Vehicular Aerodynamic Device Asymmetric Gap Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicular aerodynamic devices face issues with the aerodynamic member rattling due to gaps between engagement surfaces, leading to increased complexity and component count in existing solutions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular aerodynamic device featuring a link unit with a clutch mechanism that includes a first and second engagement member, where the second coupling portion has a narrower gap in the retraction direction than the deployment direction, and a stopper mechanism to restrict relative rotation, reducing backlash and improving stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fitting-coupling portion is used to couple the clutch mechanism and link member, then assembling work is facilitated, but the aerodynamic member rattles due to gaps between engagement surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the gap parameter between engagement surfaces by providing a larger gap in the deployment direction and a smaller gap in the retraction direction. This asymmetric gap configuration reduces rattling in the retraction direction while maintaining ease of assembly through the fitting-coupling structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies asymmetry by creating different gap sizes between the clutch-side engagement surface and link-side engagement surface depending on the direction. The gap is intentionally made larger in the deployment direction and smaller in the retraction direction, transforming the symmetric fitting-coupling structure into an asymmetric one that selectively suppresses rattling.
2Reliability
If a backlash-filling snap ring is inserted into the gap to prevent rattling, then rattling is suppressed, but the number of components and assembling work complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the backlash-filling function from a separate component (snap ring) and integrates it directly into the engagement surfaces of the fitting-coupling portion. By forming gaps asymmetrically on the engagement surfaces themselves, the patent eliminates the need for additional backlash-filling components while maintaining rattling suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the coupling function and backlash control function into a single fitting-coupling portion structure. The asymmetric gaps are formed as integral features of the engagement surfaces, combining the purposes of mechanical coupling and rattling suppression without requiring separate components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If gaps are generated between engagement surfaces to allow relative rotation, then the clutch mechanism can release external force, but the aerodynamic member becomes unstable due to displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the gap parameters to be direction-dependent, with a larger gap allowing force release in the deployment direction and a smaller gap providing stability in the retraction direction. This parameter differentiation enables the system to achieve both force release capability and stability simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular aerodynamic device includes first and second links being coupled via first and second engagement members and integrally rotating, thereby transmitting drive force to an aerodynamic member. The first and second engagement members are coupled to the first and second links, respectively, and integrally rotate by engaging with each other, and rotate relative to each other by external force. At least one of a first coupling portion that couples the first link and the first engagement member and a second coupling portion that couples the second link and the second engagement member includes clutch-side and link-side engagement surfaces integrally rotating by engaging with each other. A second gap between the clutch-side and link-side engagement surfaces in a second relative rotation direction is narrower than a first gap between the clutch-side and link-side engagement surfaces in a first relative rotation direction.