automatic electric grill blocking

Big rig truckers already have such a device. They lool like a venetian blind in fron of the grill. You might check into these for some ideas about implementation.

 

It would be a fairly simple task to tie it into the CAN bus, and have it open and close automatically as needed.

Tom

 

I've suggested that some mechanical guru make one of these before.
Transport trucks (and busses) have therostaticlly controlled shutters that open and close as needed. It would be a rather simple mod to make. It would be really cool if Toyota or some aftermarket maker would produce one that was plug and play. Many of us could cob one together, but in my case my wife wouldn't let me mess with her car with cobbed together pieces. If you get one made, post it here and perhaps someone can start producing them. I'll buy one right away. It would be simpler to make a flat panel that sits in front of the radiator, but would be more efficient to block the grill to keep the (cold) air out of the entire engine compartment.

Icarus

 

Has anyone heard any rumours of such a device being contemplated by Toyota - or one of the mod companies like BT Tech?

 

This is a great idea, and I bet it wouldn't be hard to make...I think I've found a new project!

 

i think its the saturn vue (correct if im wrong) concept that blocks its grill automatically at highway speeds.

this of course is to improve aerodynamics not thermodynamics

 

My idea for automation would be simple tie it into the fan for the radiator when it starts open the louvers. Shuts off Close them. No matter what temp or speed. The car is already telling you when to dump off heat.

 

It ought to trigger before the fans. If you wait until the fans trigger, you get a double whammy of cooling, making the shutters to close and the fans to shut off again, then cycle over again. If the shutters open ~10f before the fan trigger, then the fan wouldn't need to turn on at all,,,making a more even temp.

Icarus

 

put me on the list for one if someone builds it!

 

$24.95 AERO BRAKES included (Shipping Included)

I would like for it to be easy but It might be


I am hopefully going to have a product soon that you can modify to your own likings.

hope fully it will provide a platform for better fuel mileage


The platform part was real.
How about a product cheap of course that will allow you to add your own vents and motors, step, servo, linear gear motor etc. Heck maybe you could add floor vents to it

I like the ideas that come fourth from this room. I ordered some supplies today and will start work on prototype this weekend.


Franklin

 

A pop up headlight mechanism would be perfect to operate a shutter. Powerful compact quick motor and gearing includes automatic limit switching too.

 

FWIW, here is a currently underway effort to build automatic grill blocking :

Arduino controlled actuated grill block - EcoModder.com

 

Go for it my friend !!
Just make certain it's for the Gen III
After you get that task done, I'll send you the dimentions of our Lexus hybrid & you can fit it too

 

This looks like a great project - I think it would work great alongside your PHEV mod, Flying!

 

Electric door lock activator is a great idea. Controlled with a thermistor to trigger a relay at say 200f.

I still hope someone makes a plug and play model!

Icarus