Aerodynamic system of vehicle with adjustable ground clearance

Abstract

An aerodynamic system of an adjustable ground clearance vehicle includes an aerodynamic element ground clearance actuator and an aerodynamic element angle actuator connected in series and mounted in the vehicle. The aerodynamic element is adapted to be disposed in an inactive stowed position and to be moved from the stowed position to at least one active deployed position at an angle relative to the vehicle under control of an aerodynamic element angle actuator to vary aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle. The aerodynamic element ground clearance actuators are adapted to extend and retract in synchronization with respective vehicle ground clearance increases and decreases, and the aerodynamic element angle actuators are adapted to extend and retract to deploy and stow the aerodynamic elements, respectively.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 441,504, filed on January 27, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] For many years, motor vehicles, particularly high-performance or racing vehicles, have employed aerodynamic elements to influence vehicle aerodynamics. Typically, these elements remain fixed in the same position regardless of vehicle motion. On the other hand, such elements are sometimes deployed while driving, for example, upon reaching a certain speed. It is often advantageous to deploy aerodynamic elements while the vehicle is in motion in order to tailor the vehicle's aerodynamics to the driving conditions.

[0004] Some vehicles are equipped with an adjustable ground clearance feature. This can include, for example, a higher ground clearance comfort mode for use on intermittently uneven driving surfaces (typically roads), and a sport mode with reduced ground clearance to aid vehicle dynamics on smoother driving surfaces (such as racetracks). This is typically achieved using hydraulic actuators or air springs connected to the vehicle's suspension system.

[0005] It would be advantageous to employ a vehicle aerodynamic system that automatically adapts to changes in ground clearance by altering the deployed position of aerodynamic elements, without affecting their stowed position, thereby allowing the aerodynamic elements to continuously switch between positions corresponding to a comfort and sporty vehicle clearance mode. These changes to the aerodynamic elements are advantageously made as the vehicle ground clearance changes between the vehicle's higher comfort level and the vehicle's lower sport level. This mechanism is advantageously applicable to a wide range of active aerodynamic elements, such as rear wings and spoilers, tire wake deflectors, air deflectors, underbody devices, and the like.

[0006] It is also advantageous that the mechanism does not need to rely on additional sensors or electronic components to control the change in the aerodynamic position of the aerodynamic element as a function of the vehicle's ground clearance.

[0007] Furthermore, it would be advantageous if the mechanism could be used to actuate active aerodynamic elements on the underside of the vehicle or elsewhere on the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0008] An adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system has been developed to overcome these prior art issues. The adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system automatically adapts to changes in vehicle ground clearance by also changing the deployed position of the aerodynamic elements without affecting their stowed position, thereby allowing the aerodynamic elements to continuously switch between positions corresponding to a higher ground clearance comfort mode and a lower ground clearance sport mode. This mechanism is applicable to many active aerodynamic elements, such as rear wings and spoilers, tire wake deflectors, air deflectors, underbody devices, diffusers, and more. Multiple mechanisms can be used throughout the vehicle or individually.

[0009] In a primary aspect of the present invention, an aerodynamic system for a vehicle with adjustable ground clearance comprises: an aerodynamic element ground clearance actuator and an aerodynamic element angle actuator connected in series and mounted in the vehicle; an aerodynamic element adapted to be positioned in an inactive, stowed position and to move, under control of the aerodynamic element angle actuator, from the stowed position to at least one active, deployed position at an angle relative to the vehicle to change the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle, the aerodynamic element ground clearance actuator adapted to extend and retract synchronously when the vehicle ground clearance increases and decreases accordingly, and the aerodynamic element angle actuator adapted to extend and retract accordingly to deploy and stow the aerodynamic element.

[0010] In another aspect of the present invention, the aerodynamic element ground clearance actuator is adapted to synchronously extend and retract as the vehicle ground clearance increases and decreases accordingly to maintain a predetermined spatial relationship between the lowest extent of the aerodynamic element and the driving surface.

[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, the aerodynamic element angle actuator is rotatably connected to the aerodynamic element via a connecting link.

[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, a first angle is maintained between the connecting link and the aerodynamic element from the stowed position to the at least one deployed position.

[0013] In another aspect of the invention, the at least one deployed position includes both a fully extended deployed position and a partially extended deployed position.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, the angle of the aerodynamic element relative to the vehicle in the fully extended position and the partially extended position differs depending on whether the vehicle's ground clearance is increasing or decreasing.

[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, a second angle is maintained between the connecting link and the aerodynamic element when the vehicle ground clearance is reduced and the aerodynamic element is in the stowed position.

[0016] In another aspect of the invention, the angle of the aerodynamic element relative to the vehicle in the at least one deployed position varies depending on whether the vehicle's ground clearance is increasing or decreasing.

[0017] In another aspect of the present invention, the aerodynamic element lift-off actuator and the aerodynamic element angle actuator are hydraulically operated.

[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, at least one of the aerodynamic element ground lift actuator and the aerodynamic element angle actuator is single acting, having a helical return spring.

[0019] In another aspect of the present invention, at least one of the aerodynamic element ground lift actuator and the aerodynamic element angle actuator is double-acting.

[0020] In another aspect of the present invention, the aerodynamic element ground lift actuator and the aerodynamic element angle actuator are constrained by a connecting bracket to operate in series.

[0021] In another aspect of the present invention, a coil spring element connects the connecting link and the aerodynamic element.

[0022] In another aspect of the present invention, a hard stop feature prevents excessive angular extension of the aerodynamic element when the vehicle ground clearance is reduced and the aerodynamic element is parallel to the bottom of the vehicle.

[0023] In another aspect of the present invention, the adjustable height vehicle aerodynamic system is mounted to the underside of the vehicle in front of each of the two front vehicle wheels.

[0024] In another aspect of the present invention, the aerodynamic system of the adjustable height vehicle is mounted to the underside of the vehicle in front of or behind each of the two rear vehicle wheels.

[0025] In another aspect of the invention, the aerodynamic element is integrated into the diffuser.

[0026] In another aspect of the present invention, a method of operating an aerodynamic system of a vehicle with adjustable ground clearance includes: connecting a vehicle ground clearance adjustment system to an aerodynamic element ground clearance actuator of the vehicle with adjustable ground clearance mounted to the vehicle, controlling the aerodynamic element ground clearance actuator with the vehicle ground clearance adjustment system to extend and retract the aerodynamic element ground clearance actuator in synchronization with respective increases and decreases in vehicle ground clearance, and extending and retracting an aerodynamic element angle actuator connected in series with the aerodynamic element ground clearance actuator to deploy and stow the aerodynamic element accordingly.

[0027] In another aspect of the method of the present invention, the aerodynamic element angle actuator is controlled by a vehicle active aerodynamic system.

[0028] In another aspect of the method of the present invention, the aerodynamic element angle actuator is controlled by an independent aerodynamic element hydraulic circuit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1A is a partial plan view of the vehicle, schematically illustrating the adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system mounted ahead of the front wheels.

[0030] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A partial front elevation view of a vehicle showing aerodynamic elements of the adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system in a stowed baseline position parallel to the driving surface.

[0031] Figure 2 Shown with Figure 1B 1. A vehicle with an adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system, showing four system configurations including a combination of normal ground clearance (N), lower ground clearance (L), and a stowed baseline position (B) and deployed position (D) of the aerodynamic elements.

[0032] Figure 3 is a schematic front view of an adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system.

[0033] Figure 4A A top-down perspective view of the adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system.

[0034] Figure 4B It is a plan view of the aerodynamic system with adjustable ground clearance.

[0035] Figure 4C A bottom-up perspective view of the adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system.

[0036] Figure 4D This is a front view of the adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system.

[0037] Figure 5 yes Figure 1A 、 1B , 6 and 7, and a front view schematic diagram of an adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system, and a legend showing four system configurations of the system, including a normal ground clearance (N), a lower ground clearance (L), and a combination of a stowed baseline position (B) and a deployed position (D) of the aerodynamic elements.

[0038] Figure 6 yes Figure 1B and 4DIllustration of a vehicle and adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system showing front views of the vehicle and independent adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system in four system configurations, the four system configurations including normal ground clearance (N), lowered ground clearance (L), and a combination of a stowed baseline position (B) and a deployed position (D) of the aerodynamic elements.

[0039] Figure 7 is a partial front elevation view of a vehicle showing the adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system mounted in front of the rear wheels in four configurations, including normal ground clearance (N), lowered ground clearance (L), and a combination of a stowed baseline position (B) and a deployed position (D) of the aerodynamic elements.

[0040] Figure 8 is a partial front elevation view of a vehicle showing the adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system mounted behind the rear wheels in four system configurations, including normal ground clearance (N), lowered ground clearance (L), and a combination of a stowed baseline position (B) and a deployed position (D) of the aerodynamic elements.

[0041] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Schematic front view of the adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system and legend showing four system configurations, including normal ground clearance (N), lower ground clearance (L), and a combination of the stowed baseline position (B) and deployed position (D) of the aerodynamic elements.

[0042] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the underside of the vehicle showing the adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system integrated into the diffuser at the rear of the vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] exist Figures 1A to 10 An aerodynamic system (1) for a vehicle with adjustable ground clearance is shown. The adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system (1) uses two hydraulic actuators connected in series. These actuators include an aerodynamic element ground clearance actuator (3) and an aerodynamic element angle actuator (5). Together, these actuators control the position of an aerodynamic element (7).

[0044] The aerodynamic lift-off actuator (3) is coupled to the vehicle (4) via a rotary joint (9) and is connected to a conventional vehicle ground clearance system (not shown) such that changes in vehicle ground clearance will automatically result in activation of the aerodynamic lift-off actuator (3). Typically, vehicles with adjustable ground clearance capabilities are provided with a vehicle suspension hydraulic actuator as part of the suspension system. The aerodynamic lift-off actuator (3) can be located on the same hydraulic circuit as the vehicle suspension hydraulic actuator, which ensures that the aerodynamic lift-off actuator (3) and the vehicle suspension system actuators are synchronized and coupled together.

[0045] The aerodynamic element angular actuator (5) is driven by a conventional vehicle active aerodynamic system. The aerodynamic element angular actuator (5) can be located on the same hydraulic circuit as the other vehicle aerodynamic hydraulic actuators, which ensures that these actuators are synchronized and linked together. Alternatively, in the case where independent control of multiple active aerodynamic devices is required, each aerodynamic element angular actuator (5) can be individually linked to an independent aerodynamic element hydraulic circuit.

[0046] Typically, the aerodynamic element ground lift actuator (3) will have a different actuation stroke length than the aerodynamic element angle actuator (5).

[0047] A connecting link (11) attaches the aerodynamic element angle actuator (5) to the aerodynamic element (7). The connecting link (11) can rotate relative to the aerodynamic element (7), however the connecting link (11) and the aerodynamic element (7) are typically sprung together to a first defined position at a first angle using an element coil spring (13) or other suitable energy storage element (e.g., a polymer elastomer element). There is a separate hard stop feature 15 that limits the baseline position of the aerodynamic element (7). This allows the rest of the adjustable ground height aerodynamic system (1) to move independently of the aerodynamic element (7) and maintain the same baseline aerodynamic element (7) position independent of the vehicle ground height.

[0048] When used in front of a vehicle's front wheels (16) or vehicle's rear wheels (17), the adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system (1) is configured to rotate the trailing edge (8) of the aerodynamic element (7) downward from a stowed horizontal baseline position (B) to a deployed position (D). See, e.g. Figure 2 、 3 , 5, 6 and 7. When used behind the rear wheels (17) of a vehicle, the adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system (1) can be reconfigured to rotate the trailing edge (8) of the aerodynamic element (7) upward from a stowed horizontal baseline position (B) to a deployed position (D). See e.g. Figure 8 、 9and 10. When the aerodynamic element (7) is mounted behind the vehicle's rear wheels (17), the basic principle remains unchanged, however, the element spring (13) is now used to push the connecting link (11) and the aerodynamic element (7) apart to another defined position, the first angle of which can be different from that previously described, where the adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system is mounted in front of the front or rear wheels (16, 17). For example, the aerodynamic element actuator (3, 5) can be configured so that the vehicle's lower ground clearance mode (L) produces a smaller deployed aerodynamic element (7) angle than the normal higher vehicle ground clearance mode (N). The opposite situation can be achieved by changing the horizontal baseline position (B) of the aerodynamic element ground clearance actuator (3). Regardless of whether the adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system is mounted in front of or behind the wheels, in a lower ground clearance mode (L) in which the aerodynamic element (7) is in a stowed horizontal baseline position (B), the connecting link (11) and the aerodynamic element (7) are sprung together to a second defined position at a second angle (different from the first angle), typically using an element coil spring (13) or other suitable energy storage element.

[0049] The adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system (1) can be applied to various active aerodynamic elements, such as rear wings and spoilers, tire wake deflectors, air deflectors, underbody devices, diffusers, etc. An example of an adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system (1) integrated into a diffuser (18) is shown in FIG. Figure 10 The diffuser is a shaped section at the rear of the vehicle that improves the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle. This is achieved by enhancing the transition between the high-speed airflow under the vehicle and the slower airflow of the ambient air. By accelerating the airflow in front of it, the diffuser helps to generate a downward force. The front angle of the diffuser produces a change in the speed of the air flowing under it. This then produces a change in pressure and an increased downward force. Depending on the aerodynamic requirements of a particular vehicle, it may be desirable to have a diffuser angle that varies with ground clearance. This matches the functionality of the adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system (1).

[0050] Depending on the vehicle's ground clearance, the requirements for the aerodynamic element (7) can be different. For example, for optimal performance in vehicle motion, in a lower ground clearance mode (L), the aerodynamic element (7) can be deployed at a different angle to the driving surface (19) than in a normal, higher vehicle ground clearance mode (N) for optimal performance. Another reason for this function is to ensure sufficient ground clearance for the aerodynamic element (7) depending on the vehicle's ground clearance. Ideally, a predetermined distance between the lowest range of the aerodynamic element (7) and the driving surface (19) is maintained, depending on the driving mode. When the adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system is mounted in front of the front or rear wheels (16, 17), the minimum range of the aerodynamic element (7) is typically near the rear trailing edge (8), while when the adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system (1) is mounted behind the rear wheels (17), the minimum range of the aerodynamic element (7) is typically near the front leading edge (6). The predetermined distance need not be the same in all cases, but can vary depending on road conditions or other driving parameters. The vehicle bottom (21) is generally parallel to the driving surface (19). The aerodynamic element (7) will be oriented parallel to the vehicle bottom (21) in the horizontal baseline position (B) or at an angle to the vehicle bottom (21) in the deployed position (D).

[0051] The adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system (1) can be used alone or in pairs. The system is usually used in pairs near the front wheels (16) or the rear wheels (17) of the vehicle or both.

[0052] For example, a paired adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system (1) can be mounted to the vehicle bottom (21) in front of the front wheels (16). In the default configuration, the vehicle is in a normal higher ground clearance mode (N). In this configuration, each aerodynamic element (7) can be kept stowed parallel to the vehicle bottom (21) or deployed at an angle to the vehicle bottom (21). When deployed, each aerodynamic element (7) is rotated along an axis (X) adjacent to the leading edge (6) of the aerodynamic element (7) so that the trailing edge (8) of the aerodynamic element (7) is tilted downward. When the vehicle ground clearance is reduced to a sporty, lower ground clearance mode (L), each aerodynamic element (7) is also stowed and deployed parallel to the vehicle bottom (21) (with the rear trailing edge (8) tilted downward). The angle of the aerodynamic element (7) when deployed can vary depending on the selected vehicle ground clearance. This will prevent the aerodynamic element (7) from contacting the driving surface (19) and may also affect the aerodynamic characteristics of the adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system (1).

[0053] The aerodynamic element lift-off actuator (3) and the aerodynamic element angular actuator (5) operate in series. This can be achieved by mounting them both in a connecting bracket (27). They can be single-acting actuators each having a return spring, or double-acting actuators that do not require a return spring. For example, in the case of a single-acting actuator, the aerodynamic element lift-off actuator (3) can be provided with a lift-off actuator return spring (37) and the aerodynamic element angular actuator (5) can be provided with an angular actuator return spring (39). The aerodynamic element lift-off actuator (3) is typically rotatably connected to the body of the vehicle (4) at its front end via a mounting bracket (31). The aerodynamic element lift-off actuator (3) can be retracted from its default position in sync with the reduction of the vehicle's ground clearance. This ensures that the aerodynamic element (7) can remain stowed parallel to the vehicle bottom (21) regardless of the vehicle's ground clearance. By connecting the aerodynamic element lift-off actuator (3) to the vehicle suspension ride height circuit, the retraction and return of the aerodynamic element lift-off actuator (3) to the default position can be synchronized without the need for additional sensors or electronic components.

[0054] The aerodynamic element angular actuator (5) controls the deployment and return of the aerodynamic element (7) to a stowed baseline position (B) while the aerodynamic element liftoff actuator (3) maintains the spatial relationship between the aerodynamic element (7) and the body of the vehicle (4). The aerodynamic element angular actuator (5) extends when the vehicle aerodynamic hydraulic system is activated. The rear end (33) of the aerodynamic element angular actuator (5) is rotatably connected to a first end of a connecting link (11) extending between the aerodynamic element angular actuator (5) and the aerodynamic element (7). The connecting link (11) is also rotatably connected to the aerodynamic element (7) at a second end of the connecting link (11). Typically, an element coil spring (13) connects the connecting link (11) and the aerodynamic element (7). When the aerodynamic element angular actuator (5) is not extended, the aerodynamic element (7) is stowed. Depending on the extent to which the aerodynamic element angle actuator (5) is extended, the aerodynamic element (7) can be deployed to various positions, for example from parallel to the vehicle bottom (21) to 15 degrees (in low ground clearance mode L) or 30 degrees (in normal ground clearance mode N), as shown Figure 3 As shown in . When the aerodynamic element (7) is deployed, the element coil spring (13) maintains a constant angle between the connecting element (11) and the aerodynamic element (7). When the aerodynamic element (7) is mounted in front of one of the front or rear wheels (16, 17), a hard stop feature (15) which may be made of, for example, an elastic or relatively rigid polymer material is mounted above the aerodynamic element (7), as shown in . Figure 6Alternatively, when the aerodynamic element (7) is mounted behind one of the rear wheels (17), the hard stop feature (15) is mounted below the aerodynamic element (7), as shown in FIG. Figure 9 When the aerodynamic element (7) is in the stowed baseline position (B), the hard stop feature (15) prevents the aerodynamic element (7) from moving past parallel to the vehicle bottom (21).

[0055] Micro switches or other electronic sensors may be used to sense the position of the aerodynamic element (7). They are only used for position feedback and not for controlling the aerodynamic element (7). These may include micro switches to sense the open position and the closed position. For example, an open position micro switch (35) and a closed position micro switch (36) may be provided, such as Figure 4A and 4B The adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system (1) can be operated without reliance on additional sensors or electronic components to control the change of the aerodynamic position of the aerodynamic element according to the vehicle ground clearance.

[0056] As described above, a pair of adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic systems (1) are typically mounted in front of the vehicle's front wheels (16), but can also be mounted in front of or behind the vehicle's rear wheels (17). Again, in both the normal higher ground clearance mode (N) and the sporty lower ground clearance mode (L), the aerodynamic elements (7) can be kept stowed parallel to the vehicle's underbody (21). When mounted in front of the rear wheels (17), the adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system (1) operates just as it would if mounted in front of the front wheels (16). When mounted behind the rear wheels (17), as Figure 8 and 9 As shown in , the rear trailing edge (8) of the aerodynamic element (7) is preferably tilted upward toward the vehicle bottom (21) when deployed. Again, the angle of the deployed aerodynamic element (7) relative to the vehicle bottom (21) can vary depending on the vehicle ground clearance. In this case, a hard stop feature (15) is mounted below the aerodynamic element (7) to prevent the aerodynamic element (7) from rotating downwardly parallel to the vehicle bottom (21). The element coil spring (13) connecting the connecting link (11) and the aerodynamic element (7) will extend except when the adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system (1) is in low ground clearance mode (L) in which the aerodynamic element (7) is stowed. In this baseline position (B), the element coil spring (13) is compressed and the aerodynamic element (7) contacts the hard stop feature (15).

[0057] Figure 2 、 5, 6 and 7 schematically show four different configurations of the aerodynamic system mechanism (1). These configurations can be Figure 5 From top to bottom or in Figure 2 、 6 7 are described counterclockwise from top left as NB (normal, higher ground clearance (N) and stowed parallel baseline position (B) of the aerodynamic element (7)), ND (normal, higher ground clearance (N) and deployed position (D) of the aerodynamic element (7)), LD (lower ground clearance (L) and deployed position (D) of the aerodynamic element (7)), and LB (lower ground clearance (L) and stowed parallel baseline position (B) of the aerodynamic element (7)). These configurations can be used when the adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system (1) is mounted in front of the vehicle's front wheels (16) or the vehicle's rear wheels (17). In the NB configuration, the aerodynamic element ground clearance actuator (3) is extended, the aerodynamic element angle actuator (5) is not extended, and the aerodynamic element (7) is in contact with the hard stop feature (15). In the ND configuration, the aerodynamic element liftoff actuator (3) remains extended, the aerodynamic element angular actuator (5) also extends, and the aerodynamic element (7) is not in contact with the hard stop feature (15). In the LD configuration, the aerodynamic element liftoff actuator (3) is no longer extended, the aerodynamic element angular actuator (5) remains extended, and the aerodynamic element (7) is still not in contact with the hard stop feature (15). In the LB configuration, the aerodynamic element liftoff actuator (3) remains unextended, the aerodynamic element angular actuator (5) also does not extend, and the aerodynamic element (7) is again in contact with the hard stop feature (15).

[0058] Figure 8 and 9 Four different configurations of the adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system (1) are also schematically shown. These configurations can be Figure 9 From top to bottom or in Figure 8Described counterclockwise from top left in the figure are NB (normal, higher ground clearance (N) and stowed parallel baseline position (B) of the aerodynamic element (7)), ND (normal, higher ground clearance (N) and deployed position (D) of the aerodynamic element (7)), LD (lower ground clearance (L) and deployed position (D) of the aerodynamic element (7)), and LB (lower ground clearance (L) and stowed parallel baseline position (B) of the aerodynamic element (7)). These configurations can be used when the adjustable ground clearance aerodynamic system (1) is mounted behind the rear wheels (17) of the vehicle. In the NB configuration, the aerodynamic element ground clearance actuator (3) is not extended, the aerodynamic element angle actuator (5) is extended, and the aerodynamic element (7) is in contact with the hard stop feature (15). In the ND configuration, the aerodynamic element ground clearance actuator (3) remains unextended, the aerodynamic element angle actuator (5) is now also unextended, and the aerodynamic element (7) is not in contact with the hard stop feature (15). In the LD configuration, the aerodynamic element liftoff actuator (3) is now extended, the aerodynamic element angular actuator (5) remains unextended, and the aerodynamic element (7) is still not in contact with the hard stop feature (15). In the LB configuration, the aerodynamic element liftoff actuator (3) remains extended, the aerodynamic element angular actuator (5) is also extended, and the aerodynamic element (7) is again in contact with the hard stop feature (15).

[0059] It should be understood that although a specific component arrangement is disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, other arrangements will benefit from the present invention. Although a specific order of steps is shown and described, it should be understood that the steps may be performed in any order, separated or combined, unless otherwise indicated, and still benefit from the present invention.

[0060] Although the different examples have specific components shown in the figures, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those specific combinations.Some components or features from one example may be used in combination with features or components from another example.

[0061] Although exemplary embodiments have been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An aerodynamic system for a vehicle with adjustable ground clearance, comprising: an aerodynamic element ground lift actuator and an aerodynamic element angle actuator connected in series and mounted in the vehicle; an aerodynamic element adapted to be positioned in an inactive, stowed position and to be moved from the stowed position to at least one active, deployed position at an angle relative to the vehicle under control of the aerodynamic element angle actuator to alter vehicle aerodynamic characteristics; The aerodynamic element ground clearance actuator is adapted to extend and retract synchronously as the vehicle ground clearance increases and decreases accordingly; The aerodynamic element angle actuator is adapted to extend and retract respectively to deploy and stow the aerodynamic element.

2. The aerodynamic system for an adjustable ground clearance vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the aerodynamic element ground clearance actuator is adapted to synchronously extend and retract as the vehicle ground clearance increases and decreases, respectively, to maintain a predetermined spatial relationship between the lowest extent of the aerodynamic element and the driving surface.

3. The aerodynamic system for a vehicle with adjustable ground clearance according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the aerodynamic element angle actuator is rotatably connected to the aerodynamic element via a connecting link.

4. The aerodynamic system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a first angle is maintained between the connecting link and the aerodynamic element from the stowed position to the at least one deployed position.

5. The aerodynamic system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one deployed position comprises both a fully extended deployed position and a partially extended deployed position.

6. The aerodynamic system of claim 5 , wherein the angle of the aerodynamic element relative to the vehicle in the fully extended deployed position and the partially extended deployed position differs depending on whether the vehicle's ground clearance is increasing or decreasing.

7. The aerodynamic system of claim 3, wherein a second angle is maintained between the connecting link and the aerodynamic element when the vehicle ground clearance is reduced and the aerodynamic element is in the stowed position.

8. The aerodynamic system of claim 1, wherein an angle of the aerodynamic element relative to the vehicle in the at least one deployed position differs depending on whether the vehicle's ground clearance is increasing or decreasing.

9. The aerodynamic system for a vehicle with adjustable ground clearance according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the aerodynamic element ground clearance actuator and the aerodynamic element angle actuator are hydraulically operated.

10. The aerodynamic system for a vehicle with adjustable ground clearance according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the aerodynamic element ground clearance actuator and the aerodynamic element angle actuator is single-acting with a helical return spring.

11. The aerodynamic system for a vehicle with adjustable ground clearance according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the aerodynamic element ground clearance actuator and the aerodynamic element angle actuator is double-acting.

12. The aerodynamic system of a vehicle with adjustable ground clearance according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the aerodynamic element ground clearance actuator and the aerodynamic element angle actuator are constrained by a connecting bracket to operate in series.

13. The aerodynamic system for a vehicle with adjustable ground clearance according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a coil spring element connects the connecting link and the aerodynamic element.

14. The aerodynamic system of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a hard stop prevents excessive angular extension of the aerodynamic element when the vehicle ground clearance is reduced and the aerodynamic element is parallel to the vehicle.

15. The aerodynamic system of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the aerodynamic system is mounted to the underside of the vehicle in front of each of the two front vehicle wheels.

16. The aerodynamic system of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the aerodynamic system is mounted to the underside of the vehicle in front of or behind each of the two rear vehicle wheels.

17. An aerodynamic system for a vehicle with adjustable ground clearance according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the aerodynamic element is integrated into a diffuser.

18. A method of operating an aerodynamic system of a vehicle with adjustable ground clearance, comprising: connecting the vehicle ride height adjustment system to an aerodynamic element ride height actuator of an aerodynamic system of the vehicle mounted to an adjustable ride height of the vehicle; controlling the aerodynamic element liftoff actuator with the vehicle ride height adjustment system to extend and retract the aerodynamic element liftoff actuator in synchronization with respective increases and decreases in vehicle ride height; as well as An aerodynamic element angle actuator connected in series with the aerodynamic element ground lift actuator is extended and retracted to deploy and stow the aerodynamic element accordingly.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the aerodynamic element angle actuator is controlled by a vehicle active aerodynamic system.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the aerodynamic element angle actuator is controlled by an independent aerodynamic element hydraulic circuit.

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