Adjustable Air Guide Device for Vehicle Sill Aerodynamics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle side sills are designed with compromised aerodynamics at higher speeds due to fixed trim panels, which do not optimize airflow, and existing adjustable solutions either affect ground clearance or appearance at low speeds.
Innovation Solution
A two-part air guide device with a primary and secondary lever drive mechanism allows adjustable extension and retraction, optimizing aerodynamics at high speeds without impacting ground clearance or low-speed functionality, using a kinematic arrangement to transmit actuator force effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed vehicle sill design is used, then ground clearance and low-speed appearance are maintained, but aerodynamic performance at high speeds deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide device is designed to be dynamically adjustable between a retracted position (for low speeds and ground clearance) and an extended position (for high speeds and aerodynamics). The device can change its configuration based on operating conditions, transforming from a static to a dynamic structure that adapts to different velocity regimes.
Solution Approach 2:
The air guide device is divided into multiple segments or panels that can independently adjust their positions. This segmentation allows different portions of the device to be optimized for different functions - some portions extend for aerodynamic optimization while others remain retracted to maintain ground clearance, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable air guide device is implemented, then aerodynamic performance at high speeds is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide device serves multiple functions: it acts as both an aerodynamic optimization element when extended and as a ground clearance preservation element when retracted. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable air guide device employs a nested structure where panels are arranged in a compact configuration when retracted, similar to nested dolls. This nesting approach minimizes the space required for the adjustment mechanism and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the capability for extended aerodynamic optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the air guide device is fully extended, then aerodynamic optimization is achieved, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide device utilizes vertical space and three-dimensional configuration rather than only horizontal extension. By arranging panels in a nested or stacked configuration when retracted, the device minimizes its footprint in the horizontal plane while maintaining aerodynamic functionality when extended, effectively using another dimension to resolve the space contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a trim panel arrangement for trimming a body element of a vehicle, with a pivotably mounted air guide device which is movable by means of a kinematic arrangement into a retracted first function position and a fully extended second function position and vice versa. At low speeds and also at high speeds, this should ensure an optimum aerodynamics of the motor vehicle in the air flow. This is achieved in that the air guide device is formed in two parts and comprises a first and a second trim part which are pivotably connected together, and that the kinematic arrangement is formed from a primary and a secondary lever drive. The invention furthermore concerns a method for forced movement of the air guide device.