Active Air Dam Step Mechanism for Front Compartment Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles face challenges in providing easy and convenient access to the front trunk or engine compartment, particularly for smaller-statured users, as traditional designs often require additional steps or tools for access.
Innovation Solution
An active aerodynamic system with a rotatable air dam panel that converts into a step when the front hood is opened, allowing users to access the compartment, and automatically returns to a stowed position when the hood is closed, utilizing an electronic control unit and actuators for seamless operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the air dam panel is extended below the bumper to improve aerodynamics, then airflow beneath the vehicle is reduced, but user access to the front compartment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The air dam panel is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, transitioning between a lowered aerodynamic position and a raised step position. The panel moves from extending below the bumper to a vertical orientation that provides user access, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The air dam panel serves multiple functions: it acts as an aerodynamic flow controller when lowered, and simultaneously serves as a step for user access when raised. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing the same component to address both energy efficiency and ease of operation in different states.
2Ease of operation
If the air dam panel is reconfigured to provide user access, then ease of operation improves, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air dam panel operates in periodic cycles, alternating between the aerodynamic position during normal driving and the step position when hood access is required. This periodic reconfiguration ensures that aerodynamic performance is maintained during cruising while providing user access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic repositioning of the air dam panel allows the system to optimize for aerodynamics during driving and for user access during maintenance operations, with automatic transition between states based on operational context.
3Loss of energy
If a fixed air dam design is used to maintain aerodynamics, then energy loss is reduced, but device complexity increases to provide user access
Solution Approach 1:
The air dam panel itself is designed to perform both aerodynamic control and user access functions, eliminating the need for separate access mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the aerodynamic control function and user access function into a single integrated component - the air dam panel. By merging these functions, the system avoids adding separate access mechanisms that would increase complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus for a vehicle aerodynamic system include an air dam adapted to be mounted adjacent a front bumper of a vehicle. The air dam can be moveable between a stowed position (e.g., when the vehicle is operating at higher speeds) and a deployed position (e.g., when the vehicle is operating at lower speeds). The air dam includes an air dam panel moveable between the stowed position and a step position. In the step position, the air dam panel is configured as a step for a user to access a front vehicle compartment. The aerodynamic system can include an actuator configured to move the air dam panel relative to the front bumper. The aerodynamic system can further include a controller in electronic communication with a front hood position sensor that is configured to automatically deploy the step based upon a position of the front hood.