Flexible Air Guiding Element with Kinematic Tensioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air guiding devices for motor vehicle bodies lack the ability to maximize geometry variation and stability for optimal downforce adjustment, particularly in flexible designs.

Innovation Solution

An air guiding device with a flexible active element, a textile-like design, and a kinematic system that includes pulling elements and support elements, allowing for adjustable geometry and stabilization, along with a tensioning mechanism for optimal tensioning and protection of internal components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible air guiding element is used to increase geometry variability, then the adaptability to different downforce requirements is improved, but the stability and control of the active element geometry deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeometry variabilityVSAvoidactive element stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The air guiding element is divided into a rigid frame structure and a separate flexible active element. The frame provides structural stability and positioning, while the active element can be independently adjusted to create different geometries. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both geometry variability and stability by combining the rigid frame with the flexible, adjustable active element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The active element is designed to be dynamically adjustable through a kinematic system with pulling elements that can change the geometry of the active element. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the air guiding element to adapt to different downforce requirements while maintaining stability through the controlled kinematic mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the active element is made textile-like to maximize geometry variation, then the adaptability is improved, but the structural strength and stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeometry variationVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the structural function from the geometric adaptability function. The rigid frame provides the structural strength and stability, while the textile-like active element provides the geometry variation. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The air guiding element combines different material properties in a composite structure. The frame uses rigid materials for structural strength, while the active element uses flexible textile-like materials for geometry variation. This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve both structural integrity and geometric adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If the frame elements are made changeable to adjust geometry, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeometry adjustmentVSAvoidframe structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is segmented into multiple elements that can be independently adjusted, allowing geometry modification without requiring complete redesign of the entire structure. This modular segmentation reduces the complexity increase by enabling localized adjustments rather than system-wide changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The changeable frame elements serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable geometry adjustment, and maintain stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Stability of the object's composition

If support elements are added to stabilize the active element, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactive element stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support elements are integrated into the existing frame structure and kinematic system rather than being completely separate components. This merging reduces the overall device complexity by combining the stabilization function with the existing structural and adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support elements serve dual purposes: they stabilize the active element geometry and also function as part of the frame structure or kinematic system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated stabilization components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240336309A1Air guiding device of a motor vehicle body with a flexible air guiding element

Publication Date: 2024.10.10 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

An air guiding device of a motor vehicle body having a flexible air guiding element, wherein the air guiding element includes a frame, in whose interior a flexible active element, is arranged. The flexible active element is configured so that its geometry can be changed under the action of a pulling force (F), wherein at least one pulling element is configured on the active element, on which the pulling force (F) can act with the aid of a kinematic system of the air guiding device.