Deployable Air Deflector for Front-End Module Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing dimensions of air inlets in motor vehicles are insufficient to provide a sufficient airflow rate for optimal cooling of heat exchangers, particularly under specific operating conditions such as when a fuel cell vehicle needs rapid cooling.
Innovation Solution
A front face module with a deployable air deflector that can be moved between a deployed and retracted position, allowing for increased airflow to the heat exchangers and optimizing cooling efficiency without forming an aerodynamic brake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the dimensions of air inlets are increased to improve cooling efficiency, then the airflow rate to heat exchangers increases, but the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle deteriorates due to formation of aerodynamic brake
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a deployable air deflector that can change its configuration between deployed and retracted positions. When deployed, the deflector redirects airflow to enhance cooling of heat exchangers; when retracted, it minimizes aerodynamic drag. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize cooling efficiency when needed while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency during normal operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between improved cooling and energy loss.
2Loss of energy
If fixed air inlets are used to maintain aerodynamic efficiency, then the vehicle maintains good aerodynamics, but the airflow rate is insufficient for optimal cooling under specific operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a deployable air deflector that transitions between retracted and deployed states based on cooling requirements. In the retracted state, the deflector maintains aerodynamic efficiency by not interfering with airflow. When cooling demand increases (such as in fuel cell vehicles), the deflector deploys to redirect additional airflow to heat exchangers, thereby providing sufficient cooling capacity while preserving aerodynamic efficiency during normal operation.
3Temperature
If a deployable air deflector is added to enhance airflow, then cooling efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a deployable air deflector with movable walls that can transition between deployed and retracted positions. This dynamic structure allows the system to enhance cooling efficiency when needed by redirecting airflow to heat exchangers, while maintaining a simpler aerodynamic profile during normal operation. The ability to change configuration on demand provides enhanced cooling capability without permanently increasing structural complexity.
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 deployable air deflector enhances airflow to heat exchangers, improving cooling efficiency and addressing the insufficient airflow rate issue, especially for fuel cell vehicles, while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the deflecting wall 150 is configured to deflect, when the air deflector 15 is in the deployed position, the flow of air F heading towards wheel 17 towards a heat exchange device 13
Implementation Method 2
The heat exchange device generally comprises a heat exchanger, such as an engine cooling radiator. Such a radiator placed on the front face of the vehicle can be reached by an external air flow, coming from outside the vehicle and generally passing beforehand through the grille of the vehicle. A cooling fluid circulates inside the radiator so as to exchange heat with this external air flow.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a wind deflector (15) for a front-end module (3) of a motor vehicle (1), comprising at least one air inlet upstream of a heat exchanger (13) in the direction of flow of an air stream (F), the wind deflector (15) comprising a deflecting wall (15) movably mounted in a housing (16) of the front-end module (3) between a deployed position, in which the deflecting wall (15) in the mounted state on the vehicle (1) deflects the air stream (F), and a retracted position, in which the deflecting wall (150) is stored in the housing (16). According to the invention, the deflecting wall (150) has an opening (151) designed in such a way that, in the deployed position, the opening (151) is located outside the housing (16), in the path of the air stream (F), and in the retracted position, the opening (151) is located inside the housing (16). The invention further relates to a support (5) for a front-end module, and to a corresponding front-end module (3) and motor vehicle (1).