Vehicle aerodynamic system with adjustable ride height

Abstract

The height-adjustable vehicle aerodynamic system includes an aerodynamic element ride actuator and an aerodynamic element angle actuator connected in series and mounted on the vehicle. The aerodynamic element is adapted to rest in an inactive stored position and to move from the stored position to at least one active deployed position inclined relative to the vehicle undercarriage under control of the aerodynamic element angle actuator to change the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle. The aerodynamic element ride actuator is adapted to extend and retract in synchronization with the respective increases and decreases in vehicle height, and the aerodynamic element angle actuator is adapted to extend and retract to deploy and retract the aerodynamic element, respectively.

Description

[Background Art]

[0001] Cross-reference to Related Application This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 441,504, filed on January 27, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] For many years, aerodynamic elements that affect the aerodynamic characteristics of a vehicle have been used in automobiles, particularly in high-performance vehicles and racing vehicles. In many cases, the aerodynamic elements are fixed in the same position regardless of whether the vehicle is traveling or not. On the other hand, in some cases, such elements are deployed during traveling, for example when a specific speed is reached. It is often advantageous to deploy aerodynamic elements during travel of a vehicle in order to change the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle according to traveling conditions.

[0003] Some vehicles include a mechanism capable of adjusting vehicle height (ground clearance, ride height). This may include, for example, a high vehicle height comfort mode used for intermittently uneven traveling surfaces, typically roads, and a low vehicle height sport mode for assisting vehicle dynamics on flatter traveling surfaces such as race tracks. This is typically achieved by the use of hydraulic actuators or air springs coupled to the vehicle suspension system. [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] A vehicle aerodynamic system that automatically adapts to changes in ride height by changing the deployment position of aerodynamic elements, without affecting the stowed position of the aerodynamic elements, would be advantageous as it would allow for continuous switching of aerodynamic elements between positions corresponding to the vehicle's comfortable ride height mode and sport mode. These changes would be advantageous to the aerodynamic elements as the ride height changes between the vehicle's higher comfort ride height and its lower sport ride height. This mechanism would be advantageously applicable to many active aerodynamic elements such as rear wings and spoilers, tire wake deflectors, air dams, and underbody devices.

[0005] Furthermore, this mechanism has the advantage of not requiring additional sensors or electronic components to suppress fluctuations in the aerodynamic position of aerodynamic elements according to vehicle height.

[0006] Furthermore, this mechanism would be advantageous because it could be used to move the position of active aerodynamic elements located under the vehicle or at other locations on the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A height-adjustable aerodynamic system has been developed to overcome the limitations of these conventional technologies. This system automatically adapts to changes in ride height by altering the deployment position of aerodynamic elements without affecting their stowed position, thereby allowing for continuous switching of aerodynamic elements between positions corresponding to a high-ride-height comfort mode and a low-ride-height sport mode. This mechanism is applicable to many active aerodynamic elements such as rear wings and spoilers, tire wake deflectors, air dams, underbody devices, and diffusers. Multiple mechanisms can be used throughout the vehicle or separately.

[0008] In a primary embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle aerodynamic system with adjustable ride height comprises an aerodynamic element ride actuator and an aerodynamic element angle actuator connected in series and mounted on the vehicle, and an aerodynamic element adapted to rest in an inactive stowed position and to move from the stowed position to at least one active deployed position tilted relative to the vehicle under the control of the aerodynamic element angle actuator to change the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle, wherein the aerodynamic element ride actuator is adapted to extend and retract synchronously as the ride height increases and decreases, respectively, and the aerodynamic element angle actuator is adapted to extend and retract to deploy and stow the aerodynamic element, respectively.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the aerodynamic element ride actuator is adapted to extend and retract synchronously as the vehicle height increases and decreases, respectively, in order to maintain a predetermined spatial relationship between the lowest range of the aerodynamic element and the running surface.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the aerodynamic element angle actuator is rotatably connected to the aerodynamic element by a connecting link.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the present invention, a first angle is maintained between the connecting link and the aerodynamic element from the stowed position to at least one deployed position.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the present invention, at least one unfolded position includes both a fully extended unfolded position and a partially extended unfolded position.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the angle of the aerodynamic elements with respect to the vehicle in the fully extended and partially extended positions differs depending on whether the vehicle height is increasing or decreasing.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the present invention, a second angle is maintained between the connecting link and the aerodynamic element when the vehicle height is reduced and the aerodynamic element is in the retracted position.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the angle of the aerodynamic element with respect to the vehicle in at least one deployed position differs depending on whether the vehicle height is increasing or decreasing.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the aerodynamic element ride actuator and the aerodynamic element angle actuator are hydraulically operated.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the aerodynamic element ride actuator and the aerodynamic element angle actuator is a single-acting type with coil spring return.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the aerodynamic element ride actuator and the aerodynamic element angle actuator is double-acting.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the aerodynamic element ride actuator and the aerodynamic element angle actuator are constrained by a connecting bracket to act in series.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the present invention, an element coil spring connects a connecting link and an aerodynamic element.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the present invention, when the vehicle height is reduced and the aerodynamic elements are parallel to the underbody of the vehicle, the hard stop mechanism prevents excessive angular expansion of the aerodynamic elements.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle aerodynamic system with adjustable ride height is mounted on the underside of the vehicle in front of each of the two vehicle front wheels.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle aerodynamic system with adjustable ride height is mounted on the underside of the vehicle, either in front of or behind each of the two vehicle rear wheels.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the aerodynamic elements are incorporated into the diffuser.

[0025] In a further aspect of the present invention, a method of operating a vehicle height-adjustable vehicle aerodynamic system comprises: connecting a vehicle height adjustment system to an aerodynamic element ride actuator of the vehicle height-adjustable vehicle aerodynamic system mounted on a vehicle; controlling the aerodynamic element ride actuator by the vehicle height adjustment system to extend and retract the aerodynamic element ride actuator in synchronization with an increase and a decrease in vehicle height, respectively; and extending and retracting an aerodynamic element angle actuator connected in series with the aerodynamic element ride actuator to deploy and store the aerodynamic element, respectively.

[0026] In a further aspect of the method of the present invention, the aerodynamic element angle actuator is controlled by a vehicle active aerodynamic system.

[0027] In a further 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

[0028] [Figure 1A] It is a partial plan view of a vehicle, schematically showing a height-adjustable aerodynamic system attached in front of front wheels.

[0029] [Figure 1B] It is a partial elevation view of the vehicle of Figure 1A, showing the aerodynamic element of the height-adjustable aerodynamic system in a stored reference position parallel to the traveling surface.

[0030] [Figure 2] It shows a vehicle provided with the height-adjustable aerodynamic system of Figure 1B, showing four system configurations including combinations of a normal vehicle height (N), a low vehicle height (L), a stored reference position (B) of the aerodynamic element and a deployed position (D).

[0031] [Figure 3] It is a schematic elevation view of a height-adjustable aerodynamic system.

[0032] [Figure 4A]This is a top perspective view of the height-adjustable aerodynamic system.

[0033] [Figure 4B] This is a plan view of an aerodynamic system with adjustable ride height.

[0034] [Figure 4C] This is a bottom perspective view of the height-adjustable aerodynamic system.

[0035] [Figure 4D] This is an elevation view of an aerodynamic system with adjustable ride height.

[0036] [Figure 5] Figures 1A, 1B, 6, and 7 are schematic elevation views of the height-adjustable aerodynamic system, shown with a symbolic table illustrating four system configurations, including combinations of normal ride height (N), low ride height (L), and the retracted reference position (B) and deployed position (D) of the aerodynamic elements.

[0037] [Figure 6] Figures 1B and 4D show the vehicle and the height-adjustable aerodynamic system in elevation, illustrating four system configurations including combinations of normal ride height (N), low ride height (L), the retracted reference position (B) and the deployed position (D) of the aerodynamic elements.

[0038] [Figure 7] This is a partial elevation view of a vehicle showing a height-adjustable aerodynamic system mounted in front of the rear wheels, with four system configurations including combinations of normal ride height (N), low ride height (L), and the retracted reference position (B) and deployed position (D) of the aerodynamic elements.

[0039] [Figure 8] This is a partial elevation view of a vehicle showing a height-adjustable aerodynamic system mounted behind the rear wheels, with four system configurations including combinations of normal ride height (N), low ride height (L), and the retracted reference position (B) and deployed position (D) of the aerodynamic elements.

[0040] [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a schematic elevation view of the height-adjustable aerodynamic system, shown with a symbolic table illustrating four system configurations, including combinations of normal ride height (N), low ride height (L), and the retracted reference position (B) and deployed position (D) of the aerodynamic elements.

[0041] [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the underside of the vehicle, showing the height-adjustable aerodynamic system integrated into the diffuser at the rear of the vehicle. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] A vehicle aerodynamic system (1) with adjustable ride height is shown in Figures 1A to 10. The vehicle aerodynamic system (1) uses two hydraulic actuators connected in series. These include an aerodynamic element ride actuator (3) and an aerodynamic element angle actuator (5). Together these actuators control the position of the aerodynamic element (7).

[0043] The aerodynamic element ride actuator (3) is connected to the vehicle (4) by a rotary joint (9) and is linked to a conventional ride height system (not shown) such that changes in ride height automatically trigger the operation of the aerodynamic element ride actuator (3). In many cases, vehicles with ride height adjustment capabilities are equipped with a vehicle suspension hydraulic actuator as part of the suspension system. The aerodynamic element ride actuator (3) can be on the same hydraulic circuit as the vehicle suspension hydraulic actuator, thereby ensuring that the aerodynamic element ride actuator (3) and the vehicle suspension system actuator are synchronized and linked to each other.

[0044] The aerodynamic element angle actuator (5) is driven by a conventional vehicle active aerodynamic system. The aerodynamic element angle actuator (5) can be on the same hydraulic circuit as other vehicle aerodynamic hydraulic actuators, thereby ensuring that they are synchronized and coupled to one another. Alternatively, if independent control of multiple active aerodynamic devices is required, each aerodynamic element angle actuator (5) can be individually coupled to an independent aerodynamic element hydraulic circuit.

[0045] Typically, the aerodynamic element ride actuator (3) has a different operating stroke length than the aerodynamic element angle actuator (5).

[0046] A connecting link (11) attaches an aerodynamic element angle actuator (5) to the aerodynamic element (7). The connecting link (11) can rotate relative to the aerodynamic element (7), but the connecting link (11) and the aerodynamic element (7) are typically spring-fixed to each other at a first angle and in a first defined position, using an element coil spring (13) or other suitable energy storage element such as a polymer elastomer element. There is a separate hard stop mechanism (15) that limits the reference position of the aerodynamic element (7). This allows the rest of the ride height adjustable aerodynamic system (1) to move independently of the aerodynamic element (7) and maintain the same reference aerodynamic element (7) position independently of the ride height.

[0047] When used in front of the vehicle's front wheels (16) or rear wheels (17), the height-adjustable aerodynamic system (1) is configured to rotate the trailing edge (8) of the aerodynamic element (7) downward from a retracted horizontal reference position (B) to an deployed position (D). See, for example, Figures 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7. When used behind the vehicle's rear wheels (17), the height-adjustable aerodynamic system (1) can be reconfigured to rotate the trailing edge (8) of the aerodynamic element (7) upward from a retracted horizontal reference position (B) to an deployed position (D). See, for example, Figures 8, 9, and 10. The basic principle is the same when the aerodynamic element (7) is mounted behind the vehicle's rear wheel (17), except that the element spring (13) acts to push the connecting link (11) and the aerodynamic element (7) apart to a different predetermined position, the first angle of this position may differ from the angle described above when the ride height adjustable aerodynamic system is mounted in front of the front or rear wheels (16, 17). For example, the aerodynamic element actuators (3, 5) can be configured such that the angle of the deployed aerodynamic element (7) is smaller in the low ride height mode (L) than in the normal high ride height mode (N). The opposite can be achieved by changing the horizontal reference position (B) of the aerodynamic element ride actuator (3). Regardless of whether the ride height adjustable aerodynamic system is mounted in front of or behind the wheels, in the low ride height mode (L), when the aerodynamic element (7) is in the retracted horizontal reference position (B), the connecting link (11) and the aerodynamic element (7) are typically spring-fixed to each other at a second defined position at a second angle different from the first angle, using element coil springs (13) or other suitable energy storage elements.

[0048] The ride height adjustable aerodynamic system (1) can be applied to various active aerodynamic elements such as rear wings and spoilers, tire wake deflectors, air dams, underbody devices, and diffusers. An example of the ride height adjustable aerodynamic system (1) incorporated into a diffuser (18) is shown in Figure 10. A diffuser is a shaped part at the rear of a vehicle that improves the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle. This is achieved by enhancing the transition between the high-speed airflow under the vehicle and the low-speed airflow of the surrounding air. The diffuser helps generate downforce by accelerating the airflow in front of it. The inclination angle of the diffuser causes a change in the velocity of the air flowing under the diffuser. This results in a change in pressure and an increase in downforce. Depending on the aerodynamic requirements of a particular vehicle, it may be desirable to have a diffuser angle that changes with ride height. This is consistent with the function of the ride height adjustable aerodynamic system (1).

[0049] Depending on the vehicle height, the requirements for the aerodynamic elements (7) may differ. For example, to achieve optimal performance in the vehicle's sport low ride height mode (L), the aerodynamic elements (7) can be deployed at a different position and angle to the running surface (19) than when optimal performance is achieved in the normal high ride height mode (N). Another reason for this feature is to ensure appropriate ground clearance of the aerodynamic elements (7) depending on the vehicle height. Ideally, a predetermined distance between the lowest range of the aerodynamic elements (7) and the running surface (19) is maintained depending on the driving mode. The lowest range of the aerodynamic elements (7) is usually near the rear trailing edge (8) when the ride height adjustable aerodynamic system is mounted in front of the front or rear wheels (16, 17), and near the front leading edge (6) when the ride height adjustable aerodynamic system (1) is mounted behind the rear wheels (17). The predetermined distance does not need to be the same in all cases and may vary depending on road conditions or other driving parameters. The lower part of the vehicle (21) is generally parallel to the running surface (19). The aerodynamic elements (7) are oriented parallel to the lower part of the vehicle (21) in the horizontal reference position (B), and at an angle to the lower part of the vehicle (21) in the deployed position (D).

[0050] The ride height adjustable aerodynamic system (1) may be used alone or in pairs. The system is generally used in pairs adjacent to the front wheels (16) or rear wheels (17) of the vehicle, or both.

[0051] For example, a pair of height-adjustable aerodynamic systems (1) can be mounted on the underside of the vehicle (21) in front of the front wheels (16). In the default setting, the vehicle is normally in high ride height mode (N). In this setting, each aerodynamic element (7) can be kept either retracted parallel to the underside of the vehicle (21) or deployed at an angle to the underside of the vehicle (21). When deployed, each aerodynamic element (7) rotates along an axis (X) adjacent to the front leading edge (6) of the aerodynamic element (7), tilting the rear trailing edge (8) of the aerodynamic element (7) downward. When the ride height is lowered to sport low ride height mode (L), each aerodynamic element (7) is also retracted parallel to the underside of the vehicle (21) and deployed with its rear trailing edge (8) tilted downward. The angle of the aerodynamic elements (7) when deployed may vary depending on the selected ride height. This prevents the aerodynamic element (7) from coming into contact with the running surface (19), and may also affect the aerodynamic characteristics of the height-adjustable aerodynamic system (1).

[0052] The aerodynamic element ride actuator (3) and the aerodynamic element angle actuator (5) operate in series. This can be achieved by mounting both of them within a connecting bracket (27). These can each be a single-acting actuator with a return spring, or a double-acting actuator that does not require a return spring. For example, in the case of single-acting actuators, the aerodynamic element ride actuator (3) may be provided with a ride actuator return spring (37), and the aerodynamic element angle actuator (5) may be provided with an angle actuator return spring (39). The aerodynamic element ride actuator (3) is typically rotatably connected at its front end to the body of the vehicle (4) via a mounting bracket (31). The aerodynamic element ride actuator (3) can be retracted from its default position in sync with the decrease in vehicle height. This ensures that the aerodynamic element (7) remains retracted parallel to the underside of the vehicle (21), regardless of the vehicle height. By connecting the aerodynamic element ride actuator (3) to the vehicle suspension ride height circuit, the contraction and return to the default position of the aerodynamic element ride actuator (3) can be synchronized without the need for additional sensors or electronic components.

[0053] The aerodynamic element ride actuator (3) maintains the spatial relationship between the aerodynamic element (7) and the vehicle (4) body, while the aerodynamic element angle actuator (5) controls the deployment and return of the aerodynamic element (7) to its retracted reference position (B). The aerodynamic element angle actuator (5) extends when the vehicle aerodynamic hydraulic system is activated. The rear end (33) of the aerodynamic element angle actuator (5) is rotatably connected to the first end of a connecting link (11) that extends between the aerodynamic element angle actuator (5) and the aerodynamic element (7). The connecting link (11) is also rotatably connected to the aerodynamic element (7) at its second end. Typically, an element coil spring (13) connects the connecting link (11) and the aerodynamic element (7). When the aerodynamic element angle actuator (5) is not extended, the aerodynamic element (7) is retracted. Depending on the extension of the aerodynamic element angle actuator (5), the aerodynamic element (7) can be deployed to various positions relative to the lower part of the vehicle body (21), from parallel to the lower part of the vehicle body (21), for example, 15 degrees (in low ride height mode L) and 30 degrees (in normal ride height mode N), as shown in Figure 3. 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 deployed. The hard stop mechanism (15) can be made of, for example, an elastic or relatively rigid polymer material and is mounted above the aerodynamic element (7) when the aerodynamic element (7) is mounted in front of either the front wheel or the rear wheel (16, 17), as shown in Figure 6. Alternatively, the hard stop mechanism (15) is mounted below the aerodynamic element (7) when the aerodynamic element (7) is mounted behind one of the rear wheels (17), as shown in Figure 9. The hard stop mechanism (15) prevents the aerodynamic element (7) from moving beyond parallel with the underside of the vehicle (21) when the aerodynamic element (7) is in the stowed reference position (B).

[0054] The position of the aerodynamic elements (7) can be sensed using microswitches or other electronic sensors. These are used solely for position feedback and not for controlling the aerodynamic elements (7). These may include microswitches for sensing the open and closed positions. For example, open position microswitches (35) and closed position microswitches (36) can be provided, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. The ride height adjustable aerodynamic system (1) can operate without relying on additional sensors or electronic components to suppress variations in the aerodynamic position of the aerodynamic elements in accordance with the ride height.

[0055] As described above, the pair of height-adjustable aerodynamic systems (1) are typically mounted in front of the vehicle's front wheels (16), but can be mounted in front of or behind the vehicle's rear wheels (17). In this case as well, the aerodynamic elements (7) can be kept retracted parallel to the vehicle's underside (21) in both the normal high ride height mode (N) and the sport low ride height mode (L). When mounted in front of the rear wheels (17), the height-adjustable aerodynamic system (1) operates in the same way as when mounted in front of the front wheels (16). As shown in Figures 8 and 9, when mounted behind the rear wheels (17), the rear trailing edge (8) of the aerodynamic element (7) is preferably tilted upward toward the vehicle's underside (21) when deployed. In this case as well, the angle of the deployed aerodynamic element (7) relative to the vehicle's underside (21) can be varied according to the ride height. In this case, the hard stop mechanism (15) is mounted below the aerodynamic element (7) to prevent the aerodynamic element (7) from rotating below parallel to the underside of the vehicle (21). The element coil spring (13) connecting the connecting link (11) and the aerodynamic element (7) is extended except when the ride height adjustable aerodynamic system (1) is in low ride height mode (L) and the aerodynamic element (7) is retracted. In this reference position (B), the element coil spring (13) is compressed and the aerodynamic element (7) is in contact with the hard stop mechanism (15).

[0056] Figures 2, 5, 6, and 7 schematically illustrate the aerodynamic system mechanism (1) in four different configurations. These can be described as NB (normal high ride height (N) and retracted parallel reference position (B) of the aerodynamic element (7)) in Figure 5 from top to bottom, and in Figures 2, 6, and 7 from top left counterclockwise, as ND (normal high ride height (N) and deployed position (D) of the aerodynamic element (7)) LD (low ride height (L) and deployed position (D) of the aerodynamic element (7)) and LB (low ride height (L) and retracted parallel reference position (B) of the aerodynamic element (7)) . These configurations can be used when the ride height adjustable aerodynamic system (1) is mounted in front of the vehicle's front wheels (16) or rear wheels (17). In the NB configuration, the aerodynamic element ride 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 mechanism (15). In the ND configuration, the aerodynamic element ride actuator (3) remains extended, the aerodynamic element angle actuator (5) also extends, and the aerodynamic element (7) does not contact the hard stop mechanism (15). In the LD configuration, the aerodynamic element ride actuator (3) no longer extends, the aerodynamic element angle actuator (5) remains extended, and the aerodynamic element (7) still does not contact the hard stop mechanism (15). In the LB configuration, the aerodynamic element ride actuator (3) remains unextended, the aerodynamic element angle actuator (5) also remains unextended, and the aerodynamic element (7) once again contacts the hard stop mechanism (15).

[0057] Figures 8 and 9 also schematically illustrate the ride height adjustable aerodynamic system (1) in four different configurations. These can be described as NB (normal high ride height (N) and retracted parallel reference position (B) of the aerodynamic element (7)) in Figure 9 from top to bottom and in Figure 8 from top left counterclockwise, as ND (normal high ride height (N) and deployed position (D) of the aerodynamic element (7)) in the deployed position (D) in the low ride height (L) and the deployed position (D) in the aerodynamic element (7) in the low ride height (L) and the retracted parallel reference position (B) in the low ride height (L) in Figure 8. These configurations can be used when the ride height adjustable aerodynamic system (1) is mounted behind the vehicle's rear wheels (17). In the NB configuration, the aerodynamic element ride 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 mechanism (15). In the ND configuration, the aerodynamic element ride actuator (3) does not extend, the aerodynamic element angle actuator (5) does not extend, and the aerodynamic element (7) does not come into contact with the hard stop mechanism (15). In the LD configuration, the aerodynamic element ride actuator (3) extends, the aerodynamic element angle actuator (5) remains immobile, and the aerodynamic element (7) still does not come into contact with the hard stop mechanism (15). In the LB configuration, the aerodynamic element ride actuator (3) remains extended, the aerodynamic element angle actuator (5) also extends, and the aerodynamic element (7) once again comes into contact with the hard stop mechanism (15).

[0058] While specific component arrangements are disclosed in the illustrated embodiments, it should be understood that other arrangements also benefit from the present invention. While specific step sequences are shown and described, it should be understood that, unless otherwise indicated, the steps can be performed in any order, separated, or combined, and still benefit from the present invention.

[0059] While various embodiments have specific components as illustrated, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these specific combinations. Components or features from one embodiment can be used in combination with features or components from another embodiment.

[0060] While exemplary embodiments are disclosed, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain modifications are within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle aerodynamic system with adjustable ride height, A vehicle-mounted aerodynamic element ride actuator and aerodynamic element angle actuator, wherein the aerodynamic element ride actuator and the aerodynamic element angle actuator operate in series, an aerodynamic element adapted to rest in an inactive stowed position and to move from the stowed position to at least one active deployed position tilted relative to the vehicle under the control of the aerodynamic element angle actuator in order to change the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle, and Equipped with, The aerodynamic element ride actuator is adapted to extend and retract synchronously when the vehicle height increases and decreases, respectively. The aerodynamic element angle actuators are adapted to extend and retract, respectively, to deploy and retract the aerodynamic elements, in a vehicle aerodynamic system with adjustable ride height.

2. The ride actuator of the aerodynamic element is adapted to extend and retract synchronously as the vehicle height increases and decreases, respectively, in order to maintain a predetermined spatial relationship between the lowest range of the aerodynamic element and the running surface, the ride height adjustable vehicle aerodynamic system according to claim 1.

3. The vehicle height-adjustable aerodynamic system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerodynamic element angle actuator is rotatably connected to the aerodynamic element by a connecting link.

4. The vehicle height adjustable aerodynamic system according to claim 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 height-adjustable vehicle aerodynamic system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one deployment position includes both a fully extended deployment position and a partially extended deployment position.

6. The height-adjustable vehicle aerodynamic system according to claim 5, wherein the angle of the aerodynamic element with respect to the vehicle in the fully extended and partially extended positions differs depending on whether the vehicle height is increasing or decreasing.

7. The height-adjustable vehicle aerodynamic system according to claim 3, wherein a second angle is maintained between the connecting link and the aerodynamic element when the vehicle height is reduced and the aerodynamic element is in the retracted position.

8. The height-adjustable vehicle aerodynamic system according to claim 1, wherein the angle of the aerodynamic element with respect to the vehicle in the at least one deployed position varies depending on whether the vehicle height is increasing or decreasing.

9. The vehicle height-adjustable aerodynamic system according to claim 1, wherein the aerodynamic element ride actuator and the aerodynamic element angle actuator are hydraulically operated.

10. The vehicle height-adjustable aerodynamic system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the aerodynamic element ride actuator and the aerodynamic element angle actuator is single-acting by coil spring return.

11. The vehicle height-adjustable aerodynamic system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the aerodynamic element ride actuator and the aerodynamic element angle actuator is double-acting.

12. The ride actuator and the angle actuator of the aerodynamic element are constrained by a connecting bracket to act in series, the ride height adjustable vehicle aerodynamic system according to claim 1.

13. The vehicle height-adjustable aerodynamic system according to claim 3, wherein an element coil spring connects the connecting link and the aerodynamic element.

14. The height-adjustable vehicle aerodynamic system according to claim 1, wherein when the vehicle height is reduced and the aerodynamic element is parallel to the vehicle, the hard stop prevents excessive angular expansion of the aerodynamic element.

15. The height-adjustable vehicle aerodynamic system according to claim 1, wherein the height-adjustable vehicle aerodynamic system is mounted on the underside of the vehicle in front of each of the two front wheels of the vehicle.

16. The height-adjustable vehicle aerodynamic system according to claim 1, wherein the height-adjustable vehicle aerodynamic system is mounted on the underside of either the front or rear of each of the two rear wheels of the vehicle.

17. The aerodynamic system for a height-adjustable vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the aerodynamic elements are incorporated into a diffuser.

18. A method for operating a vehicle aerodynamic system with adjustable ride height, Connecting a ride height adjustment system to a ride actuator, an aerodynamic element of a vehicle aerodynamic system mounted on the vehicle, The vehicle height adjustment system controls the aerodynamic element ride actuator to extend and retract in synchronization with increases and decreases in vehicle height, respectively. To deploy and retract each aerodynamic element, an aerodynamic element angle actuator, which operates in series with the aerodynamic element ride actuator, is extended and retracted. A method that includes this.

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

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

21. The method according to claim 18, wherein the aerodynamic element ride actuator and the aerodynamic element angle actuator are hydraulic actuators.

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