Variable Grille Linkage for Aerodynamic Air Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional active air flaps for vehicle grilles are complex, heavy, and inefficient, leading to increased air resistance and decreased fuel efficiency due to their mechanical structure and limited air flow control.
Innovation Solution
A variable grille apparatus with a housing, flap, and drive unit, featuring a connecting link, rotating plate, and guide part, allowing for controlled air flow regulation through tilting and rectilinear movement of the flap, facilitated by a driving motor and guide holes for stable linear and tilting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional active air flap with complex link structure is used, then air flow control function is achieved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional complex link structure is segmented into a rotating plate with multiple connecting links, where each link controls a specific flap. This segmentation allows independent control of multiple flaps while simplifying the overall mechanical structure by eliminating the need for a complex centralized link mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating plate serves multiple functions: it acts as a support structure for connecting links, provides rotational motion to control flap opening/closing, and integrates the drive mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining air flow control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional active air flap with complex structure is used, then air flow control is achieved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air flap assembly is segmented into lightweight individual flaps connected to a rotating plate, replacing the conventional heavy complex link structure. This segmentation allows each component to be minimized in weight while maintaining structural integrity and control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical link structure is replaced with a simpler rotating plate mechanism driven by a motor, reducing the amount of mechanical material needed and thereby reducing the overall weight of the air flap assembly while maintaining air flow control capability.
3Temperature
If the grille is opened all the time, then cooling function is maintained, but fuel efficiency decreases due to increased air resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The air flap assembly is designed to dynamically adjust its opening degree based on operating conditions. The rotating plate can rotate to different angles, allowing the flaps to open or close partially, thereby dynamically controlling air flow to balance cooling requirements with fuel efficiency by reducing unnecessary air resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening degree parameter of the air flaps is changed based on operating conditions. By adjusting the rotation angle of the rotating plate, the effective opening area of the flaps is modified, allowing optimization of air flow rate to match cooling demands and minimize parasitic drag on the vehicle.
4Device complexity
If a simple air flap structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but air flow control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system monitors air flow requirements and adjusts the rotation angle of the rotating plate accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that despite the simplified mechanical structure, precise air flow control is achieved by continuously adjusting the flap opening degree based on actual cooling needs and vehicle operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating plate provides rotational motion that can exceed the minimum required for full flap opening, allowing for partial opening positions. This enables precise control of air flow by adjusting the rotation angle to any position between fully closed and fully open, achieving fine-grained control precision with a simple rotational mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable grille apparatus controls a flow rate of air circulated through the grille. Commercial properties are improved through an advanced opening and closing operation during adjustment of the air flow rate. The opening and closing operation of the grille is diversified, such as by sequential or simultaneous operation, so that the sense of operation is enhanced, an exterior design is diversified, and the air flow is secured through an optimization of the structural arrangement.