Motor Vehicle Diffuser Arrangement with Dual Flap Dirt Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing diffuser arrangements in motor vehicles are prone to fouling due to dirt introduction, which impairs airflow and downforce, as flaps at the end of the diffuser channel can allow debris to enter and disrupt airflow.

Innovation Solution

A diffuser arrangement with two adjustable control elements, where a second protective flap can block the air inlet region to prevent dirt entry, and a first adjustable flap controls airflow, both actuated by a single mechanism to maintain airflow while minimizing structural space and weight, using a single actuator for automated control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a flap is arranged at the end side of the diffuser channel to control airflow, then the airflow through the diffuser channel can be adjusted, but dirt can be introduced into the diffuser channel and accumulate, impairing downforce and disrupting flap actuation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow controlVSAvoiddirt accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The diffuser channel is segmented into multiple sections with separate control elements: a first control element (aero-flap) for airflow control and a second control element (protective flap) for dirt prevention. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function without interference between them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second control element (protective flap) acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the diffuser channel interior. It selectively blocks the air inlet region to prevent dirt entry while allowing controlled airflow when open, serving as a protective mediator that filters harmful particles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a second control element is added to block the air inlet region and prevent dirt entry, then fouling is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefouling preventionVSAvoidcontrol element structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Both control elements are integrated into a single diffuser channel structure and can be actuated by a common actuator through a drive connection. This merging approach consolidates multiple functions into a unified system, reducing overall complexity compared to separate independent systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The second control element serves multiple functions: it blocks dirt entry when closed, allows airflow when open, and can be coordinated with the first control element for optimized aerodynamic performance. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural element by providing several benefits from a single component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If two separate actuators are used to drive the first and second control elements, then independent control is achieved, but the weight and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent controlVSAvoidactuator weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A single actuator is used to drive both control elements through a drive connection that couples them together. This merging of actuation systems reduces the total weight and cost compared to using two separate actuators, while still enabling independent control through the mechanical coupling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single actuator performs multiple functions by sequentially or simultaneously actuating both control elements. It can independently control the first control element for airflow management and the second control element for dirt prevention, demonstrating multi-functionality that eliminates the need for separate actuators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9878746B2Diffuser arrangement

Publication Date: 2018.01.30 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

A diffuser arrangement (1, 101, 201) for a motor vehicle has an air inlet region (3, 103, 203) and a diffuser channel (2, 102, 202, 303, 403). A first adjustable control element (4, 104, 204, 301, 401) and a second adjustable control element (5, 105, 205, 302, 402) are arranged in the diffuser channel (2, 102, 202, 303, 403). The first adjustable control element (4, 104, 204, 301, 401) controls the air flow through the diffuser channel (2, 102, 202, 303, 403). The second adjustable control element (5, 105, 205, 302, 402) selectively blocks the air inlet region (3, 103, 203) of the diffuser channel (2, 102, 202, 303, 403).