Vehicle Shutter Fin Support via Integrated Frame Groove
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shutter devices for vehicles require complex assembly processes and additional parts to prevent fins from falling out, increasing costs and part count.
Innovation Solution
A shutter device design where support protrusions are accommodated in grooves within the frame, with the link member serving as both a driving and fall prevention mechanism, allowing for simplified assembly without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If support protrusions are accommodated in through holes of the frame, then fins can be rotatably supported, but additional fall prevention members are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The through hole and fall prevention groove are merged into a single integrated structure formed in the frame. The groove extends from the through hole in the radial direction, combining the support function (through hole) and fall prevention function (groove) into one structural feature, eliminating the need for separate fall prevention members
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure is given multiple functions: the through hole provides rotational support for the fin while the integrated groove provides fall prevention. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated fall prevention components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If separate fall prevention members are added, then fins are prevented from falling out, but assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fall prevention groove is merged with the through hole structure in the frame, creating a single integrated feature. This eliminates the need for separate fall prevention members and their associated assembly steps, simplifying the overall assembly process while ensuring fin retention
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure itself provides both support and fall prevention functions through its integrated through hole and groove geometry. The structure serves its own fall prevention needs without requiring external components, reducing assembly complexity
3Reliability
If additional fall prevention components are used, then fins are secured, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The through hole and fall prevention groove are combined into a single molded or machined feature of the frame. This integration eliminates the need for separate fall prevention components, reducing part count, assembly operations, and overall manufacturing cost while maintaining fin security
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure performs multiple functions including support and fall prevention through its integrated geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and manufacturing complexity, leading to lower production costs while ensuring reliable fin retention
Data Source
AI summary
A shutter device includes fins made of a plurality of plate-shaped members. Each of the fins is configured to switch between a state of blocking an air flow and a state of not blocking the air flow, a frame is configured to rotatably support the fins, and a link member is configured to transmit a driving force to each of the fins to operate the fins. Each of the fins is provided with a support protrusion rotatably supported by the frame, and a driving protrusion rotatably supported by the link member. A plurality of supporting grooves that accommodate the support protrusions therein are formed in the frame to recess along a predetermined direction. The link member prevents the support protrusion from being removed from the supporting groove.