Rear Diffuser and Tow Coupling Layout for Lower Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle bodies with air-guiding devices and trailer coupling mounting devices face challenges in minimizing air resistance and preventing turbulence, particularly when the trailer coupling mounting device is not in use, requiring complex coordination between the positioning of the air-guiding device and the trailer coupling mounting device.
Innovation Solution
The air-guiding device, configured as a rear-end diffuser, is pivotable into two operating positions, allowing the trailer coupling mounting device to move linearly along the vehicle's vertical axis, simplifying its transition between rest and active positions, and is fully covered in the rest position, reducing aerodynamic drag and fouling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the trailer coupling mounting device is completely covered in rest position to minimize air resistance, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but complex coordination between air-guiding device and trailer coupling mounting device positioning is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air-guiding device and trailer coupling mounting device into an integrated assembly where the air-guiding device serves dual purposes: maintaining aerodynamic flow and providing coverage for the trailer coupling mounting device in rest position. This merging eliminates the need for separate coordination mechanisms while achieving both aerodynamic performance and device coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The air-guiding device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it guides air flow to minimize resistance and covers the trailer coupling mounting device when not in use. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall system coordination.
2Ease of operation
If the air-guiding device is pivoted out to allow coupling element positioning, then trailer coupling operation is enabled, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to increased turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic positioning where the air-guiding device can pivot between different orientations. In operational mode, it pivots out to enable trailer coupling access, and in travel mode, it returns to its aerodynamic position. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize performance based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The air-guiding device is positioned in advance to cover the trailer coupling mounting device before the vehicle enters high-speed travel, and positioned to allow access before coupling operations begin. This preliminary positioning ensures optimal aerodynamic performance during cruise and easy operation during coupling without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the trailer coupling mounting device is positioned in active position, then coupling functionality is enabled, but air resistance increases due to turbulence in rear-end region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the trailer coupling mounting device into a movable component that can be independently positioned. The coupling element can be deployed vertically when needed while the main air-guiding device maintains its aerodynamic position, minimizing the impact on overall aerodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer coupling mounting device moves along the body vertical axis rather than requiring lateral or longitudinal movement that would disrupt air flow. This vertical dimension movement allows coupling functionality while maintaining the aerodynamic profile in the horizontal plane where air resistance is most critical.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle body with an air-guiding device and with a trailer coupling mounting device. The air-guiding device is formed in a rear-end region of the motor vehicle body. The trailer coupling mounting device is adjustable into a rest position and into an active position. The trailer coupling mounting device, in at least the rest position, is at least partially covered with respect to surroundings by the air-guiding device, which is settable into a first operating position and a second operating position. For positioning the trailer coupling mounting device into its active position, the air-guiding device is settable into its second operating position and, after or together with the positioning of the air-guiding device into its second operating position, the trailer coupling mounting device is configured to be movable along a body vertical axis (Z) of the motor vehicle body.