Active Spoiler with Flexible Portion for Dynamic Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spoilers have a fixed geometry and do not adapt to changing driving conditions, balancing aerodynamic efficiency with aesthetic appeal, and fail to dynamically adjust wind resistance based on vehicle speed.
Innovation Solution
An active spoiler system with a retracted and extended configuration, utilizing a flexible material and actuators to extend at higher speeds, reducing drag while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance at lower speeds, and featuring a rear stop lamp visible in both states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional fixed spoiler is used, then the aerodynamic performance is improved, but the aesthetic appeal deteriorates when the vehicle is parked or traveling at low speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler is designed with a movable second portion that can transition between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic configuration allows the spoiler to be retracted when the vehicle is parked or traveling at low speeds to maintain aesthetic appeal, and extended when traveling at higher speeds to reduce drag force and improve aerodynamic performance.
2Loss of energy
If a fixed spoiler is installed, then the drag resistance is reduced, but the adaptability to changing driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler incorporates a movable second portion that can dynamically adjust its position based on driving conditions. The control system monitors vehicle speed and automatically extends the spoiler when the vehicle travels above a predetermined speed to reduce wind resistance, and retracts it when speed drops below the threshold, providing adaptability to changing driving conditions.
3Productivity
If the spoiler is extended to reduce drag, then the aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but the visual appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler system automatically extends the second portion when the vehicle travels above a predetermined speed to improve fuel efficiency by reducing drag. When the vehicle speed drops below the threshold or when parked, the spoiler retracts to restore the vehicle's original visual appearance, thus dynamically balancing aerodynamic efficiency with aesthetic appeal.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a movable spoiler mechanism is added, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler is divided into a fixed first portion and a movable second portion. This segmentation allows the second portion to be independently controlled to extend or retract, providing active adjustment capability without requiring the entire spoiler structure to be complex and movable.
Solution Approach 2:
The second portion of the spoiler utilizes a flexible material that can be deployed and stowed. This flexible construction simplifies the mechanical mechanism compared to rigid movable structures, as the flexible material can be easily extended and retracted with simpler actuators and storage mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An active spoiler for a vehicle including a fixed portion configured for attachment to the vehicle, an extendable portion configured for movement relative to the fixed portion, and a flexible portion secured between the fixed portion and the extendable portion. The spoiler has a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, whereby the flexible portion is stowed within the spoiler in the retracted configuration and the flexible portion is deployed in the extended configuration.