The seventh largest global automotive supplier, Seoul-based Hyundai Mobis has developed a technology it calls ‘lighting grille’, which implements an LED lighting function in the front grille of a car. The lighting grille integrates with the new ‘grille integral active air flap’ technology, which the company calls ‘moving grille’.
These new technologies are yet to be mass-produced worldwide, and are rated as the outcomes of differentiated R&D efforts in response to the trending change for electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles.
In a global first, Hyundai Mobis had developed a virtual engine sound system last year utilising the automotive grille. If this technology is applied to vehicles, it can be used not only for the virtual engine sound, but also as the turn signal sound, the electric vehicle charging alarm sound, and speakers for playing music, while camping.
Knowing the lighting grille
These are interesting developments, considering the gradual proliferation of electric vehicles, and the introduction of autonomous vehicles globally.
Traditionally, the automotive grille in particular has been regarded as a vent for cooling the engine and as a design element that determines the first impression of the vehicle. With EVs, however, the existing grille is being transformed to have different uses including lighting systems, sound systems and displays.
Hyundai Mobis' lighting grille essentially helps the entire front grille of the car to be used as a lighting device. It is characterised by being able to implement various scenarios including autonomous driving mode, the EV charging mode, the welcome light function, the sound beat display, and an emergency warning light display, said the company.
The lighting grille can be used as a means of communicating with other vehicles or pedestrians, while it is flexible enough to create strong and unique design effects depending on how the lighting patterns are applied.
The company intends to start mass-production through customer promotion after 2022.
What is a moving grille?
On the other hand, the ‘moving grille’ technology automatically controls the outside air to cool the engine as the grille moves and provides the lighting function as well. Developed as an integral type grille, the moving grille is expected to not only improve fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust gas, but also realise a sense of luxury in the exterior design of the vehicle.
The built-in air flap, located inside the grille, detects changes in the temperature of the coolant and blocks the inflow of outside air by lowering the flap, if cooling is not necessary.
This technology is expected to improve fuel efficiency as it reduces air resistance (if outside air is blocked) and reduce the emission of pollutants through the exhaust gas by improving the cooling efficiency inside the engine room.
The company claims the advantage of the grille integral (external) air flap is that it can implement differentiated design patterns through its lighting, while also enhancing the eco-friendly effect.
Speaking about the two technologies, Lee Woo-il, Head of the Module Lab of Hyundai Mobis said, “We are making constant efforts to develop new technologies that can meet customer needs in response to the changes in future car trends. We will pre-empt the global market with innovative products that combine a high level of technology readiness with emotional quality.”