Dynamically adjustable airfoil system for road vehicles

Abstract

The dynamically adjustable airfoil system for road vehicles includes a pair of airfoils having their respective inner ends pivotally mounted to a central, vertical base on the rear of a road vehicle. An airfoil lift assembly is coupled to an outer end of each airfoil and to a rear wheel suspension system to facilitate dynamic adjustable positioning of the airfoils in response to movements of the suspension system. A split flap is pivotally mounted to each airfoil. A split flap actuator assembly is mounted inside each airfoil and coupled to a corresponding split flap to selectively and independently open or close the respective split flap. Opening of the split flap to various angles increases downforce exerted on the rear suspension system for improved performance. A controller controls deployment and angular disposition of the split flaps, depending on driving conditions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 116,292, filed Feb. 13, 2015.1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to motor vehicle performance enhancement systems, and particularly to a dynamically adjustable airfoil system for road vehicles that adjusts the aerodynamic profile of the road vehicle to selectively increase downforce on the vehicle in response to maneuvering conditions.2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART[0003]High performance road vehicles have external body shapes that serve two general objectives. The first objective is to minimize running resistance by minimizing aerodynamic drag. The second objective is to maximize downforce by maximizing the downward vertical aerodynamic load component, especially at the wheels to insure that they remain on the surface as much as possible.[0004]In order to increase the downforce, aerodynamic projecting elements are typically mo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system for vehicles that has two adjustable airfoils on the rear of a vehicle. These airfoils are connected to the suspension system and can be moved in response to changes in the suspension. The airfoils have a split flap that can be opened or closed to adjust the amount of downforce exerted on the suspension system. This allows for better performance depending on driving conditions. The system is controlled by a computer that adjusts the split flaps based on data collected from sensors on the vehicle.

Problems solved by technology

Such indirect transmission of downforce compromises the performance of the suspension system at high speeds, which reduces the vehicle maneuverability, cornering speed, and ride quality.

Such a system would counterbalance the tendencies of a vehicle lift force, i.e., the upward vertical aerodynamic force, resulting from the vehicle's shape, which reduces the rear weight of the vehicle's body at high speed.

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