Vehicle Ventilation Flap Dual Actuator Stiffness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large ventilation device flaps in vehicles face issues with stiffness and jamming due to air pressure, limiting their kinematic performance and requiring complex, bulky designs with multiple parts.

Innovation Solution

The use of a second actuator with a separate actuating point, in addition to the first actuator, to improve torque and rotational movement, along with redundant actuation for reliability and design flexibility, allowing for longer, curved flaps with improved stiffness and reduced visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a single closing device with a long flap is used, then the ventilation device can achieve optimal aerodynamic shape and engine temperature management, but the closing device suffers from stiffness problems and jamming due to air pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic shapeVSAvoidstiffness of closing device

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single long flap into multiple separate closing devices, each with shorter flaps. This segmentation reduces the stiffness problems and jamming risks associated with long flaps while maintaining the overall aerodynamic shape and ventilation function of the device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If multiple separate closing devices with shorter flaps are used, then stiffness and jamming problems are reduced, but the device becomes bulky and complex to manufacture and mount

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestiffness of closing deviceVSAvoidcomplexity of closing device

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple closing devices into a single integrated unit with a common actuating mechanism. This merging approach maintains the stiffness benefits of shorter flaps while reducing overall device complexity and simplifying manufacturing and mounting operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the closing device is made visible from outside the vehicle, then design freedom is increased, but the risk of bending due to air pressure becomes high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign freedomVSAvoidair pressure on closing device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different design qualities to different parts of the closing device. The flap structure is optimized for aerodynamic visibility and design freedom, while the supporting framework and actuating mechanisms are designed with enhanced strength and stiffness to resist air pressure effects, allowing the device to be visible without compromising structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11364791B2Ventilation device for a vehicle, associated vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.06.21 FLEX N GATE FRANCE

AI summary

A ventilation device for a vehicle includes a frame defining an opening and a closing device having at least one closing flap extending in a general direction in the opening. The closing device is movable between an open position and a closing position, the flap being movable between an open position and a closing position. The closing device includes a first actuator configured to move the closing flap between its open and closed positions by a first actuating point. The ventilation device includes a second actuator configured to move the closing flap between its open and closed positions by a second actuating point, the second actuating point being separate from the first actuating point, the first and second actuators being configured to move the closing flap jointly.