Active Spoiler Longitudinal Translation for Downforce Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle spoilers are limited in their ability to dynamically adjust aerodynamic downforce and drag in response to changing vehicle conditions during motion, such as cornering and varying speeds, which can affect stability and handling.
Innovation Solution
An active spoiler system with a moveable spoiler body and adjustable mechanisms, including electric motors and sensors, that can translate and pivot the spoiler along the vehicle's longitudinal axis and change its angle of attack to optimize aerodynamic downforce based on real-time vehicle parameters like yaw rate, steering angle, and airflow velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a fixed rear spoiler is used to reduce aerodynamic drag, then drag is reduced, but the vehicle cannot dynamically adjust downforce in response to changing conditions such as cornering and varying speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed spoiler into a movable one. The spoiler body is mounted on a stanchion assembly that allows it to move vertically along guide rails and pivot about a transverse axis. Motors and lead screws drive these movements, enabling the spoiler to dynamically adjust its position and angle of attack in response to vehicle speed, steering angle, and yaw rate, thus resolving the contradiction between drag reduction and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through sensors that detect vehicle speed, steering angle, and yaw rate. These sensors provide real-time data to a controller that adjusts the spoiler's position and angle accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables the spoiler to automatically adapt to changing driving conditions, maintaining optimal aerodynamic performance without requiring manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the spoiler body is made movable to adjust aerodynamic forces, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the spoiler adjustment function into two independent mechanisms: a vertical positioning mechanism (first mechanism) that moves the spoiler body up and down along guide rails, and a pitch mechanism (second mechanism) that pivots the spoiler body about a transverse axis. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimized independently and simplifies the control system, as each motor controls only one degree of freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The stanchion assembly serves multiple functions: it supports the spoiler body, guides its vertical movement along rails, provides the pivot axis for pitching motion, and houses the motors and drive mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural components, thereby managing complexity while enabling sophisticated aerodynamic control.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the spoiler body is translated along the longitudinal axis to adjust downforce location, then handling during cornering is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the stanchion assembly as an intermediary structure that couples the spoiler body to the vehicle body. The stanchion's movable connection to the vehicle body through lead screws and motors enables longitudinal translation of the spoiler while maintaining aerodynamic alignment. This intermediary mechanism provides controlled movement without requiring complex direct mounting arrangements.
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
Enhances vehicle stability and handling by dynamically adjusting aerodynamic forces, improving traction and reducing drag, thereby maintaining optimal performance during cornering and high-speed maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
The spoiler body is configured to be moveably mounted between the first vehicle body end and the second vehicle body end to generate an aerodynamic downforce on the vehicle body when the vehicle is in motion
Implementation Method 2
a first electric motor configured to translate the spoiler body along the track
Implementation Method 3
a second electric motor configured to pivot the spoiler body relative to the vehicle body to thereby vary an angle of attack of the spoiler body and adjust a magnitude of the aerodynamic downforce generated by the spoiler body
Data Source
AI summary
An active spoiler system for a vehicle includes a spoiler body having an airfoil shape in a cross-sectional view. The vehicle includes a vehicle body arranged along a longitudinal body axis and having a first vehicle body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow and an opposing second vehicle body end. The spoiler body is configured to be moveably mounted between the first vehicle body end and the second vehicle body end to generate an aerodynamic downforce on the vehicle body when the vehicle is in motion. The spoiler system also includes a first mechanism configured to selectively translate the spoiler body along the longitudinal body axis to thereby adjust along the longitudinal body axis a location of the aerodynamic downforce generated by the spoiler body.