Offset Actuator Aerodynamic System with Force Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current active aerodynamic systems in motor vehicles face issues with play and mechanical stress at transmission points, leading to deformation and compromised aerodynamics, especially when trying to integrate these systems into compact vehicle environments with curved shapes and non-aligned movable components.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a molded plastics structure with an offset actuator and a force transmission member connected via pivot connections, allowing only translational displacements in a specific plane, which distributes forces effectively and reduces the risk of deformation and play, while accommodating non-aligned components through ball joints for enhanced kinematic rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the actuator is offset on one side of the structure to optimize space and clear the central position for radar operation, then the space utilization and radar integration are improved, but the mechanical stress and play at transmission points increase leading to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
A force transmission member is introduced as an intermediary component between the offset actuator and the movable components. This member includes a plane P perpendicular to the direction of movement and is connected to the structure by pivot connections that allow only translational displacements in a plane parallel to plane P, ensuring accurate force transmission while accommodating the offset actuator position.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot connections are designed to constrain the force transmission member to move only in a specific plane parallel to plane P, changing the degrees of freedom parameter. This constraint ensures that the member transmits forces accurately without developing play or deformation, even with the offset actuator configuration.
2Reliability
If additional actuators are installed on both sides of the structure to control movable components individually, then the control precision and reliability are improved, but the device complexity, cost, and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission member serves multiple functions: it transmits forces from the offset actuator to the movable components, distributes forces evenly across the system, and maintains kinematic rigidity through its specific geometric configuration with plane P. This single component replaces the need for multiple actuators, reducing system complexity while maintaining control reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the force transmission member is connected rigidly to the structure, then the kinematic rigidity is improved, but the play and mechanical stress at transmission points increase leading to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot connections provide a dynamic solution by allowing controlled rotational movement while constraining translational movement to a specific plane parallel to plane P. This dynamic constraint accommodates the offset actuator position and reduces mechanical stress, preventing deformation while maintaining sufficient kinematic rigidity for accurate force transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an active aerodynamic system (1) for vehicles which comprises a moulded plastics structure (2) arranged to receive movable elements (3; 4) and an actuator (7) off-centre with respect to the structure (2). The system (1) of the invention comprises a force transmission member (5) which connects series of movable elements (3; 4) to each other. The force transmission member (5) also makes it possible to distribute the forces within the system (1).