Reversibly Deployable Air Dam Using Shape Memory Alloy Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airflow control devices for vehicles are of fixed geometry and stiffness, unable to adapt to changing driving conditions, which affects vehicle performance and increases complexity and maintenance costs, while also reducing ground clearance and being susceptible to damage from inclement weather.
Innovation Solution
The development of reversibly deployable air dams using active materials, such as shape memory alloys, that can alter their position or shape in response to actuation signals, allowing for adjustable airflow control without the need for additional complex actuators, thereby enhancing simplicity and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed geometry airflow control devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air dam is designed with deployable and retractable components that can dynamically change their position and geometry. The device transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one capable of adjusting its configuration in response to different driving conditions, thereby achieving adaptability without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the air dam by deploying or retracting specific components. This allows the device to modify its shape and airflow control characteristics based on driving conditions, achieving versatility through parameter variation rather than through complex multi-component systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable airflow control devices with actuators are used, then adaptability to driving conditions improves, but device complexity and failure modes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air dam utilizes the vehicle's existing motion and airflow to achieve deployment and retraction. The device leverages natural aerodynamic forces and vehicle movement to actuate its components, eliminating the need for separate hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical actuators. This self-service approach maintains adjustability while dramatically reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical actuator systems with a passive deployment mechanism that uses aerodynamic forces and vehicle motion. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages, pistons, and control systems while achieving the same airflow control functionality through simpler means.
3Device complexity
If stationary air dams are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but ground clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The air dam employs deployable components that can be positioned only when needed for airflow control. When retracted, these components clear the ground completely, restoring full ground clearance. This dynamic positioning allows the device to maintain simplicity while avoiding the ground clearance reduction problem of stationary dams.
Solution Approach 2:
The air dam is divided into separate deployable segments rather than a single stationary structure. These segmented components can be independently deployed or retracted, allowing the device to maintain structural simplicity while providing adjustable ground clearance through selective deployment of individual segments.
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed geometry air dams are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but fuel economy and drag control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The air dam manufacturing process remains relatively simple, but the deployed configuration changes the effective geometric parameters of the device. By deploying specific components, the air dam achieves optimized airflow control and drag reduction that would require much more complex structures if manufactured as fixed geometry, thereby improving fuel economy without significantly complicating manufacturing.
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 adjustable airflow control that improves fuel economy, handling, and reduces drag while maintaining sufficient ground clearance, reducing the number of failure modes and energy requirements, and allowing for operation in varying conditions without damage.
Implementation Method 1
The present disclosure describes airflow control devices for vehicles, and more particularly, reversibly deployable air dams for vehicles that use active materials to effect deployment and retraction
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle air dams that include an airflow control member and an active material based actuator for deploying the airflow control member so as to change airflow about the vehicle.