Arduino controlled automatically actuated grill block

[SoobieOut]

I applaude your project and innovation, However I wonder about the durablity of the coroplast at various angles of attack relative to the airflow.

One alternative is to use an aluminum damper from the HVAC industry.

A quick scan on Ebay I found one for $49.99.

Honeywell ZD18X6 Square Zone Damper 24 Vac 2 Wires 18x6x4 In | eBay

It may not meet your needs but there are many more dampers listed there.

Just a thought, I really like your design and concept so please don't think I am discarding your ideas in any way.

[AndrzejM]

I like your project, and I was thinking of building something similar. But I was planning to use lathes (I don't know the exact name for that) that you may use to mask gaps between two different floorings (see the pic). Those can be used easily with the rotating shaft, just glued to the spouting (again the naming ) at the bottom side. Made from aluminium are very light and strong so it can be used even for external grill blocking. These are comming in various sizes and colors, and it can be easily repainted to any color needed as well. Drawaback of this solution is that you have to use more of them to cover larger area, since these are mor narrow than your blinds fabricated of coroplast. But they will stick closer to the body so maybe it's not a drawaback at all. Depends on what type of grill shutter you are planning to build, internal or external. I was thinking of building that to block lower grill in Berta, in opened position it looks almost like a factory grill, in closed position is smooth enough to give good aero shape.

[Daox]

Great ideas guys. I'd love to see more people build these things. I really like WesternStarSCR's idea about the couplings. However, I'd like to keep things simpler/cheaper.

As for the coroplast, we'll see how it holds up this winter. I haven't had problems with it in a stationary block, but this is a bit different. I'll be sure to keep everyone updated on that aspect.

[gone-ot]

FYI, here is how GM is gonna do it on 2014 models: New Chassis Control Module Name for 2014 Model Year

[Daox]

I decided to try the gluing method tonight. We'll see how it works out.







The first thing I did was cut a bunch of slots in the coroplast groove that the rod runs through.





The glue I used was a silicon rtv. To get a good bond, I basically smeared it on the cut slot and pushed it into the slot with my finger.





To position the rods in the proper position I used the precision height of a pocket knife to hold the rods at approximately 45 degrees.

[Daox]

I tried out the grill block this morning. It actuates pretty good. There is a small snag on one of the slats. Nothing the actuator couldn't push through but I'd like it nice and smooth. I'll grab the exacto blade and start shaving things until it rotates smoothly.

[bestclimb]

Very cool, I had doubts that the adhesive right at the pivot would hold up to the torque of the slats but with it working makes it pretty easy. I suspect you will be posting the code?

[Daox]

Originally Posted by bestclimb

Very cool, I had doubts that the adhesive right at the pivot would hold up to the torque of the slats but with it working makes it pretty easy.

Yeah, when I trim the one slat it'll move really really easy since its so light. I guess the only concern would be snow/ice build up AND the need to open the slats... Not really a normal occurance but it could happen. In that case my grill blocks do have enough room around them to allow the radiator fan to pull air through.

I suspect you will be posting the code?

You betcha. That is kind of the next step. I have the code written. I want to get things wired up and the actuator attached to the grill block to make sure everything is working before its put on the car. I'll probably shoot some video showing it in action once it is working.

[mrsilent13]

this looks great...cant wait to see the final product. i might do something similar in the future using a window motor

[Daox]

Well, it turns out the silicon I used was really old and didn't really cure... Anyway, I got the slat trimmed so it moves nice, but I need to re-glue things.