Arduino-based GUI for active grille block
 

I have been working on this GUI (graphical user interface) for the past week or so. It is based on open-source LVGL graphics library.

My current active grille block is controlled via an Arduino UNO. An 1602 LCD display reports the grille block position. A physical pushbutton cycles the different positions (SHUT, MID, OPEN) sequentially. See this thread for more details : https://ecomodder.com/forum/showthre...ock-41348.html

My current setup is somewhat limited and does not really allow for much upgrades. Which is why I decided to upgrade to a more robust and capable arduino board; the GIGA R1. The nice thing about the R1 is that there is a very neat GIGA display shield add-on, which seamlessly connects to it, making it one assembly. The display shield has touch capabilities which open the door to many GUI design considerations.


https://i.ibb.co/6tHqGWt/20241009-115655.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/7VKCSfD/20241009-115619.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/GnhJTNQ/20241009-115824.jpg


Below is a demo of my design thus far. The next step will be integrating my existing arduino code for the servo into the LVGL code that renders the GUI.

As you can see, there is a lot of flexibility for GUI design. This setup allows for future add-ons to be integrated into the GUI by simply adding another virtual screen. As it stands there is only 1 screen which mainly allows for the control of the active grille block and some status information, such as the radiator fan or the A/C fan. I also added a cooling drag status bar and airflow arrows depicting the cooling flow.

On the plus side, this setup will also eliminate a bunch of wiring that is being used by the current physical pushbutton switch and segment LCD screen.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy0isAWnRew

On a side note, this might be a good HW platform to migrate/improve the MPGuino on.

Food for thought.

Some variations :

https://i.ibb.co/v3TW25b/shut.png
https://i.ibb.co/85tqXHM/half.png
https://i.ibb.co/WNX4mr9/open.png

Ummm... wouldn't you want this automated to open/close at certain temperatures somewhere below those at which the fan switches on/off?

I assume I missed your posts on the active grille block acquisition and fitment?

It will be automatic at some point. To be fair, I rarely have to control/adjust the opening. Summer was the only time where I had to be actively involved. Even then, it was fully open at all times after the engine reaches its operating temperature.

I didn't even have to open the grille shutters as of late. My morning commute is about 20 miles of highway driving and the coolant was stable at 96-98 degC with the shutters closed.

I will be adding the necessary wiring to probe the cooling fans relays.

Still researching the best way to tap the coolant sensor for the final integration of the system.

The easiest way may be to get a radiator place to add a threaded hole to your rad for another sensor.
A simple on/off type that switches at the temperature you desire.
I do NB your Arduino skillz though.

I think there are 2 coolant temp sensors on my car. One at the radiator and the other one seems to be near the throttle body. I wonder if there would be a difference in the reported temperature between the 2 sensors after the thermostat is fully open. I am inclined to tap the throttle body coolant sensor.

Not very keen on modifying the radiator though.

The main coolant sensor is usually near the thermostat.

I guess reading it from the OBD info (OBDuino) would be too complicated to get just 1 simple sensor's data.

Another way would be to simply glue a thermocouple or 2 to the radiator case or end caps..
Perhaps one top (hotter side) and one bottom. (cooler side)

Thermal adhesives are available if not very good. (low thermal conductivity)

i remember mixing Arctic Silver Thermal Adhesive and plain Arctic Silver 5 at around a 50/50 mix.
This allowed me to glue heatsinks to the RAM of a graphics card, strong enough to hold them, but weak enough to twist them off if I wanted to remove them.
Mixing in AS5 also increased the thermal conductivity of this 'weaker glue' some.

You are a god. I've thought about active shutters as a mod for my car for a while but haven't gotten around to it. I'm not even sure they would fit...but I couldn't figure out how to make them work. You seriously rock. To tie this into a homebrew scangauge setupwould be amazing....