Active Front Splitter Rotating Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automotive splitters, especially fixed-type ones, are limited in height, leading to inadequate wind drag reduction due to trafficability constraints, and existing deployable solutions have unsatisfactory movement control.

Innovation Solution

An active front splitter with a rotatable design driven by an electric motor and a multi-rod transmission mechanism, allowing it to switch between extended and retreated positions to optimize aerodynamics and trafficability, featuring a self-locking mechanism for stability under external forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the height of the splitter is increased to reduce wind drag, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but trafficability deteriorates due to ground clearance limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewind dragVSAvoidtrafficability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The splitter is designed with a rotatable connection to the splitter support, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position between extended and retracted states. This dynamic configuration enables the splitter to optimize aerodynamic performance during normal driving while being retracted when ground clearance is needed for trafficability, thus resolving the contradiction between wind drag reduction and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a fixed-type splitter is used to reduce wind drag, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the splitter height is limited causing poor results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewind dragVSAvoidsplitter height
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transforms the fixed-type splitter into an active, rotatable splitter that can extend to a greater height than a fixed design would permit. The rotatable connection allows the splitter to achieve an extended position that maximizes wind drag reduction while maintaining structural integrity, overcoming the height limitation of fixed-type splitters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If deployable air dams or active spoilers are used to improve movement control, then adaptability is improved, but movement control remains unsatisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement controlVSAvoidmovement control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system receives feedback about vehicle operating conditions and automatically adjusts the splitter position accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the splitter to extend or retract based on real-time conditions, providing satisfactory movement control without requiring manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3792164B1Active front splitter for automobile
Publication Date: 2023.01.04 YANFENG PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTOMOTIVE EXTERIOR SYST CO LTD
  • EP3792164B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3792164B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3792164B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An active front splitter for automobile is movably connected to a splitter support (1) by a spindle support (2) at each of its two ends. A driving mechanism (3) being mounted to the splitter support (1) at each of its two ends, an electric motor (4) being mounted in the middle of the splitter support (1). The driving mechanism (3) is driven by the electric motor (4) and fixedly connected with the active front splitter so that the active front splitter is driven by the driving mechanism (3) to rotate around a spindle fixed to the splitter support (1) between a forwardly extended position and a retreated position. Thus, while ensuring the trafficability of the assembled automobile, it is possible to reduce wind drag so that the expected aerodynamic performance can be achieved.