehicle and digital services. Instead of directly connecting vehicles to digital infrastructure through complex electronics, the grille provides a simple visual code that can be scanned by external devices (smartphones, tablets), serving as a bridge to access vehicle information and services without requiring elaborate electronic communication systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the grating structure is modified to include a scannable matrix structure, then data access functionality is added, but the traditional air intake function may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The scannable matrix structure is implemented in a localized portion of the grille rather than the entire structure. This allows the code to be displayed in a specific area while the rest of the grating structure maintains its optimized air intake patterns and opening configurations, preserving cooling efficiency while adding digital functionality in a non-intrusive manner.
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
The solution enhances the traditional functionality of vehicle grilles by allowing quick access to relevant information and data associated with the vehicle or its manufacturer, without requiring additional electronics or activation of internal vehicle systems.
Implementation Method 1
said grating structure is formed by differently inclined surfaces such that when they are illuminated, surfaces that are inclined at a first angle are seen as light parts of the code pattern, while surfaces inclined at a different second angle are seen as dark parts of the code pattern
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a vehicle grille configured to be mounted to a front of a vehicle body, wherein the vehicle grille comprises a grating structure through which air is receivable into the vehicle, wherein at least a portion of said grating structure is shaped as a scannable matrix structure forming a code pattern. The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle comprising such a vehicle grille. The present disclosure further relates to a data access system which comprises such a vehicle and a remote server containing data associated with said vehicle, said data being accessible by a camera-equipped communication device, such as a mobile phone, when scanning said scannable matrix structure.