Active Vehicle Diffuser Linkage for Drag and Damage Trade-off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle diffusers face challenges in achieving optimal aerodynamic performance while maintaining off-road capability and aesthetic appeal, as their design for drag reduction conflicts with the vehicle's rear floor profile and may result in damage from obstacles.
Innovation Solution
An active diffuser mechanism with a movable diffuser body connected via a linkage mechanism that translates and rotates, allowing for a modular design with interchangeable linkage arms and a shock protection system, controlled by sensors and actuators to adjust deployment based on vehicle speed and terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a diffuser is designed for optimum aerodynamic performance, then drag reduction is improved, but off-road capability deteriorates due to conflict with rear floor profile
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser body is made movable between a stowed position (close to the vehicle body) and a deployed position (spaced further away), allowing the aerodynamic profile to be dynamically adjusted based on driving conditions. This resolves the contradiction by enabling optimal aerodynamic performance during road driving while maintaining off-road capability when the diffuser is retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser system is divided into movable and stationary components, with the diffuser body separated from the vehicle body through a mounting mechanism. This allows independent optimization of the diffuser's aerodynamic profile while maintaining the vehicle's structural integrity and off-road geometry.
2Loss of energy
If a diffuser is designed for optimum aerodynamic performance, then drag reduction is improved, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser body can be retracted into a stowed position that conforms to the vehicle's rear floor profile, improving aesthetic appeal when aerodynamic performance is not required. When deployed, it provides optimal aerodynamic performance, thus resolving the contradiction between aesthetics and drag reduction.
3Loss of energy
If a diffuser body is positioned for optimal airflow, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but vulnerability to obstacle damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser body can be retracted into a stowed position that protects it from obstacles during off-road driving or low-speed conditions, while being deployable to optimal positions for aerodynamic performance during highway driving. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between aerodynamic optimization and damage protection.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to an active diffuser mechanism for a vehicle comprising a mounting mechanism for connecting a diffuser body to a body of a vehicle such that the diffuser body is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position in which an airflow surface of the diffuser body is spaced further away from the body of the vehicle than in the stowed position. The mounting mechanism comprises a linkage mechanism configured such that the diffuser body follows a linear translation path and a rotational path during movement from the stowed position to the deployed position. Aspects of the present invention also related to an active diffuser assembly, an active diffuser system and a vehicle comprising such an active diffuser mechanism.