Movable Air Deflector for Vehicle Downforce Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle designs face challenges in managing aerodynamic forces, particularly in reducing lift and enhancing traction without increasing drag or compromising styling, as air flowing over the vehicle creates pressure differentials that affect wheel traction.
Innovation Solution
An air deflector system is integrated into the vehicle's body, movable between a stowed and deployed position, controlled by an actuator and controller to disrupt airflow, increasing downforce when needed, specifically in response to braking or steering requests, thereby mitigating pressure differentials and improving traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a fixed aerodynamic device is used to increase downforce, then traction is improved, but drag increases and styling is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the aerodynamic device movable rather than fixed. The deflector can change its position between a retracted state (flush with the surface) and a deployed state (projecting from the surface), allowing the vehicle to optimize between aerodynamic performance and styling based on operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by enabling downforce generation only when needed, rather than permanently increasing drag and complicating the vehicle design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the deflector's position parameter. By adjusting the projection distance of the deflector from the vehicle surface (from zero when retracted to a specific distance when deployed), the system can control the degree of airflow disruption and corresponding downforce generation. This parameter adjustment allows the vehicle to achieve improved traction when needed while maintaining streamlined aesthetics during normal operation.
2Force
If aerodynamic devices are added to increase downforce, then traction during braking and turning is improved, but drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by deploying the aerodynamic deflector only during specific operating conditions (such as braking or turning maneuvers) rather than continuously. The controller activates the deflector when sensors detect conditions requiring enhanced traction, and retracts it when these conditions are no longer present. This periodic deployment allows the vehicle to generate downforce and improve traction only when necessary, minimizing energy loss to drag during normal cruising conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic nature of the deflector system allows real-time adaptation to changing driving conditions. The movable deflector can be deployed to increase downforce during braking or turning to improve traction, then retracted to reduce drag during steady-state driving. This dynamic adjustment resolves the energy trade-off by generating aerodynamic downforce only during transient conditions requiring enhanced wheel traction.
3Force
If aerodynamic devices are integrated into the vehicle body, then downforce is increased, but vehicle aesthetics are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the aerodynamic deflector to be movable and retractable into the vehicle body surface. When not in use, the deflector remains flush with the vehicle panel, preserving the original aerodynamic contours and aesthetic appearance. When deployment is required, the deflector projects from the surface to generate the necessary downforce. This dynamic configuration allows the vehicle to maintain its designed aesthetic form while providing aerodynamic functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the aerodynamic device from its traditional fixed external position and integrating it into the vehicle body surface in a retractable manner. The deflector can be extracted from the body surface when needed for downforce generation, then returned to a flush position to preserve the vehicle's aesthetic appearance. This extraction and integration approach allows the aerodynamic function to be added without permanently altering the vehicle's shape or styling.
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 system effectively increases downforce for improved traction without significantly increasing drag or affecting vehicle aesthetics, enhancing performance during braking and turning without adverse aerodynamic impacts.
Implementation Method 1
the deflector is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position the second end projects a first distance from the upper surface and in the deployed position the second end projects a second distance from the upper surface. The second distance is greater than the first distance to thereby interrupt a flow of air over the upper surface.
Data Source
AI summary
An automotive vehicle includes a body with an upper surface defined by a front fascia disposed proximate a fore end, and a closure panel with a fore edge proximate the front fascia. A deflector with a first end and a second end is movably coupled to the upper surface and is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position the second end projects a first distance from the upper surface and in the deployed position the second end projects a second distance from the upper surface. The second distance is greater than the first distance. A controller is configured to, in response to satisfaction of a first operating condition, control an actuator to move the deflector from the stowed position to the deployed position.