Air-guiding element with spindle-driven articulation for drag reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-guiding elements deployed linearly at the rear of motor vehicles restrict airflow reduction due to limited positioning and exposure, leading to undesirable air resistance increases.
Innovation Solution
An air-guiding element with a movably articulated surface element and a longitudinally displaceable carrier element, driven by a spindle mechanism with a linear guide, allowing adjustable lateral deployment to deflect airflow effectively, while being compact and protected from dirt and water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If air-guiding elements are deployed linearly at the rear of motor vehicles, then they can affect the lateral flow around the vehicle, but the positioning is restricted and air resistance reduction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The air-guiding element is designed with a movable surface element that can be articulated relative to the carrier element, allowing dynamic adjustment of the surface angle and position. This enables the element to adapt to different airflow conditions and vehicle speeds, optimizing air resistance reduction while maintaining a relatively simple deployment mechanism based on linear displacement with articulation capability.
2Volume of moving object
If the carrier element is made compact for small installation space, then the design becomes slim and lightweight, but the surface element needs effective deployment into the air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The surface element is articulated on the carrier element in a manner that allows it to move from a retracted position within the vehicle body to an extended position in the airflow. The articulation mechanism enables the surface element to project laterally and longitudinally, effectively utilizing the available space while ensuring proper deployment into the air flow for optimal performance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the surface element is protected from dirt and water by being disposed through an opening, then the inner region is protected, but the deployment mechanism must be compact
Solution Approach 1:
The linear guide with guide carriage and guide sleeves is designed to protect the carrier element and drive element from dirt and water before they can cause damage. The guide structure acts as a protective barrier, allowing the surface element to be disposed through an opening in the vehicle body while keeping the sensitive mechanical components shielded within the vehicle interior, thus preventing harmful factors from affecting the deployment mechanism.
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
The solution enables improved reduction of air resistance by deflecting lateral airflow outward, reducing drag and maintaining a slim, lightweight design even under strong wind conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded spindle of the spindle mechanism is drivably connected to the drive element and a spindle nut is in driving connection with the carrier element
Data Source
AI summary
An air-guiding element includes a surface element and a longitudinally displaceable carrier element. The surface element is articulated on the carrier element in a movably mounted manner. The air-guiding element further includes a drive element with a spindle mechanism and a linear guide. The carrier element can be driven in a longitudinally displaceable manner by the spindle mechanism such that a threaded spindle of the spindle mechanism is drivably connected to the drive element and a spindle nut is in driving connection with the carrier element.