Single Actuator Air Guide Linkage for Vehicle Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air resistance reduction devices for vehicles are complex and costly due to the use of multiple actuators and hinge configurations, requiring high maintenance and being expensive to produce and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A single actuator-driven support device that adjusts two independent air guiding elements via a connecting element with coupling mechanisms, such as articulated or screw connections, allowing for direct force transmission and simplifying assembly, which can be attached to various vehicle surfaces for aerodynamic optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators and hinge configurations are used to adjust air guiding elements, then the aerodynamic adjustment capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple air guiding elements (first air guiding element and second air guiding element) into a single adjustable assembly controlled by one actuator. The connecting element links both air guiding elements to the actuator, allowing simultaneous adjustment of multiple components through a single drive mechanism, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining aerodynamic adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator serves multiple functions by controlling both the first air guiding element and the second air guiding element through the connecting element. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate actuators for each air guiding element, reducing overall system complexity while preserving the ability to adjust aerodynamics at different locations.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple actuators and special hinge devices are used, then the adjustment precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed to automatically transmit movement and force from the single actuator to both air guiding elements without requiring complex hinge mechanisms. The connecting element with its legs and coupling elements creates a self-adjusting linkage system that maintains precision while simplifying manufacturing and reducing maintenance requirements.
3Device complexity
If a single actuator controls multiple air guiding elements via a connecting element, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the force transmission effectiveness must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element employs articulated connections with legs that can pivot and rotate, allowing flexible force transmission in multiple directions. The coupling elements enable the connecting element to adapt its geometry during movement, maintaining effective force transmission from the actuator to both air guiding elements despite the simplified single-actuator configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element with its multiple legs (first leg, second leg, third leg) creates a three-dimensional linkage structure that efficiently transmits force from the actuator to both air guiding elements. This spatial arrangement allows the single actuator to control multiple elements in different orientations and positions, maintaining force effectiveness while reducing complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an air resistance-reducing device (1) for a vehicle (12), wherein the air resistance-reducing device (1) comprises at least: a first air guide element A (3) and a second air guide element B (4), which can be adjusted between a rest position and a travel position for contour extension and aerodynamic air guidance, wherein an actuator (6) adjusts the first air guide element A (3) and the second air guide element B (4) between a rest position and a travel position.