Air-guiding device with fin-ray connecting elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air-guiding devices for motor vehicles lack the ability to efficiently adjust between different air-guiding profile cross sections, particularly in terms of lift and downforce generation, due to rigid connections and high actuating forces required for geometric changes.

Innovation Solution

The air-guiding device features two movable air-guiding elements connected in a fin-ray-type configuration with elastically flexible connecting elements, allowing for continuous adjustment between lift and downforce positions using an actuator that imparts forces at remote connecting points, enabling low-force, large-geometry changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid connections are used between air-guiding elements, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to adjust between different air-guiding profile cross sections deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadjustability of air-guiding profile

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The air-guiding profile is divided into multiple air-guiding elements that can move relative to each other. These elements are connected through connecting elements that allow controlled movement, enabling the profile to change its cross-section between different positions (first, second, and intermediate positions) while maintaining structural integrity during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The air-guiding elements are designed to be movable relative to one another, transitioning between fixed positions (first and second positions) and intermediate positions. This dynamic capability allows the air-guiding profile to adapt its cross-section in response to varying airflow conditions, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If large geometric changes are achieved through rigid structures, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the actuating forces required deteriorate (become excessively high)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeometric precisionVSAvoidactuating forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The air-guiding elements can move between fixed positions (first and second positions) and intermediate positions along a movement path. This dynamic design allows large geometric changes to be achieved through controlled movement rather than rigid deformation, significantly reducing the actuating forces required while maintaining manufacturing precision through defined position limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The air-guiding profile changes its geometric parameters by moving the air-guiding elements between different positions. The connecting elements are designed to allow movement within specific ranges, enabling large geometric changes with minimal actuating force while maintaining precision through controlled position parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple air-guiding elements are made movable to increase adaptability, then the ability to generate different lift and downforce positions is improved, but the device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to generate lift and downforceVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air-guiding profile is segmented into multiple air-guiding elements connected by connecting elements. This segmentation allows each element to move independently to different positions, enabling the generation of various lift and downforce configurations while keeping the overall structure manageable through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The air-guiding elements and connecting elements are designed to serve multiple functions: they maintain structural integrity, enable movement between positions, and generate aerodynamic forces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving high adaptability for lift and downforce generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This configuration allows for effective generation of desired lift or downforce with minimal actuating forces, providing a highly adjustable and aerodynamically optimized air-guiding profile that automatically adjusts to airflow conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the air-guiding elements are at least partially connected to one another in elastically flexible fashion and by way of connecting elements in a fin-ray-type configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10703425B2Air-guiding device

Publication Date: 2020.07.07 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

An air-guiding device for a motor vehicle includes an air-guiding profile having at least two air-guiding elements that are movable relative to one another in order to realize different air-guiding profile cross sections. The air-guiding elements are at least partially connected to one another in elastically flexible fashion and by way of connecting elements in a fin-ray-type configuration.