Rear Spoiler Device with Buckling Intermediate Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear spoiler systems for vehicles, particularly trucks, are complex and expensive, with limited aerodynamic improvement due to restrictive hinge area constraints and the need for elastic, non-weather-resistant materials, which hinder full door opening and pivoting.
Innovation Solution
A rear spoiler device with an adjustable air guiding element articulated to the rear door, featuring a buckling intermediate joint that increases the effective lever arm for length adjustability, allowing continuous adjustment without additional locking devices, and accommodating long air guiding elements without hindering door hinge space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the air guiding element is connected directly to the door hinge area, then the spoiler can be adjusted with the door movement, but the storage space in the hinge area is insufficient and prevents full door opening
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment device is divided into multiple segments: a first articulation point on the door, a second articulation point on the air guiding element, and at least one intermediate joint. This segmentation allows the adjustment device to extend beyond the hinge area, providing sufficient storage space while maintaining adjustment capability throughout the door's range of motion.
2Area of stationary object
If complex joint or hinge formations are used to connect air guiding elements, then the door can open fully, but the system becomes expensive and requires complex structures
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate joint serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural connector, provides an articulation point for the adjustment device, and enables the buckling motion necessary for the air guiding element to clear the door hinge area. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional complex components while achieving full door opening capability.
3Device complexity
If elastic, stretchable materials are used for air guiding elements, then complex joint formations can be avoided, but the materials are not weather-resistant
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment device with its intermediate joint acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables the air guiding element to achieve the necessary motion without requiring elastic or stretchable materials. The buckling motion of the intermediate joint provides the required flexibility and range of motion while allowing the use of rigid, weather-resistant materials for the air guiding element.
4Device complexity
If short air guiding elements are used, then complex joint formations can be avoided, but the aerodynamic improvement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment device enables the air guiding element to dynamically change its position and orientation relative to the door. The intermediate joint allows the air guiding element to clear the door hinge area during door opening, enabling the use of longer air guiding elements that provide improved aerodynamics while maintaining simplicity in the joint formation.
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 2~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a rear spoiler device (6) for a vehicle having at least one rear door (3), wherein the rear spoiler device (6) has an air-directing element (7), an adjusting device (12) for adjusting the air-directing element (7) between a folded-in basic position for opening the rear door (3) and an extended travel position for extending the contours and aerodynamic air conduction. It is provided here that the adjusting device (12) is coupled to a door-side joint (15) and a spoiler-side joint (18) and has an intermediate joint (17) which is provided between the door-side joint (15) and spoiler-side joint (18) and in which said adjusting device is collapsible during the adjustment by changing an intermediate-joint angle (a) formed on the intermediate joint (17).