Regulator device for regulating an aerodynamic load, aerodynamic component comprising said device and vehicle comprising said component

Abstract

A regulator device for regulating an aerodynamic load of a vehicle, applicable to at least one aerodynamic surface of the vehicle, said device comprising a first element (11) and a second element (12), which are joinable to the aerodynamic surface, said regulator device comprising at least a first shape memory member (15) connected to the first and second elements (11, 12), said first shape memory member (15) being deformable between a first shape (15A), in which said first element (11) and said second element (12) are at a first distance, measured along the first shape memory member, and a second shape (15B), in which said first element (11) and said second element (12) are at a second distance, measured along the first shape memory member, said second distance being less than said first distance.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] REGULATOR DEVICE FOR REGULATING AN AERODYNAMIC LOAD, AERODYNAMIC COMPONENT COMPRISING SAID DEVICE AND VEHICLE COMPRISING SAID COMPONENT

[0003] Technical field

[0004] This invention relates to a regulator device for regulating an aerodynamic load and resistance of a vehicle, an aerodynamic component comprising said device and a vehicle which comprises said aerodynamic component.

[0005] Background art

[0006] Known in the prior art are devices which allow regulating the aerodynamic load in vehicles, generally by operating on aerodynamic surfaces of vehicle components, such as, for example, the wings.

[0007] Notable amongst these are devices which comprise aerodynamic appendages which are movable between different positions and which allow modifying the position of the aerodynamic surfaces in space.

[0008] In particular, by moving the appendages or modifying the position of the aerodynamic surfaces in space, it is possible to vary the aerodynamic resistance of the component to regulate the load created by it.

[0009] The prior art devices usually comprise actuators and mechanisms driven by the actuators to move the appendages between the different positions or to modify the position of the aerodynamic surfaces in space.

[0010] Disadvantageously, such devices are complex, cumbersome and difficult to integrate since there is little space for them in the wings or in other appendages or aerodynamic surfaces.

[0011] In this industry, therefore, there is a need to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0012] Aim of the invention

[0013] The aim of this invention is to at least meet the above-mentioned need by providing a regulator device for regulating an aerodynamic load and an aerodynamic resistance, which is simple, light and less cumbersome than those known in the prior art.

[0014] At least said aim is achieved by the invention as characterized in the independent claims.

[0015] The dependent claims correspond to possible different embodiments of the invention.

[0016] According to an aspect of it, this disclosure relates to a regulator device for regulating an aerodynamic load of a vehicle.

[0017] This device is applicable to an aerodynamic surface of a vehicle.

[0018] The regulator device comprises a first element and a second element which are joinable to the aerodynamic surface.

[0019] The regulator device comprises at least a first shape memory member connected to the first and second elements.

[0020] In other words, the first member is fixed to the first element and to the second element.

[0021] The first shape memory member can be deformed between a first shape and a second shape.

[0022] The first shape memory member can be deformed by passing electrical current through it.

[0023] When the first shape memory member has the first shape, the first element and the second element are at a first distance, measured along it.

[0024] When the first member has the second shape, the first element and the second element are at a second distance, measured along it.

[0025] The second distance is, for example, less than the first distance.

[0026] Advantageously, changing the shape of the first member, which is fixed to the first and second elements, changes the distance between the first and second elements.

[0027] Consequently, when the first and the second elements are joined to an aerodynamic surface, varying the distance between the two elements changes the conformation of the aerodynamic surface they are connected to.

[0028] Modifying the conformation of the aerodynamic surface changes the aerodynamic resistance associated with the surface, thereby regulating the aerodynamic load.

[0029] In an example, the conformation of the entire aerodynamic surface to which the first and second elements are joined is modified.

[0030] In an example, the conformation of a portion of the aerodynamic surface to which the first and second elements are joined is modified.

[0031] According to an aspect, the first element is connected to the second element with at least one degree of rotational freedom.

[0032] The first and second elements may define a first row.

[0033] The first element defines a first end of the first row and the second element defines a second end of the first row.

[0034] The first row may adopt a first configuration when the first shape memory member has the first shape and may adopt a second configuration when the first shape memory member has the second shape.

[0035] In other words, the first shape member is deformable between the first shape, where the first row adopts the first configuration, and the second shape, where the first row adopts the second configuration.

[0036] Advantageously, modifying the shape of the first member associated with the row modifies the configuration of the row and thus modifies the conformation of the aerodynamic surface to which the first and second elements are joined (that is, to which the row is joined).

[0037] Modifying the conformation of the aerodynamic surface changes the aerodynamic resistance associated with the surface, thereby regulating the aerodynamic load.

[0038] In an example, the first member is made of shape memory steel.

[0039] Shape memory materials, also known as shape memory alloys (SMA), have the ability of returning to their original shape after being subjected to deformation.

[0040] SMA materials operate thanks to their ability to "memorize" their original shape and to return to that shape when they are heated, thanks to the thermal and mechanical properties of these materials.

[0041] According to an aspect, the regulator device may comprise a deformable support.

[0042] The deformable support may be an aerodynamic surface or at least part, of an aerodynamic surface.

[0043] The term "deformable" is used to mean that the support may be brought from a first conformation to a second conformation.

[0044] In an example, therefore, the first and second elements of the first row are joined to the deformable support.

[0045] Modifying the conformation of the support which defines the aerodynamic surface changes the aerodynamic resistance associated with the surface, thereby regulating the aerodynamic load.

[0046] According to an aspect, the support is made of composite material.

[0047] According to an aspect, the first row comprises at least a first intermediate element interposed between the first and second elements.

[0048] The first intermediate element is joinable to the aerodynamic surface together with the first and second elements.

[0049] The first element and the second element are connected to each other by the first intermediate element.

[0050] The first element is connected with at least one degree of rotational freedom to the first intermediate element and the second element is connected with at least one degree of rotational freedom to the first intermediate element.

[0051] According to an aspect, the first intermediate element comprises a first tubular portion traversed by the first shape memory member.

[0052] According to an aspect, the first element is connected to the first intermediate element with at least two degrees of rotational freedom of one relative to the other, and the second element is connected to the first intermediate element with at least two degrees of rotational freedom of one relative to the other.

[0053] According to an aspect, the regulator device comprises at least one spring having a first end fixed to the first element and a second end fixed to the second element.

[0054] Advantageously, the spring allows drawing the elements of the first row together or apart, depending on the deformation of the first shape memory member.

[0055] According to an aspect, the first row comprises a plurality of intermediate elements articulated to each other and disposed between the first and second elements.

[0056] Advantageously, any number of intermediate elements may be interposed between the first and second elements and joined to the aerodynamic surface.

[0057] According to an aspect, the device comprises a third element and a fourth element defining a second row.

[0058] The third and fourth elements are joinable to the aerodynamic surface.

[0059] The regulator device may comprise a second shape memory member connected to the third and fourth elements.

[0060] The second shape memory member is deformable between a third shape, in which the third element and the fourth element are at a third distance, measured along the second shape memory member, and a fourth shape, in which the third element and the fourth element are at a fourth distance, measured along the second shape memory member.

[0061] The fourth distance is preferably less than the third distance.

[0062] According to an aspect, the first element of the first row may be connected to the third element of the second row with at least one degree of freedom, and the second element of the first row may be connected to the fourth element of the second row with at least one degree of freedom.

[0063] The first and second rows thus define a mesh.

[0064] In an example, the mesh is made up of four elements.

[0065] The mesh is thus joinable to the aerodynamic surface.

[0066] Advantageously, having a mesh of elements allows a more controlled deformation of the aerodynamic surface it is joined to. According to an aspect, the first shape memory member and the second shape memory member are stretches of a single shape memory member.

[0067] In an example, the same shape memory member is associated with the first row and with the second row and traverses both the first row, coming out from the second element, and the second row, coming out from the fourth element.

[0068] The shape memory member is connected to the third and fourth elements. According to an aspect, the second row comprises a second intermediate element interposed between the third and fourth elements.

[0069] The third and fourth elements are connected to each other by the second intermediate element.

[0070] The third element is connected with at least one degree of rotational freedom to the second intermediate element and the fourth element is connected with at least one degree of rotational freedom to the second intermediate element.

[0071] The first intermediate element of the first row is connected to the second intermediate element of the second row with at least one degree of rotational freedom.

[0072] In an example, the mesh is made up of six elements.

[0073] According to an aspect, at least the second intermediate element of the second row comprises a tubular portion.

[0074] The tubular portion is traversed by the shape memory member.

[0075] In an example, the first and second rows may be positioned on distant support portions or on portions which are close together, depending on the deformation the aerodynamic surface is to be subjected to.

[0076] In an example, considering the first and second rows coupled to each other and disposed substantially parallel, the first shape of the first shape memory member coincides with the third shape of the second shape memory member and the second shape of the first shape memory member coincides with the fourth shape of the second shape memory member.

[0077] Advantageously, having deformations of the shape memory members which are substantially the same along the rows allows a more controlled deformation of the aerodynamic surface the rows are joined to.

[0078] According to an aspect, the first element and the second element are made by 3D printing.

[0079] According to an aspect, all the elements which define the row are made by 3D printing.

[0080] 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, allows making three-dimensional objects layer by layer.

[0081] According to an aspect, both the first row and the second row are made by 3D printing.

[0082] The first and second rows, therefore, are preferably made as single parts formed from multiple elements which cannot be uncoupled from each other and so as to define the mesh.

[0083] According to an aspect, all the elements of the rows which define the mesh are made by 3D printing.

[0084] According to an aspect, the device comprises a fifth element and a sixth element which define a third row.

[0085] The third row may comprise a third intermediate element interposed between the fifth and sixth elements.

[0086] In particular, the fifth element is connected to the third element of the second row, the sixth element is connected to the fourth element of the second row, and the third intermediate element is connected to the second intermediate element of the second row.

[0087] The first, second and third rows define a mesh.

[0088] According to an aspect of it, this disclosure relates to an aerodynamic component for a vehicle.

[0089] The component comprises a structure having a surface.

[0090] The component comprises a regulator device according to any of the aspects mentioned above.

[0091] The first element and the second element are joined to the surface of the structure. In other words, the first element and the second element are connected at the surface.

[0092] In an example, the first and second elements are joined to the surface at a certain distance from each other.

[0093] According to an aspect, the structure adopts a first conformation when the first shape memory member has the first shape and adopts a second conformation when the first shape memory member has the second shape. Advantageously, the deformation of the shape memory member causes the structure or at least part of it to deform.

[0094] According to an aspect, the structure is made of composite material.

[0095] In an example, the structure of the component is a closed structure and the surface defines an inside surface of the closed structure.

[0096] In an example, the structure of the component comprises a first portion and second portion which is movably connected to the first portion.

[0097] The first element of the regulator device is connected to the first portion and the element of the regulator device is connected to the second portion.

[0098] The deformation of the shape memory member between the first shape and the second shape causes the second portion to move relative to the first portion.

[0099] According to an aspect of it, this disclosure relates to a vehicle which comprises an aerodynamic component according to any of the aspects mentioned above.

[0100] In an example, the first portion of the structure has a first end which is connected to a portion of the vehicle.

[0101] In an example, the first portion and the second portion have respectively a first end and a second end which are connected to a portion of the vehicle.

[0102] Brief description of the drawings

[0103] The main features of the invention are more apparent from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention purely by way of non-limiting example, and in which:

[0104] - Figures 1 A and 1 B are schematic side views illustrating a first and second embodiment of an aerodynamic component for a vehicle, comprising a regulator device for regulating an aerodynamic load according to this disclosure;

[0105] - Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the aerodynamic component of Figure 1 B according to this disclosure in a side view and in a schematic cross section, with some parts removed;

[0106] - Figure 4 illustrates the aerodynamic component of Figure 1 B according to this disclosure in a perspective view, with some parts removed;

[0107] - Figures 5A and 5B are exploded views illustrating the aerodynamic component respectively of Figures 1 A and 1 B according to this disclosure in a schematic perspective view, with some portions removed;

[0108] - Figures 6A-6C illustrate embodiments of a regulator device for regulating an aerodynamic load according to this disclosure in a schematic perspective view, with some portions removed;

[0109] - Figures 7A - 9C respectively illustrate embodiments of an element or of a row of the regulator device of Figures 6A-6C, according to this disclosure;

[0110] - Figures 10 and 1 1 illustrate an embodiment of a regulator device for regulating an aerodynamic load according to this disclosure in a perspective view and in a schematic side view, with some portions removed;

[0111] - Figures 12A and 12B illustrate an embodiment of an aerodynamic component comprising a regulator device for regulating an aerodynamic load in a first configuration according to this disclosure, respectively in a side view and in a perspective view;

[0112] - Figures 13A and 13B illustrate an embodiment of an aerodynamic component comprising a regulator device for regulating an aerodynamic load in a second configuration according to this disclosure, respectively in a side view and in a perspective view;

[0113] - Figure 14 is a schematic side view illustrating a third embodiment of an aerodynamic component for a vehicle, comprising a regulator device for regulating an aerodynamic load according to this disclosure.

[0114] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0115] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes a regulator device for regulating an aerodynamic load of a vehicle.

[0116] The device 1 comprises an element 1 1 and an element 12.

[0117] The first element 1 1 and the second element 12 are joinable to an aerodynamic surface S.

[0118] The device 1 comprises at least one shape memory member 15.

[0119] The member 15 is fixed to the element 11 and to the element 12.

[0120] In an embodiment, the elements 1 1 and 12 each comprise a tubular portion 11 B and 12B to connect the member 15 to the elements 1 1 and 12 respectively.

[0121] The member 15 is fixed to the elements 1 1 and 12 and therefore cannot slide relative to them.

[0122] The shape memory member 15 is deformable between a first shape 15A and a second shape 15B.

[0123] When the first shape memory member has the first shape 15A, the first element 1 1 and the second element 12 are at a first distance, and when it has the second shape 15B, the first element 11 and the second element 12 are at a second distance.

[0124] The first and second distances are measured along the shape memory member 15.

[0125] The second distance is preferably less than the first distance.

[0126] The member 15 is configured to be electrically activated.

[0127] In other words, the member 15 is traversed by an electrical current which heats it.

[0128] Heating the member 15 causes it to deform and to pass from the first shape 15A to the second shape 15B.

[0129] In a preferred embodiment, the device 1 comprises a row 10, defined by the element 1 1 and the element 12.

[0130] The elements 1 1 , 12 are therefore preferably connected to each other.

[0131] The element 1 1 defines a first end 11 A of the row 10 and the element 12 defines a second end 12A of the row 10.

[0132] When the member 15 has the first shape 15A, the row 10 adopts a first configuration 10A, and when the member 15 has the second shape 15B, the row 10 adopts a second configuration 10B.

[0133] In an embodiment, illustrated by way of an example in Figure 1 B, the device 1 comprises a support 50 which defines an aerodynamic surface.

[0134] For example, the support 50 may be a portion of a flap or wing of a vehicle (as shown in Figure 2 or Figure 5B).

[0135] Preferably, the support 50 is made of composite material.

[0136] In an embodiment, illustrated by way of an example in Figure 1 B, the elements 1 1 , 12 of the row 10 are attached to the support 50.

[0137] In an embodiment, the first element 1 1 is connected to the second element 12 with at least one degree of rotational freedom.

[0138] In other words, the element 1 1 and the element 12 can be moved relative to each other by one rotation about an axis.

[0139] In an embodiment, the first element 1 1 is connected to the second element 12 to ensure at least two degrees of rotational freedom.

[0140] In other words, the element 1 1 and the element 12 can be moved relative to each other by one rotation about a first axis and about a second axis.

[0141] In an embodiment, the element 1 1 and the element 12 are made by 3D printing.

[0142] As illustrated in Figures 7A-9C, the elements 1 1 , 12 may be made to have multiple conformations, with male portions and female portions as a function of the position of the elements 1 1 , 12. For example, if the element 1 1 (Figure 7A) comprises at least one male portion 14, the element 12 comprises at least one female portion 16 (Figure 7B).

[0143] Each male portion 14 is received in a respective female portion 16.

[0144] Conversely, if the element 1 1 has a female portion 16, the element 12 comprises the male portion 14.

[0145] In an embodiment, the row 10 comprises an intermediate element 13 interposed between the elements 1 1 , 12.

[0146] The element 11 and the element 12 are connected by the intermediate element 13.

[0147] As illustrated in Figure 10A, the element 13 has at least one female portion 16 and at least one male portion 14.

[0148] The female portion 16 of the element 13 is configured to be coupled to a respective male portion 14 of the element 1 1 and the respective male portion 14 of the intermediate element 13 is connected to the female portion 16 of the element 12.

[0149] As shown in Figures 7A, 7B, 8B, 9B, all the elements of the row 10 have corresponding male portions 14 and / or female portions 16 which enable the elements 1 1 , 12 and 13 which define the row to be coupled to each other.

[0150] In particular, the element 11 is connected to the intermediate element 13 to ensure at least one degree of rotational freedom of one relative to the other, and the element 12 is connected to the intermediate element 13 to ensure at least one degree of rotational freedom of one relative to the other.

[0151] In a preferred embodiment, the row 10 comprises a plurality of intermediate elements 13 connected to each other and interposed between the element 1 1 and the element 12.

[0152] The elements 1 1 , 13, 12, as may be seen in Figures 3, 9C are preferably pivoted to each other; this coupling of the elements is preferably obtained by 3D printing, so the male portions of the elements are preferably already fitted inside the respective female portions upon being made.

[0153] In an embodiment, the intermediate element 13 comprises a first tubular portion 13A.

[0154] The tubular portion 13A is traversed by the shape memory member 15. The shape memory member 15 is slidable inside the tubular portion 13A. In other words, the tubular portion 13A allows the member 15 to be slidably connected to the intermediate element 13.

[0155] In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 9C, the tubular portion 13A may be disposed in an upper part of the respective intermediate element 13.

[0156] In an embodiment, the shape memory member 15 traverses the element 11 it is fixed to, the intermediate element 13 it is slidable in, and the element 12 it is fixed to.

[0157] In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 9C, the tubular portion 13A may internally traverse the respective intermediate element 13.

[0158] The element 1 1 is connected to the intermediate element 13 to ensure at least two degrees of rotational freedom of one relative to the other and the element 12 is connected to the intermediate element 13 to ensure at least two degrees of rotational freedom of one relative to the other.

[0159] In an embodiment, the device 1 comprises at least one spring which has a first end and a second end.

[0160] The first end is fixed to the element 1 1 and the second end is fixed to the element 12.

[0161] In one embodiment, the spring is a compression spring.

[0162] In one embodiment, the spring is a tension spring.

[0163] The intermediate element 13 comprises a second tubular portion traversed by the spring.

[0164] In an embodiment, the device 1 comprises an element 21 and an element 22 connected to each other and defining a row 20.

[0165] In an embodiment, illustrated by way of an example in Figure 5B, the elements 21 and 22 are attached to the support 50.

[0166] The element 21 defines an end 21 A and the element 22 defines an end 22A for the row 20.

[0167] In an embodiment, the second row 20 comprises an intermediate element 23 interposed between the elements 21 and 22.

[0168] The elements 21 and 22 are connected by the intermediate element 23.

[0169] The intermediate element 23 is connected to the element 21 with at least one degree of rotational freedom of one relative to the other.

[0170] The intermediate element 23 is connected to the element 22 with at least one degree of rotational freedom of one relative to the other.

[0171] In a preferred embodiment, the element 1 1 is connected to the element 21 , the element 12 is connected to the element 22 and the intermediate element 13 is connected to the intermediate element 23.

[0172] In other words, each element of the row 10 is connected to the respective element of the row 20.

[0173] Each element of the row 20 has at least one respective male portion 24 and / or one respective female portion 26.

[0174] Each element of the row 10 preferably comprises a male portion 17 which allows coupling the elements of the row 10 to the respective elements of the row 20 which have a respective female portion 28, as illustrated in Figures 8B, 9A and 9C.

[0175] In an embodiment, the element 1 1 is connected to the element 21 to ensure at least one degree of rotational freedom of one relative to the other, the element 12 is connected to the element 22 to ensure at least one degree of rotational freedom of one relative to the other, and the intermediate element 13 is connected to the intermediate element 23 to ensure at least one degree of rotational freedom of one relative to the other.

[0176] The rows 10, 20 thus connected define a mesh 60, as shown in Figures 6B and 6C.

[0177] In an embodiment, illustrated in Figure 6C, the shape memory member 15 traverses the row 10 and comes out through the element 12 it is fixed to, and re-enters by way of the element 22, traversing the row 20 and coming out through the element 21 it is fixed to.

[0178] In an embodiment, the element 21 comprises a tubular portion 21 B, the element 22 comprises a tubular portion 22B and the intermediate element comprises a tubular portion 23A.

[0179] The member 15 is fixed relative to the tubular portions 21 B and 22B, whereas it is slidably connected to the element 23 by means of the tubular portion 23A.

[0180] In an embodiment, the device 1 comprises a second shape memory member 25 associated with the second row 20, as illustrated in Figure 6B. The second shape memory member 25 is connected to the elements 21 and 22.

[0181] The second shape memory member 25 is deformable between a third shape, in which the second row 20 adopts a respective first configuration and a fourth shape, in which the second row 20 adopts a respective second configuration.

[0182] In an embodiment, the shape 15A of the member 15 coincides with the third shape of the member 25 and the shape 15B of the member 15 coincides with the fourth shape of the member 25.

[0183] The intermediate element 23 comprises a tubular portion 23A traversed by the member 25.

[0184] In an embodiment, the device 1 comprises an element 31 and an element

[0185] 32 connected to each other and defining a third row 30.

[0186] The elements 31 , 32 respectively define an end 31 A and 31 B of the row 30. In an embodiment, the row 30 comprises at least one intermediate element

[0187] 33 interposed between the element 31 and the element 32. The elements 31 , 32, 33 are joinable to the aerodynamic surface S.

[0188] In an embodiment, the element 31 and the element 32 are fixed to the support 50.

[0189] In a preferred embodiment, the third row 30 is connected to the second row 20.

[0190] Preferably, the device 1 comprises a plurality of rows 30.

[0191] The rows 10, 20, 30 thus define a mesh 60.

[0192] Each element of the row 30 has at least one respective male portion and / or one respective female portion which enable the elements 31 , 33, 32 to be coupled to each other..

[0193] Each element of the row 20 preferably comprises a male portion 27, as illustrated in Figure 9C, which allows coupling the elements of the row 20 to the respective elements of the row 30 which have a respective female portion.

[0194] Also an object of this disclosure is an aerodynamic component 100 for a vehicle, comprising a structure 101 as illustrated in Figures 1A, 1 B, 14. The structure 101 has a surface 102 and a surface 103.

[0195] The component comprises a regulator device 1 according to any of the features described above.

[0196] The first element 1 1 and the second element 12 are joined to the surface 103.

[0197] Preferably, when the shape memory member 15 adopts the first shape 15A, the structure 101 adopts a first conformation C1 , as illustrated in the embodiments of Figures 12A and 12B, and when the shape memory member 15 adopts the second shape 15B, the structure 101 adopts a second conformation C2, as illustrated in the embodiments of Figures 13A and 13B.

[0198] Preferably, the structure 101 is made of composite material.

[0199] In an embodiment, illustrated by way of example in Figures 1 A and 1 B, the structure 101 is a closed structure 10T.

[0200] In such a case, the surface 103 is an internal surface in the closed structure. The first and second elements 1 1 , 12 extend from the internal surface.

[0201] In an embodiment, illustrated in Figure 14, the structure 101 comprises a first portion 101 A and a second portion 101 B which is movably connected to the first portion.

[0202] The first element 1 1 is connected to the first portion 101 A and the second element 12 is connected to the second portion 101 B.

[0203] Deformation of the shape memory member 15 causes the structure 101 to deform.

[0204] In particular, in the embodiment of Figure 14, the deformation of the member 15 causes the second portion 101 B to move relative to the first portion 101 A. In an embodiment, when the member 15 is electrically activated, it becomes shorter and causes the second portion 101 B to move away from the first portion 101 A. In an embodiment, the second portion 101 B is hinged to the first portion 101 A.

[0205] In an embodiment, illustrated in Figure 1 B, the support 50 is connected to the surface 103 by coupling means 51 , 52 located at a first end and a second end 50A, B of the support 50. Also an object of this disclosure is a vehicle 1 10 which comprises an aerodynamic component having the features described above.

[0206] The vehicle comprises a control and drive unit configured to electrically activate the regulator device 1 .

[0207] In particular, the control and drive unit is configured to control the flow of current along the shape memory member 15, causing its heating and deformation.

[0208] In an embodiment, the activation of the shape memory member 15 causes the member 15 to deform from shape 15A to shape 15B.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A regulator device for regulating an aerodynamic load of a vehicle, applicable to at least one aerodynamic surface of the vehicle, said regulator device comprising a first element (11 ) and a second element (12), which are joinable to the aerodynamic surface, said regulator device comprising at least a first shape memory member (15) connected to the first and second elements (11 , 12), said first shape memory member (15) being deformable between a first shape (15A), in which said first element (1 1 ) and said second element (12) are at a first distance, measured along the first shape memory member, and a second shape (15B), in which said first element (11 ) and said second element (12) are at a second distance, measured along the first shape memory member, said second distance being less than said first distance.

2. The regulator device according to claim 1 , comprising a deformable support (50) defining at least part of the aerodynamic surface, said first and second elements (1 1 , 12) being joined to the support (50).

3. The regulator device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first element (1 1 ) is connected to the second element (12) with at least one degree of rotational freedom, the first and second elements (1 1 , 12) defining a first row (10), said first row (10) adopting a first configuration (10A) when the first shape memory member (15) has the first shape (15A), and adopting a second configuration (10B) when the first shape memory member (15) has the second shape (15B).

4. The regulator device according to claim 3, wherein said first row (10) comprises at least a first intermediate element (13) interposed between the first and the second element (1 1 , 12), said first element (1 1 ) and said second element (12) being connected toeach other via the first intermediate element (13), said first element (1 1 ) being connected to said first intermediate element (13) with at least one degree of rotational freedom, said second element (12) being connected to said first intermediate element (13) with at least one degree of rotational freedom.

5. The regulator device according to claim 4, wherein said first intermediate element (13) comprises a first tubular portion (13A) traversed by said first shape memory member (15).

6. The regulator device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said first element (1 1 ) is connected to said first intermediate element (13) with at least two degrees of rotational freedom, and said second element (12) is connected to said first intermediate element (13) with at least two degrees of rotational freedom.

7. The regulator device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, comprising a third element (21 ) and a fourth element (22), defining a second row (20), the third element (21 ) and the fourth element (22) being joinable to said aerodynamic surface, said regulator device comprising at least a second shape memory member (25) connected to the third and fourth elements (21 , 22), said second shape memory member (25) being deformable between a third shape, in which said third element (21 ) and said fourth element (22) are at a third distance, measured along the second shape memory member, and a fourth shape, in which said third element (21 ) and said fourth element (22) are at a fourth distance, measured along the second shape memory member, said fourth distance being less than said third distance, the first element (11 ) of the first row (10) being connected to the third element (21 ) of the second row (20) with at least one degree of freedom, the second element (12) of said first row (10) being connected to the fourthelement (22) of said second row (20) with at least one degree of freedom, said first and second rows (10, 20) defining a mesh (60).

8. The regulator device according to claim 7, wherein the first shape memory member (15) and the second shape memory member (25) are stretches of a single shape memory member.

9. The regulator device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the second row (20) comprises a second intermediate element (23), interposed between the third and the fourth element (21 , 22), said third and fourth elements (21 , 22) being connected to each other by the second intermediate element (23), said third element (21 ) being connected to said second intermediate element (23) with at least one degree of rotational freedom, said fourth element (22) being connected to said second intermediate element (23) with at least one degree of rotational freedom, the first intermediate element (13) of said first row (10) being connected to the second intermediate element (23) of said second row (20) with at least one degree of rotational freedom.

10. The regulator device according to claim 9, wherein the second intermediate element (23) comprises a second tubular portion (23A) traversed by said second shape memory member (25).1 1 . The regulator device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first element (1 1 ) and said second element (12) are made by 3D printing.

12. An aerodynamic component for a vehicle, comprising a structure (101 ) having a surface (103), said aerodynamic component comprising a regulator device according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1 , said first element(1 1 ) and said second element (12) being joined to the first surface (102).

13. The component according to claim 12, wherein said structure (101 ) adopts a first conformation (C1 ) when the first shape memory member (15) has the first shape (15A), and adopts a second conformation (C2) when the first shape memory member (15) has the second shape (15B).

14. The component according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said structure (101 ) is made from composite material.

15. The component according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein said structure (101 ) is a closed structure (101 ’), the surface (103) being a surface inside said closed structure.

16. The component according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein said structure (101 ) comprises a first portion (101 A) and a second portion (101 B) which is movably connected to the first portion, said first element (1 1 ) being connected to said first portion (101 A) and said second element (12) being connected to said second portion (101 B).

17. A vehicle comprising an aerodynamic component according to any one of claims 12 to 16.21