Movable Rear Deflector with Automatic Redeployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fixed aerodynamic deflectors on road goods transport vehicles are ineffective due to size limitations and prone to damage during docking, leading to increased maintenance costs and reduced aerodynamic benefits.
Innovation Solution
A system for coupling each deflector to the rear door for movable mounting between a folded and deployed position, featuring a coupling system with connecting rods and an actuating cylinder that automatically redeploys the deflector upon closing the rear door, ensuring it remains in the deployed position without operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fixed aerodynamic deflectors are attached to the rear frame, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but the deflectors are damaged quickly during docking operations
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is transformed from a fixed structure to a movable one, capable of switching between deployed and folded positions. The coupling system with connecting rods and actuating cylinder enables the deflector to move automatically based on door position, making it dynamic rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector is automatically folded back against the rear door before docking operations occur, preventing damage in advance. The coupling system detects door opening and automatically positions the deflector to avoid impact during docking.
2Reliability
If the deflector is mounted movable between folded and deployed positions, then damage during docking is reduced, but the aerodynamic effectiveness is reduced when the deflector is folded
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system continuously monitors the rear door position and automatically adjusts the deflector position accordingly. When the door closes, the deflector deploys to reduce drag; when the door opens, the deflector folds to avoid damage. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal positioning at all times.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector system is self-actuating through the coupling mechanism that uses the door's own movement to trigger deflector deployment and folding. The actuating cylinder converts door position changes into automatic deflector positioning without requiring separate control systems or manual intervention.
3Extent of automation
If a coupling system with actuating cylinder is used to mount the deflector movable, then automatic redeployment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system merges multiple functions into a single mechanism: it connects the deflector to the door, provides actuation through the cylinder, enables automatic deployment, and ensures proper positioning. The connecting rods and cylinder work together as an integrated system rather than separate components.
4Loss of energy
If the deflector extends the body length beyond the rear frame, then aerodynamic benefits are improved, but the body length exceeds maximum permitted dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector transitions from a permanently extended structure to a dynamically adjustable one. It extends beyond the rear frame only when needed for aerodynamic efficiency (when the door is closed), and retracts when not needed (when the door is open), allowing the vehicle to meet length requirements while maintaining aerodynamic performance when required.
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 ensures automatic redeployment of deflectors during the closing of rear doors, maintaining aerodynamic benefits and reducing damage and maintenance costs by allowing the deflectors to be automatically redeployed and maintained in their effective position.
Implementation Method 1
the actuating cylinder of each coupling system is articulated to exert, at least from the intermediate deployed position of the associated deflector, a thrusting force tending to move said deflector to the deployed position
Implementation Method 2
a spring interposed between the base and the movable part and exerting a prestressing force on the movable part to obtain, in the folded position of said deflector against the associated rear door and during the closing movement of the associated rear door, a displacement of said deflector relative to the associated rear door up to an intermediate deployed position under the effect of said prestressing force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The body comprises two vertical sides (14), a roof (16), and a floor partially defining an interior cargo space, and a reinforcing rear frame (22) fixed at least to the sides (14). The body also comprises: - two rear doors (30, 32) each movable and rotatable on the rear frame (22) between a closed position and a fully open position, - two deflectors (36, 38) each mounted on one of the rear doors, - at least one coupling system (44) for each deflector to its associated rear door for movable mounting of said deflector between a folded position against said rear door and a deployed position, and - at least one automatic redeployment system (100) for each deflector, which is fixed to said deflector or to the associated rear door. (Figure 3)