Active D-Pillar Spoiler Assembly for Adjustable Rear Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear spoilers for SUVs are static, limiting their adjustability and aerodynamic benefits, which restricts their ability to optimize airflow and reduce drag effectively.
Innovation Solution
An active aerodynamic assembly that includes a moveable D pillar and spoiler system, where the D pillar and spoiler can be actuated between stowed, intermediate, and deployed positions using an actuator, creating a dimensionally adjustable horizontal flow passage for enhanced aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static rear spoiler is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the aerodynamic performance cannot be optimized dynamically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static spoiler into an active, moveable structure. The D pillar spoiler assembly includes a moveable spoiler blade that can transition between retracted and extended positions, allowing dynamic adjustment of aerodynamic characteristics based on driving conditions. This resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability while managing complexity through integrated actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the rear spoiler system into multiple independent components: a main spoiler blade and separate D pillar winglets. This segmentation allows each component to be controlled independently by separate actuators, providing fine-grained aerodynamic adjustment while distributing the complexity across modular units rather than a single complex assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an active movable D pillar is added to create adjustable flow passage, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the D pillar structural element with the spoiler functionality by integrating the moveable spoiler blade and winglets directly into the D pillar assembly. The actuator is housed within the D pillar cavity, combining structural support and aerodynamic adjustment functions into a single integrated unit, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies nesting by placing the moveable spoiler blade and actuator mechanism within the cavity formed by the D pillar structure. The winglet body portion is positioned within the cavity and can extend through the aperture, allowing the aerodynamic components to be nested within the structural framework, optimizing space utilization and reducing external complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the winglet body portion extends through the aperture, then aerodynamic benefits are enhanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the actuator mechanism that automatically positions the winglet body portion relative to the aperture. The actuator controls the extension and retraction of the winglet, ensuring proper alignment without requiring high-precision manual assembly. This self-actuation system compensates for manufacturing tolerances and ensures consistent aerodynamic performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
An active aerodynamic assembly that includes a lift gate having a cavity formed between two panels. An aperture of formed on the outer panel providing access to the cavity. A frame connected to the lift gate within the cavity. A spoiler slidably connected to the frame and moveable along the deployment axis between a stowed position and a deployed position. At least one coupler link connected between the spoiler and the frame that is driven by the actuator along one of the plurality of tracks on the frame. There is also a moveable D pillar contained with the cavity that moves between a stowed position within the cavity and an extended position such that a winglet of the moveable D pillar extends outside of the cavity past the outside surface of the lift gate.