Active-Length, Angle-Adjustable Rear Diffuser for Multiple Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diffusers are expensive to manufacture and occupy valuable storage space when not in use, as they are solid members that require separate design and production for each vehicle model, and do not adapt to varying aerodynamic characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A diffuser assembly with a movable panel and actuators, controlled by a diffuser assembly controller, that adjusts its position and angle to optimize aerodynamics for different vehicles, using a single design that can be adapted to multiple models based on vehicle identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional solid diffusers are used, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and storage space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is transformed from a static solid component to a dynamic deployable structure. Panels can be extended or retracted based on vehicle operation conditions, allowing a single diffuser design to serve multiple vehicle models while maintaining optimal aerodynamic performance for each.
Solution Approach 2:
A single diffuser assembly with adjustable panels can be universally applied across multiple vehicle models. The controller selects appropriate panel configurations based on vehicle identification, enabling one diffuser design to replace multiple model-specific diffusers, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
2Reliability
If conventional solid diffusers are used, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but storage space is occupied when not deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser panels are designed to be retractable into the vehicle body when not in use. This dynamic configuration allows the diffuser to occupy minimal storage space during normal vehicle operation while providing full aerodynamic functionality when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser panels can be nested within the vehicle body structure when retracted. This nesting approach minimizes the external volume occupied by the diffuser system, freeing up storage space while maintaining the capability for full aerodynamic deployment when needed.
3Reliability
If separate diffusers are designed for each vehicle model, then aerodynamic characteristics are optimized, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal diffuser assembly incorporates multiple adjustable panel configurations that can be programmed to match the aerodynamic requirements of different vehicle models. The controller receives vehicle identification signals and automatically selects the appropriate panel configuration, eliminating the need for multiple model-specific diffuser designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser system maintains optimized aerodynamic performance across different vehicle models by changing panel positions, angles, and deployment states rather than changing the physical diffuser structure. This parameter adjustment approach allows one diffuser design to adapt to multiple vehicle configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A diffuser that can be used on a plurality of different vehicles having different aerodynamic properties. The diffuser includes a diffuser assembly controller including a memory. Instructions corresponding to a plurality of deployed positions of the diffuser for each of the different vehicles are stored in the memory, and can be accessed by the diffuser assembly controller based on a signal received from a vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) that identifies the model of the vehicle. After receiving the signal from the ECU, the diffuser assembly controller can actuate the diffuser to the correct deployed positions associated with the model of the vehicle.