Active Rear Spoiler for SUV Backglass Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and other square back vehicles experience rear end contamination, including back glass and rear camera contamination, due to soiling from water or dust while driving, which existing technologies have not effectively mitigated.
Innovation Solution
An active rear spoiler system is deployed using a linear actuator to extend a vane, redirecting air onto the rear end when vehicle speed exceeds a threshold and wipers are on, aided by rain sensing technology to determine contamination, and an actuator switch for operator control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an active rear spoiler system is deployed to redirect air onto the rear end, then rear end contamination is mitigated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler is designed to be dynamically deployable and retractable based on driving conditions. The system uses sensors to detect contamination conditions and automatically deploys the spoiler only when needed, transforming a static aerodynamic component into a dynamic one that adapts to varying environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect rear window contamination conditions and trigger spoiler deployment without driver intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own operational needs through integrated sensors and actuators that respond autonomously to detected conditions.
2Illumination intensity
If the spoiler is deployed to redirect air flow for cleaning, then visibility is maintained, but aerodynamic performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler is deployed periodically only when contamination conditions are detected, rather than remaining deployed continuously. This intermittent deployment maintains visibility when needed while minimizing aerodynamic penalties during normal driving conditions, optimizing the balance between cleaning effectiveness and fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The spoiler transitions from a static component to a dynamic one that adjusts its position based on real-time contamination detection. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain aerodynamic efficiency during clean conditions while providing visibility protection when contamination occurs.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors and actuators are added to detect and respond to contamination, then mitigation effectiveness improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multi-functional components where sensors serve dual purposes of detecting both rain and contamination conditions, and the spoiler structure serves both aerodynamic and cleaning functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable contamination mitigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines contamination detection, rain detection, and spoiler control functions into an integrated system. By merging these functions and using shared components where possible, the system achieves reliable contamination mitigation while controlling manufacturing complexity and cost.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively mitigates rear end contamination by redirecting air to clear debris from the back glass and rear camera, enhancing aerodynamic performance and maintaining visibility during driving.
Implementation Method 1
redirecting air onto the rear end for mitigating contamination
Data Source
AI summary
A method of mitigating rear end contamination of a vehicle while driving using an active spoiler system includes providing an active rear spoiler to a square back vehicle. Next, determinations are if the vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined threshold, if the rear end of the vehicle is contaminated, and if the vehicle wipers are on. The method then moves to deploying the active rear spoiler when the vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined threshold, the rear end is contaminated, and the vehicle wipers are on.