Two-Way Motion Active Air Flap for Vehicle Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing active air flap systems in vehicle air conditioning systems face issues with overcooling and deteriorated aerodynamic performance due to their limited two-state operation, which cannot be fully mitigated by Pulse Width Modulation control.
Innovation Solution
A two-way motion type active air flap system is introduced, comprising a combination of row and column arrays of air flaps, where the column array opens forward in a revolving manner and the row array opens laterally in a sliding manner, allowing independent control of front and lateral opening areas to adjust the opening space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the air flap is opened forward in a revolving manner only, then the front opening area can be adjusted for heat exchange, but overcooling occurs and aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air flap system is segmented into two independent arrays: a column array that opens forward for heat exchange control, and a row array that opens laterally for aerodynamic control. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of cooling and aerodynamic functions, resolving the contradiction between preventing overcooling and maintaining aerodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a lateral opening dimension to the traditional forward-opening air flap system. By introducing the row array that slides laterally, the system gains an additional degree of freedom, enabling simultaneous optimization of both cooling performance and aerodynamic characteristics through two-dimensional motion control.
2Device complexity
If the air flap uses only two states (open/close), then the system structure is simple, but overcooling cannot be prevented and aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air flap is divided into multiple segments arranged in row and column arrays, with each array independently controllable. This segmentation transforms the simple two-state system into a multi-state system while maintaining relatively simple individual component structures, enabling precise cooling control without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a static two-state (open/close) system to a dynamic multi-state system where the row and column arrays can be independently positioned at different opening degrees. This dynamic capability allows precise adjustment of the opening space to match actual cooling needs, preventing overcooling while maintaining simple actuator designs.
3Temperature
If PWM duty control is used to adjust the opening area, then cooling control is improved, but overcooling cannot be perfectly prevented
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using PWM duty control on a single air flap, the invention segments the air flap into row and column arrays that can be independently positioned. This allows the system to achieve precise cooling control by adjusting the actual physical opening area rather than relying on duty cycle modulation, thereby preventing overcooling and maintaining aerodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from PWM duty cycle to physical opening area. By controlling the actual position and opening degree of the row and column arrays, the system directly adjusts the opening space parameter, enabling more precise temperature control and eliminating the harmful effects of overcooling that occur with PWM duty control.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a two-way motion type active air flap system of a vehicle, which includes first, second, and third air flaps configured by a combination of a row array of air flaps and a column array of air flaps. The column array of air flaps is opened forward in a revolving manner by the rotational force of a flap rotary actuator, and the row array of air flaps is opened laterally in a sliding by the rotational force of a flap sliding actuator, so that the first, second, and third air flaps control a blast space through which external air passes. Thus, since the front opening and the lateral opening of the air flaps are performed independently, it is possible to fundamentally prevent an adverse effect of causing overcooling and deteriorating aerodynamic performance.