Deployable Dive Plane Control for Adaptive Vehicle Aerodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing static aerodynamic devices in vehicles provide improved performance only over a limited set of vehicle conditions, failing to adapt to varying conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A controllable aerodynamic dive plane system with a deployable and dynamic dive plane assembly, actuator, and controller that transitions between deployed and retracted states based on vehicle parameters, using a selectable control mode to optimize drag, lift, and stability across different driving conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static aerodynamic devices are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different vehicle conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from static aerodynamic devices to dynamic deployable dive planes that can change their configuration based on vehicle conditions. The dive planes are equipped with actuators that enable them to deploy or retract automatically in response to detected vehicle parameters such as speed, acceleration, or steering angle, allowing the aerodynamic properties to adapt dynamically to different driving scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If deployable dive planes are implemented, then adaptability to varying conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing an aerodynamic control system that autonomously adjusts the dive plane configuration based on vehicle conditions. The system includes sensors that detect vehicle parameters and a controller that automatically actuates the dive planes without requiring manual intervention. This self-regulating mechanism reduces the need for complex manual control systems while maintaining high adaptability to varying driving conditions.
3Productivity
If aerodynamic devices are made static, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but performance across varied conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the segmentation principle by dividing the aerodynamic control system into distinct modular components: dive planes, actuators, sensors, and controllers. Each component can be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled into the complete system. This modular approach maintains ease of manufacture while enabling the system to achieve high performance across varied driving conditions through coordinated operation of the segmented components.
Data Source
AI summary
An aerodynamics control system for a vehicle may include a dive plane assembly operably coupled to a front portion of a vehicle body, an actuator assembly operable to transition the dive plane assembly between a deployed state and a retracted state, and a controller operably coupled to the actuator to provide automatic control of the dive plane assembly via the actuator based on a selectable control mode. The selectable control mode defines a position of the dive plane assembly based on vehicle parameters measured while driving the vehicle.