Vehicle Air Deflector Panel Adjustment Using Camera-Detected Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for adjusting air deflectors on vehicles require manual driver intervention, which can lead to incorrect adjustments and increased driving costs and safety risks due to distraction during the adjustment process.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system comprising a camera monitoring system, actuator assembly, and control unit that automatically adjusts the position of an air deflector panel based on captured images and stored data, using an artificial intelligence algorithm to determine optimal positions for different cab-load and cab-trailer combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of air deflectors is implemented, then the driver can adjust the deflectors according to vehicle setup, but the driver is distracted from primary driving tasks and adjustment may be neglected or incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects vehicle configuration parameters and adjusts air deflector positions without driver intervention. The control unit processes vehicle data and actuates the deflectors autonomously, eliminating the need for manual operation while ensuring reliable adjustment according to actual vehicle setup
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system that uses sensors, microprocessors, and actuators. The system substitutes human physical manipulation with electronic control mechanisms that automatically position air deflectors based on detected vehicle parameters
2Productivity
If driver interrogation procedure is used during driving, then air deflector settings can be optimized, but driver safety is compromised due to distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs aerodynamic optimization autonomously without requiring driver attention. The control unit continuously monitors vehicle configuration and automatically adjusts air deflectors to optimal positions, maintaining fuel efficiency while keeping the driver focused on safe operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively adjusts air deflectors based on detected vehicle parameters before suboptimal positioning affects fuel consumption. By continuously monitoring and preemptively optimizing deflector positions, the system maintains aerodynamic efficiency without interrupting the driver
3Ease of manufacture
If tabular data with predetermined settings is provided, then adjustment guidance is available, but the settings may not accurately reflect actual vehicle configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously detects actual vehicle parameters such as trailer height, cab height, and gap distances, then uses this real-time feedback to automatically adjust air deflector positions. This closed-loop approach ensures settings precisely match the actual vehicle configuration rather than relying on predetermined tables
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes air deflector positioning parameters based on detected vehicle configuration variables. By continuously adapting deflector angles and positions to match actual measurements of trailer height, cab height, and gap distances, the system achieves precise configuration matching
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle (1) comprising: - a chassis (2); - a cab (4) mounted on the chassis (2); - a load or a trailer (6) detachably attached to the chassis (2); - an air deflector panel (10), which is movably attached to the cab (4); - an actuator assembly (20) configured to adjust the position of the air deflector panel (10) relative to the cab (4); - a camera monitoring system (40), which includes a camera (41) mounted on the cab (4), to provide a captured image (44) of an area located rearward of the cab (4); - a control unit (30) configured to determine an optimal position of the air deflector panel (10) based on the captured image (44), and control the actuator assembly (20) to adjust the position of the air deflector panel (10) to the determined optimal position.