Deformable Connecting Structure for Vehicle Aerodynamics Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized vehicle aerodynamics modules are prone to damage during collisions due to collision-induced forces acting opposite to the direction of travel, which can cause destructive forces on the flow component, especially when the movement trajectory between operating positions is large, leading to increased risk of damage.
Innovation Solution
The connecting structure is integrated into the guiding arrangement, allowing for a distinct evasive movement during collisions that differs from the normal operating displacement, utilizing a deformable section with reduced stiffness to decouple collision forces from the guiding arrangement, thereby reducing damage and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connecting structure is made rigid to maintain structural integrity during normal operation, then the aerodynamics module provides stable aerodynamic effects, but the flow component is prone to damage during collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting structure is designed with variable stiffness characteristics, allowing it to be rigid during normal aerodynamic operation and compliant during collision events. This dynamic behavior enables the structure to adapt its mechanical properties based on operational conditions, protecting the flow component while maintaining aerodynamic stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting structure utilizes materials or configurations that change their mechanical parameters (stiffness, strength) under different loading conditions. During normal operation, the structure maintains high stiffness for structural integrity, while under collision loads, the material properties or structural configuration changes to allow deformation and energy absorption.
2Productivity
If the movement trajectory between operating positions is made larger to improve aerodynamic performance, then the aerodynamic effects are enhanced, but the risk of damage during collisions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding arrangement incorporates elements that allow the movement trajectory to be optimized for aerodynamic performance while providing collision protection. The dynamic characteristics of the guiding structure enable it to accommodate larger movement ranges during normal operation while absorbing collision energies during impact events.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding arrangement is designed with collision protection features that are built-in from the outset, such as compliant elements or energy-absorbing structures, that cushion collision forces before they can reach the flow component, allowing larger movement trajectories without proportionally increasing damage risk.
3Reliability
If the connecting structure is made deformable to allow evasive movement during collisions, then the flow component is protected from damage, but the number of components and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting structure and guiding arrangement are merged into an integrated assembly where the guiding elements are built into the connecting structure itself. This integration eliminates separate guiding components while maintaining the deformable characteristics needed for collision protection, reducing overall component count and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it connects the flow component to the power unit, guides the movement between operating positions, and provides collision protection through controlled deformation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
4Device complexity
If the connecting structure is integrated into the guiding arrangement to reduce components, then weight and complexity are reduced, but the evasive movement must be distinct from normal displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated connecting structure and guiding arrangement utilize dynamic characteristics to distinguish between normal operational movement and collision-induced movement. The system can detect the nature of the applied force and respond accordingly, allowing the same structure to guide normal displacement while enabling evasive movement during collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated structure changes its mechanical parameters under different loading conditions, allowing it to guide normal displacement along one trajectory while enabling evasive movement along a different trajectory during collisions. The parameter changes enable the structure to adapt its guiding behavior based on the operational context.
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 design ensures consistent evasive movement regardless of the displacement trajectory, minimizing damage to the aerodynamics module by decoupling collision forces and reducing the number of components, resulting in a lighter and more resilient system.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting structure is configured, in the event of a force being transmitted to the flow component through collision with a solid body, to allow through deformation an evasive movement of the flow component relative to the bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A position-variable motorized vehicle aerodynamics module, having:A flow component which is configured to be subjected to an incident flow or surrounding flow of an airstream,A bracket, which is configured for fixed attachment to a structure fixed to a vehicle,A power unit, which is configured to displace the flow component between at least two different operating positions relative to the bracket under normal operating conditions,A connecting structure, which the flow component connects with the power unit in a force- and movement-transmitting manner, andA guiding arrangement, which guides the displacement movement of the flow component between the at least two operating positions,Where the connecting structure is configured, in the event of a force being transmitted to the flow component through collision with a solid body, to allow through deformation an evasive movement of the flow component relative to the bracket; where the connecting structure is part of the guiding arrangement, and where the evasive movement differs from the displacement under normal operating conditions.