Pneumatic Deformable Air Deflector With Internal Stiffening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable vehicle deflectors require significant power for deployment and holding due to high-pressure airflow resistance, are complex and bulky, and can be damaged by obstacles, necessitating a simpler and more robust deformation mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A controlled deformation bodywork element with an elastically deformable main body and internal channels pressurized by compressed air, integrated with a stiffening element to resist airflow forces and impacts, allowing for precise deformation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a rigid blade deflector is deployed using rotational or translational actuation mechanisms, then the vehicle drag is reduced by diverting airflow, but the device requires significant power and complex actuation systems to maintain position against high-pressure airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the deflector from rigid to elastically deformable, allowing it to transition between folded and deployed states through material deformation rather than mechanical actuation. The deflector body itself becomes the actuating element through controlled elastic deformation, eliminating the need for separate actuation systems and reducing power requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector system becomes self-actuating through its own elastic deformation. When compressed air is introduced into the channels, the deformable body automatically transitions to the deployed position without requiring external actuation mechanisms. The structure uses its own material properties to perform the deployment function, reducing complexity and energy consumption.
2Loss of energy
If a rigid blade deflector is used, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the device becomes vulnerable to damage from obstacles, requiring complex rapid retraction mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical properties of the deflector from rigid to elastically deformable. This allows the deflector to absorb impact energy through controlled deformation when encountering obstacles, preventing damage to the structure and actuation systems. The material's elastic properties enable it to flex and recover without permanent deformation or failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastically deformable body acts as a built-in cushioning mechanism that prepares the structure to absorb impact forces. When an obstacle is encountered, the deformable material absorbs shock energy through elastic deformation, protecting the deflector and associated components from damage before failure can occur.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional actuation and holding devices are installed to deploy and maintain the deflector position, then the deflector can be positioned accurately, but the assembly becomes complex, heavy, and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector system eliminates the need for separate actuation and holding devices by using its own elastic deformation capabilities. The deformable body transitions between positions through material elasticity, and the channels provide inherent positioning through their structural design. This self-actuating approach reduces the number of components while maintaining position accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the deflector body, actuation mechanism, and holding system into a single integrated elastically deformable structure. The channels and deformable material work together as one unified system that performs multiple functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate actuation and holding components.
4Device complexity
If deformable elements and control systems are integrated into the deflector, then the deployment mechanism becomes compact and simple, but the structure requires precise control of deformation to function properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure control to manage the deformation of the elastically deformable body. Compressed air is introduced into the channels to control the deployment process, providing a simple and reliable method for precise deformation control. The pneumatic system allows for gradual, controlled expansion of the deflector while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls deformation precision by changing the physical parameters of the deformable material and channel geometry. The elastic properties of the material, combined with the specific dimensions and configuration of the channels, provide inherent precision in the deformation process. This eliminates the need for complex control systems while achieving accurate positioning.
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 provides a compact, structurally simple, and energy-efficient deployment mechanism that withstands airflow and impacts, enhancing aerodynamics and protection without the need for additional actuation systems.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable main body (4), the main body (4) comprising a network of channels (6)
Implementation Method 2
the pressure exerted on the deflector can reach 200 N at 130 km/h
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a controlled deformation body element (2) of a motor vehicle comprising a main body (4) elastically deformable, the main body (4) comprising a network of channels (6), each channel (6) being configured to be pressurized by a flow of compressed air in order to move the controlled deformation body element (2) from a rest position to a deployed position, characterized in that at least one stiffening member (8) of the air deflector device (2) extends inside at least a part of the channels (6).