Vehicle Rear Diffuser with Pivotable Trailer Hitch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle rear arrangements lack a convenient and aerodynamic solution for integrating a trailer coupling mounting system that is both protected from environmental influences and easily accessible when needed, while also optimizing aerodynamics based on driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A rear arrangement featuring an adjustable air-guiding element and pivotable trailer coupling mounting means, where the air-guiding element can be automatically adjusted between retracted and extended positions to conceal the mounting means when not in use, and automatically pivot into a use position when required, utilizing actuators and a control system for enhanced operational comfort and aerodynamic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the trailer coupling mounting means is permanently visible and accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates and visual interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer coupling mounting means is made dynamically positionable between a retracted position (concealed behind the air-guiding element) and an extended position (visible and accessible). This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt between aerodynamic efficiency during normal driving and accessibility when trailer coupling is needed, resolving the contradiction between permanent visibility and aerodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer coupling mounting means is extracted from the permanent visible position and placed in a retracted position behind the air-guiding element. This extraction removes the harmful aerodynamic and visual interference during normal operation, while the mounting means can be taken out (extended) when needed for operation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the trailer coupling mounting means is concealed behind the air-guiding element, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic positioning to move the trailer coupling mounting means between concealed and accessible states. During normal driving, the mounting means remains concealed behind the air-guiding element for optimal aerodynamics. When trailer coupling is needed, the mounting means is extended forward to become accessible, resolving the contradiction between concealment and ease of operation.
3Force
If the air-guiding element is in the retracted position, then aerodynamic down force is increased, but accessibility to the trailer coupling mounting means deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system coordinates the dynamic positioning of both the air-guiding element and the trailer coupling mounting means. When the air-guiding element is in the retracted position for maximum aerodynamic down force, the mounting means is extended to maintain accessibility. This coordinated dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between aerodynamic performance and operational accessibility.
4Device complexity
If manual handling of cover elements is required, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling of cover elements with an automated actuating mechanism. The actuator automatically moves the air-guiding element and trailer coupling mounting means between positions, eliminating the need for manual cover element handling. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with an automated system resolves the contradiction between device complexity and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A rear arrangement for a vehicle includes a trailer coupling mount and a rear diffuser having an adjustable air-guiding element which is adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position. The trailer coupling mount is pivotable about a pivot axis, which is congruent or parallel to the vehicle longitudinal axis (x), between an inoperative position and a use position. The air-guiding element in the retracted position at least partially conceals the trailer coupling mount, and the air-guiding element has to be brought into the extended position so that the trailer coupling mount can be pivoted into the use position.