Aerodynamic Flap Maneuvering Mechanism with Zero-Pressure Extension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical mechanisms for aerodynamic flaps in motor vehicles require high-power motors to counteract aerodynamic pressure, leading to increased energy consumption and inefficiency, especially at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
The mechanism employs a secondary axis of rotation and rocker system that allows the flap to extend and pivot while maintaining aerodynamic pressure at zero, reducing the necessary motor torque and enabling the flap to be deployed and retracted with minimal energy consumption by using a drive wheel with locking discs to control the rockers' positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a conventional motor-driven mechanism is used to operate the aerodynamic flap, then the flap can be deployed and retracted, but high-power motors are required to counteract aerodynamic pressure at high speeds, increasing energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism performs preliminary action by extending the flap parallel to the airflow direction before pivoting it to the final position. This preliminary extension phase maintains zero aerodynamic pressure on the flap, so the motor only needs to overcome gravitational forces and friction, not full aerodynamic pressure. The locking mechanism then maintains this position without continuous motor power, allowing the motor to be downsized.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation is segmented into distinct phases: extension phase (maintaining parallel alignment with airflow) and pivoting phase (rotating to final position). The locking mechanism segments the power requirement by taking over the holding function, allowing the motor to be smaller since it doesn't need to continuously counteract aerodynamic pressure.
2Device complexity
If the flap is directly pivoted without preliminary extension, then the mechanism is simpler, but high aerodynamic pressure creates large torque requirements on the pivot axis
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism performs preliminary action by extending the flap parallel to the airflow direction before pivoting it to the final position. This preliminary extension phase maintains zero aerodynamic pressure on the flap, so the motor only needs to overcome gravitational forces and friction, not full aerodynamic pressure. The locking mechanism then maintains this position without continuous motor power, allowing the motor to be downsized.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation is segmented into distinct phases: extension phase (maintaining parallel alignment with airflow) and pivoting phase (rotating to final position). The locking mechanism segments the power requirement by taking over the holding function, allowing the motor to be smaller since it doesn't need to continuously counteract aerodynamic pressure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the motor remains powered to maintain the flap in deployed position, then the flap position is stable, but continuous energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism enables the system to be self-sufficient in maintaining the flap position. Once the flap is positioned, the locking mechanism takes over the holding function, allowing the motor to be disconnected or enter low-power mode. The mechanical lock itself maintains position stability without requiring continuous energy input from the motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor operates periodically rather than continuously - providing power during the extension and pivoting phases to position the flap, then disengaging when the locking mechanism takes over. This periodic operation pattern significantly reduces continuous energy consumption while maintaining position stability through the mechanical locking system.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
A device for manoeuvring an aerodynamic flap (1) arranged on a motor vehicle, characterised in that it comprises mechanical means for shifting the flap from a retracted position to a deployed position, successively performing a movement extending the flap while keeping the plane of the flap parallel to the direction of an air stream flowing around the flap when the vehicle is moving, such that the aerodynamic pressure exerted on the flap is substantially zero, and then a movement pivoting the flap about a pivot axis (AA') located in a plane of the flap and passing substantially through a centre of aerodynamic thrust (10) of the flap, such that the torque applied to the pivot axis (AA') and resulting from the aerodynamic forces is substantially zero. The shift from a deployed position to a retracted position is carried out by performing said movements in reverse order.