Mobile Spoiler Assembly With Tilt Control for Adaptive Downforce
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable spoiler assemblies for road vehicles are not adequately adaptable to different driving conditions and have complex actuation systems that are costly and power-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A movable spoiler assembly with a simplified actuation system using electric motors and a slotted link mechanism that allows for adjustable angle incidence of the spoiler, enabling adaptive control based on aerodynamic conditions, reducing power consumption and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hydraulic or oleo-hydraulic actuators are used to move the spoiler, then the aerodynamic load can be supported effectively, but the power consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic or oleo-hydraulic actuators with a purely mechanical actuation system consisting of a cable, pulley, and spring assembly. This substitution eliminates the need for complex hydraulic components while maintaining the capability to support aerodynamic loads through the mechanical advantage provided by the pulley system and the force storage provided by the spring.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism provides self-service by automatically storing and releasing energy to move and position the spoiler without requiring continuous external power input. The spring accumulates energy during spoiler movement and maintains position without active control, reducing power consumption and system complexity.
2Reliability
If the spoiler is kept in extracted position continuously, then aerodynamic performance is maximized, but aerodynamic drag increases at low speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic spoiler system that automatically adjusts its position based on vehicle speed. At low speeds, the spring-loaded mechanism allows the spoiler to remain retracted, minimizing drag. As vehicle speed increases and aerodynamic loads increase, the mechanism automatically transitions the spoiler to an extracted position to maximize downforce and aerodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the spoiler based on driving conditions. The spring constant and pre-load are calibrated so that the spoiler transitions from a retracted state at low speeds to an extracted state at high speeds, optimizing the balance between drag reduction and downforce generation across different operating conditions.
3Device complexity
If a single actuator is used to move the spoiler, then system complexity is reduced, but control precision and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spoiler into multiple independent elements or panels that can be actuated separately through the cable-pulley system. This segmentation allows different portions of the spoiler to be positioned at different angles or elevations, providing enhanced adaptability for different aerodynamic conditions while still using a relatively simple single-actuator mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded pulley system provides dynamic adjustment capability where the spring constant and pre-load can be varied to change the force characteristics. This allows the same mechanical system to adapt to different aerodynamic loads and vehicle speeds, providing versatility without increasing mechanical complexity.
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 solution provides improved aerodynamic performance by adapting to various driving conditions while minimizing power consumption and simplifying the actuation system, enhancing the vehicle's stability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The physical principle behind the operation of an automotive spoiler or wing is exactly the same that allows aircraft to fly, but unlike in aeronautical industry, it is used in the opposite way: instead of supporting the vehicle in the air, it pushes it more towards the ground to create a so-called 'downforce'
Implementation Method 2
The actuation system includes a hydraulic or oleo-hydraulic or pneumatic actuator, which allows both controlling the movable spoiler while using a relatively low power, and easily supporting the aerodynamic load exerted on the movable spoiler
Data Source
AI summary
Movable spoiler assembly for a road vehicle comprising: a movable spoiler configured to be movably attached to a body of the road vehicle and capable of being moved between a retracted position and an extracted position; and an actuation system configured to control the movable spoiler between the retracted position and the extracted position; the actuation system comprises at least two actuators to move the movable spoiler and at least two transmission elements to operatively couple each actuator to the movable spoiler; the two actuators comprise a first actuator configured to command at least the displacement of the movable spoiler between the retracted position and the extracted position, and a second actuator configured to command at least a tilt of the movable spoiler around the longitudinal axis, so as to vary an angle of incidence of the leading edge of the spoiler.