Flexible Active Spoiler System for Vehicle Aerodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active spoiler systems face complexities in actuation and storage of moving components, leading to performance tradeoffs under varying conditions such as high speeds and unfavorable weather.
Innovation Solution
The active spoiler system employs a flexible sheet spooled on a roller and a rigid bar that moves to unspool the sheet, extending outward to act as a spoiler, with multiple rollers and side screens that deploy to create a larger spoiler surface, allowing for improved aerodynamics and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a larger rear spoiler is used, then drag is reduced at high speeds, but stability decreases under unfavorable weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler is designed as an active dynamic structure that can change its configuration between stowed and deployed states. The flexible sheet and rigid bar mechanism allow the spoiler to adjust its size and shape based on driving conditions, enabling reduced drag at high speeds when deployed and improved stability when stowed during unfavorable weather conditions.
2Loss of energy
If active spoiler systems are used to change configuration, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler system is segmented into multiple functional components: a flexible sheet for aerodynamic surface creation, a rigid bar for structural support and actuation, and a roller mechanism for compact storage. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall actuation and storage mechanisms compared to monolithic active spoiler designs.
Data Source
AI summary
An active spoiler system for a vehicle is disclosed that changes from a stowed position to a deployed position. In the stowed position, one or more flexible sheets are stored on rollers inside the body of the vehicle. The flexible sheets are pulled outward out of the body of the vehicle by a rigid bar that rotates around a pivot, in response to a controller. The deployed active spoiler may decrease drag thereby increasing fuel efficiency, while also allowing for the active spoiler to be stowed when not needed due to road or weather conditions.