Movable Wall Spoiler for Rear Screen Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rear window cleaning spoilers on motor vehicles compromise aerodynamic and acoustic performance due to their design, which either obstruct airflow, leading to negative aerodynamic effects at high speeds or require reinforcement to withstand aerodynamic loads, and often result in noise pollution.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle spoiler with a movable wall that can open and close to direct airflow onto the rear window, maintaining aerodynamic and acoustic performance by aligning with the airflow path when closed and redirecting air for cleaning when open, utilizing actuating means beneath the spoiler surface to pivot the wall without projecting from the upper surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a permanent through-opening is provided in the spoiler to passively direct air flow onto the rear window, then rear window cleaning function is achieved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates at high speeds and noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler incorporates a movable closure element that can dynamically open or close the through-opening based on driving conditions. When the vehicle is stationary or moving at low speed, the opening is open to enable passive air flow onto the rear window for cleaning. When the vehicle reaches high speed, the closure element automatically closes the opening to eliminate aerodynamic disturbance and noise, thus resolving the contradiction between cleaning function and aerodynamic performance.
2Ease of operation
If a movable flap is used to clean the rear window at low speeds, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates and the flap requires reinforcement increasing weight
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to open only when needed for cleaning at low speeds. This dynamic design eliminates the need for continuous reinforcement that would be required if the structure remained open, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining cleaning effectiveness when required.
3Ease of operation
If the spoiler is designed to direct air flow over the rear window using a fixed inclined section, then cleaning function is provided, but overall aerodynamic performance is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a fixed inclined section that permanently disrupts air flow, the invention employs a movable closure element that can close the through-opening to restore smooth air flow over the spoiler surface. This dynamic closure eliminates the continuous aerodynamic penalty while allowing cleaning function when the opening is active at low speeds.
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 spoiler effectively cleans the rear window while maintaining optimal aerodynamic and acoustic performance across varying conditions, reducing noise and aerodynamic disturbances, and enhancing the vehicle's overall performance without the need for additional reinforcement.
Implementation Method 1
the air flowing from the front to the rear of the vehicle along the upper surface of the roof panel to flow directly onto the rear window
Data Source
AI summary
Motor vehicle spoiler intended to be positioned in a region of a rear edge of a roof above a rear screen, the spoiler including an upper face substantially aligned with an imaginary continuation of a stream line of the roof, and at least one through-opening that opens above a region of the rear screen, the opening being equipped with at least one internal wall designed to channel a stream of air coming from the roof over the region through the opening, characterized in that the wall is mounted with the ability to move with respect to the spoiler so as to be able to open towards the rear screen to channel the air stream over the region and so as to be able to close off the opening in a closed position.