Vehicle Shutter Sequential Flap Control via Segmented Gears
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shutter devices for vehicle front grilles lack a simple mechanism for sequential opening of flap groups, which is essential for optimizing engine cooling and reducing fuel consumption by controlling airflow effectively.
Innovation Solution
A shutter device with a transmission mechanism comprising gears with notched and blocking parts, allowing a single actuator to control the sequential opening of flap groups by distributing notched and blocking parts differently to ensure synchronized and independent movement of flaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used for each flap group to enable sequential opening, then the control independence of flap groups is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission mechanism is segmented into multiple gears, each with distinct notched and blocking part distributions. This segmentation allows a single actuator to independently control multiple flap groups by selectively engaging different gear configurations at different times, achieving control independence without requiring multiple actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear mechanism acts as an intermediary between the single actuator and multiple flap groups. The notched and blocking parts on the gears mediate the transmission of motion, allowing the actuator to sequentially engage different flap groups through the gear train, thereby achieving independent control of each flap group with a single actuator.
2Device complexity
If a single actuator controls all flaps simultaneously, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to achieve sequential opening of flap groups deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gear mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including notched and blocking parts that can selectively engage and disengage during rotation. This dynamic configuration allows a single actuator to sequentially control different flap groups by timing the engagement of notched parts with corresponding driven wheels, enabling sequential opening while maintaining a simple single-actuator design.
Solution Approach 2:
The notched and blocking parts on the drive wheels are distributed at different angular positions to create periodic engagement patterns. As the actuator rotates the drive wheels continuously, the periodic engagement of notched parts with driven wheels at different positions enables sequential activation of different flap groups, achieving sequential opening capability with a single continuously rotating actuator.
3Adaptability or versatility
If notched and blocking parts are distributed differently on drive and driven wheels, then the sequential opening of flaps is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The notched and blocking parts are strategically positioned at specific angular locations on the drive and driven wheels according to the desired sequential opening pattern. This local differentiation in part distribution allows precise control over which flap groups open in what sequence, enabling customized opening patterns while maintaining manufacturability through standardized gear components with predetermined feature locations.
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
Enables efficient sequential opening of flaps, adapting to varying engine cooling needs, thereby optimizing aerodynamics and reducing fuel consumption by allowing precise control of airflow.
Implementation Method 1
The transmission mechanism comprises one gear for each one of said at least two flaps
Data Source
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AI summary
Shutter device for a front grille of a vehicle, comprising a structure (2), at least two flaps (30, 31, 40, 41) coupled in a pivoting manner to said structure (2), an actuator (5), and a transmission mechanism (6) coupled to the actuator (5) and adapted for transmitting the movement of the actuator (5) to the flaps (30, 31, 40, 41) to carry out a sequential opening of said at least two flaps (30, 31, 40, 41). The transmission mechanism (6) comprises one gear (60) for each of said at least two flaps (30, 31, 40, 41), each gear (60) comprising a drive wheel (61) coupled to the actuator (5) and comprising a notched part and a blocking part, and a driven wheel (62) coupled to the corresponding flap (30, 40) and comprising a notched part and a blocking part.