Motor Vehicle Variable Shutter Impact Absorption Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The front end of motor vehicles is prone to damage during impacts, leading to costly repairs and potential harm to occupants and pedestrians, as existing designs do not effectively absorb or distribute the force of collisions without causing additional damage to sensitive components like the radiator and air intake systems.
Innovation Solution
A controlled air intake module with a variable shutter mechanism that separates from its support during an impact, allowing movement and absorption of force, thereby preventing damage to the engine compartment and other components, and featuring a fusible connection and stop arrangement to limit movement and prevent cascading damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the controlled air intake module is mounted on the vehicle's repair beam and bumper, then air passage control for the radiator is achieved, but additional repair costs are generated in the event of a front-end collision
Solution Approach 1:
The controlled air intake module is divided into separable components: the support structure mounted on the repair beam and the controlled air inlet module mounted on the bumper. This segmentation allows the inlet module to be detached and replaced independently during collisions, preventing damage to more critical components and reducing overall repair costs while maintaining radiator ventilation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlled air inlet module is designed as a sacrificial component that can be easily replaced after collision damage. By making this component replaceable and relatively inexpensive compared to other front-end components, the system absorbs collision impacts without requiring expensive repairs to the repair beam, bumper, or engine compartment components.
2Strength
If the variable shutter element is rigidly fixed to the support, then structural integrity is maintained, but damage to the forced ventilation module occurs during impact
Solution Approach 1:
The link between the variable shutter element and the support is designed to be detachable rather than rigidly fixed. During normal operation, the link maintains structural integrity, but during impact, the link can detach to allow the shutter element to move independently, absorbing impact energy and preventing damage to the forced ventilation module.
Solution Approach 2:
The link is pre-configured with a predetermined detachment point that allows the variable shutter element to separate from the support under impact conditions. This beforehand design ensures that the shutter element can move away from the forced ventilation module before significant damage occurs, cushioning the system against impact forces.
3Loss of energy
If the variable shutter element is allowed to move freely during impact, then force absorption is improved, but damage to the forced ventilation module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link acts as an intermediary between the variable shutter element and the support structure. It allows controlled movement of the shutter element during impact to absorb energy, while simultaneously preventing excessive movement that would damage the forced ventilation module. The link mediates between the need for movement and the need for protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential harm of the variable shutter element moving during impact is converted into a beneficial force absorption mechanism. By allowing controlled movement through the detachable link, the shutter element's kinetic energy is dissipated safely, protecting the forced ventilation module from direct impact damage.
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 solution reduces repair costs by allowing the front end of the vehicle to absorb and distribute impact forces, protecting sensitive components and maintaining the vehicle's integrity, thus enhancing safety and reducing repair classifications according to insurance standards.
Implementation Method 1
a link between the variable shutter element and the retaining support, which link is configured to yield and thus allow movement of the variable shutter element relative to the retaining support towards the forced ventilation module in the event of an impact on the variable shutter element
Implementation Method 2
the controlled air inlet module comprises a stop mechanism for the variable shutter element during its movement towards the forced ventilation module, the stop mechanism being configured to prevent damage to the forced ventilation module by the variable shutter element
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle wherein the driven air inflow module (10,20,30) comprises a connection between the body forming the variable shutter (10, 20) and the maintenance support (30), said connection being designed to give and to thereby authorise a movement of the body forming a variable shutter (10, 20) in relation to the maintenance support (30) in the direction of the forced ventilation module.