Flow Deflector Retraction Mechanism to Prevent Rattling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow deflecting devices for vehicles require high loads to disengage projections from recesses, leading to potential rattling and increased resistance when subjected to external forces.
Innovation Solution
A flow deflecting device with a rotational mechanism and limiting mechanism that limits rotation in specific directions, using a compression coil spring and gear system to control the deployment and retraction of the flow deflecting body, reducing the load required for retraction and inhibiting rattling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flow deflecting body is designed to rotate freely in the retraction direction when engagement is released, then the device can respond to external forces, but the load for rotation becomes too high causing potential rattling and increased resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the rotational constraint adaptive rather than fixed. The limiting mechanism dynamically adjusts the rotational behavior based on the state of engagement: when engaged, rotation is limited in both directions; when disengaged, rotation is permitted in the retraction direction. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing rotation ease only when needed while preventing excessive load during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of rotational freedom based on the engagement state. Through the limiting mechanism and rotational mechanism working together, the system transitions between two states: (1) engaged state where rotation is constrained bidirectionally, and (2) disengaged state where rotation is permitted in the retraction direction. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between rotation ease and load reduction depending on operational conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the rotational mechanism uses spring biasing force to maintain engagement, then the flow deflecting body remains stable, but high load is required to disengage the projections from recesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rotational constraint function into two separate mechanisms: the rotational mechanism (with spring biasing) handles bidirectional rotation limitation when engaged, while the limiting mechanism specifically controls retraction direction rotation when disengaged. This segmentation allows the spring biasing force to maintain stable engagement without requiring excessively high disengagement force, as the limiting mechanism provides additional control during the disengagement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting mechanism acts as an intermediary that works in conjunction with the rotational mechanism. When the flow deflecting body is disengaged, the limiting mechanism permits controlled rotation in the retraction direction without requiring the high force needed to overcome the spring biasing force of the rotational mechanism. This intermediary mechanism facilitates smoother transitions and reduces the peak disengagement force requirement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flow deflecting body is allowed to rotate freely under external force, then it can adapt to road conditions, but rattling occurs and air resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic rotational control that adapts to external forces while preventing harmful effects. The limiting mechanism dynamically permits rotation in the retraction direction when disengaged (providing adaptability) while the rotational mechanism maintains bidirectional constraints when engaged (preventing rattling). This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to road conditions without generating excessive rattling or air resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the rotational freedom parameter based on engagement state to balance adaptability and harmful factor reduction. When engaged, the parameter设置为 rotationally constrained (reducing rattling); when disengaged, the parameter changes to allow retraction direction rotation (increasing adaptability). This parameter change strategy resolves the contradiction between adaptability and harmful factors.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device effectively limits rotation loads and prevents rattling, maintaining stability and reducing air resistance by controlling the flow deflecting body's position, even under external forces.
Implementation Method 1
a compression coil spring and gear system to control the deployment and retraction of the flow deflecting body
Data Source
AI summary
A flow deflecting device includes a flow deflecting body configured to be deployed and retracted; a rotational mechanism, whereby the flow deflecting body is rotatable in an engaged state at the rotational mechanism; and a limiting mechanism, whereby rotation of the flow deflecting body is limitable in an engaged state at the limiting mechanism. In a case in which the flow deflecting body in a deployed position is acted upon by a first external force, engagement with the rotational mechanism is released, and the flow deflecting body is rotated in the retraction direction in the engaged state at the limiting mechanism. In a case in which the flow deflecting body in a retracted position is acted upon by a second external force, engagement with the limiting mechanism is released, and the flow deflecting body is rotated in the retraction direction in the engaged state at the rotational mechanism.