Variable Grille Apparatus with Segmented Flap Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active air flaps in vehicles have a complicated and heavy structure due to multiple rotating doors and linkages, which increases the need for a larger motor and only allows for simple air flow control, affecting aerodynamic performance and fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A variable grille apparatus with a housing, rotatable flap unit, and a driving unit featuring a rotor with differently shaped actuating portions and an elastic member, allowing for enhanced opening and closing motions and adjustable air flow rates through a zigzag pattern of rotary shafts and rotors connected by links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complicated link structure with multiple rotating doors is used, then air flow control function is achieved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grille is divided into multiple independently controllable door units, each capable of being opened or closed separately. This segmentation allows for flexible air flow control while using a simplified actuation mechanism for each individual door, rather than a complex interconnected linkage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The door units are designed to be dynamically adjustable between different positions (fully open, fully closed, and intermediate positions). The actuating mechanism allows each door to rotate independently to various angles, providing dynamic air flow control without requiring complex mechanical linkages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complicated link structure with multiple rotating doors is used, then air flow control function is achieved, but weight increases requiring a larger motor
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy interconnected linkage structure is replaced by multiple lightweight independent door units. Each door unit has its own simple actuation mechanism, eliminating the need for heavy linkages that would connect multiple rotating doors, thus reducing overall weight while maintaining air flow control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical linkage system is replaced with simpler actuating mechanisms that directly drive each door unit. This substitution reduces the mechanical complexity and weight of the system, allowing for the use of smaller, more efficient motors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing active air flaps are used, then air flow blocking function is achieved, but aerodynamic performance and fuel efficiency deteriorate due to excessive air flow at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The door units can be dynamically adjusted to different opening angles based on vehicle speed and cooling requirements. At high speeds, the doors can be partially closed to reduce air flow and minimize aerodynamic drag, while still allowing sufficient air flow for cooling. This dynamic adjustment optimizes fuel efficiency while maintaining necessary air flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of air flow rate by adjusting the door positions. By varying the opening angle of each door unit, the system can optimize air flow at different operating conditions, reducing energy loss at high speeds while maintaining cooling effectiveness.
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 apparatus improves air flow control and reduces energy consumption by optimizing the opening and closing motions of the grille, enhancing commercial value and aerodynamic performance while maintaining efficient cooling of vehicle components.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member that is connected to the flap unit to return the flap unit to an initial position
Implementation Method 2
The rotor is in contact with the flap unit in which a plurality of actuating portions is formed on an edge of the rotor with which the flap unit is in contact
Data Source
AI summary
A variable grille apparatus adjusts the flow rate of air flowing through a grille. Commercial value of a vehicle is improved by enhanced opening and closing motions when adjusting the flow rate of air. Further, since the grille is opened and closed in various ways such as by sequential or simultaneous opening and closing, the opening and closing motions of the grille are enhanced, the external design is diversified, and a flow rate of air is secured through structurally optimal arrangement.