Rear Aerodynamic Deflector for Vehicle Access and Drag Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear aerodynamic deflectors conflict with tailgate or hinged doors, limit rear opening size, and do not integrate perfectly with vehicle body, compromising access and aerodynamic performance.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle with lateral rear deflectors connected by a rod system that can move between retracted and deployed positions, allowing the deflector to fit flush with the vehicle's body surfaces, featuring an L-shaped design, light signaling, and automatic actuation based on vehicle speed, ensuring optimal integration and access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If rear deflectors are deployed to reduce aerodynamic drag, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but access to the rear of the vehicle is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to change position between a retracted state (for access) and a deployed state (for aerodynamic performance). The linkage system enables the deflector to move between these positions based on vehicle operation conditions.
2Loss of energy
If rear deflectors are deployed to improve aerodynamic drag, then fuel consumption is reduced, but tailgate or swing-door openings are interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector's movable design allows it to be retracted when tailgate or swing-door operations are needed, eliminating interference with these opening mechanisms while maintaining aerodynamic benefits during normal driving.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector can be retracted in advance before tailgate or swing-door operations are initiated, ensuring that these opening mechanisms have unobstructed access to the rear of the vehicle.
3Loss of energy
If rear deflectors are deployed to reduce base drag, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but the size of the rear opening is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector moves to a retracted position when rear access is required, maximizing the available opening area, and deploys when aerodynamic efficiency is the priority, thus dynamically optimizing both parameters.
4Loss of energy
If rear deflectors are integrated into the vehicle body, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but maximum loading dimensions are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is designed to be retractable, allowing the vehicle to achieve its maximum loading dimensions when the deflector is in the retracted position, while still providing aerodynamic benefits when deployed during normal operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) comprising on each of its sides and in a rear area of the vehicle, a first substantially vertical side body surface (9), a rear lateral deflector (2) connected to the structure (5) of the vehicle by a linkage system (6, 7) allowing the deflector (2) to be moved between on the one hand a retracted front position in which the outer lateral surface (8) of the deflector (2) is flush with the first surface (9) and on the other hand a deployed rear position in which the outer lateral surface (8) of the deflector (2) is flush with a second side body surface (10) of the vehicle, this second side body surface (10) being concealed by the deflector (2) when it is in the retracted front position.