Rear Spoiler Air Guide Hinge Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rear spoiler devices are expensive, complex, and often limit the length of air guide elements, resulting in suboptimal aerodynamic improvements and potential interference with rear door functionality.

Innovation Solution

A rear spoiler device where the air guiding element is attached to the hinge of the rear door, pivoting about its pivot axis, and prestressed by a spring device to protrude at an angle, allowing for improved aerodynamics without impairing the door's functionality, and featuring a simple design with minimal parts and low weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex articulations or hinge designs are used to attach the air guiding element, then the aerodynamic performance can be improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoidhinge design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air guiding element is merged with the hinge structure by attaching it directly to the hinge's pivot axis. The hinge serves dual purposes: enabling door rotation and supporting the air guiding element, eliminating the need for separate articulation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the door rotation mechanism and the mounting structure for the air guiding element. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining aerodynamic effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the air guide element is made longer to improve aerodynamics, then the aerodynamic optimization is enhanced, but it may interfere with rear door functionality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamic optimizationVSAvoidrear door functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The air guiding element is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. It can rotate and change position relative to the door, allowing it to extend longer for aerodynamic optimization while automatically adjusting to avoid interfering with door operation during opening and closing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The air guiding element is prestressed by a spring device into its driving position before door operation begins. This preliminary positioning ensures optimal aerodynamic configuration is established in advance, and the element's design anticipates door movement to prevent interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple spring device is used to prestress the air guiding element, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the holding force may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidholding force
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The spring device parameters (coil density, material properties, pre-tension) are optimized to generate sufficient holding force for the air guiding element's weight and aerodynamic loads, while maintaining a simple, cost-effective design that avoids complex mechanical assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides enhanced aerodynamics with a cost-effective, robust, and flexible design that maintains rear door functionality, even in adverse weather conditions, without compromising the door's operation or increasing weight.

Implementation Method 1

The air guiding element is prestressed into its driving position by a spring device and is held in this driving position by forming a stop

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2763886B1Rear spoiler device for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2015.10.21 ZF CV SYST HANNOVER GMBH
  • EP2763886B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2763886B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a rear spoiler device for a vehicle with at least one rear door, wherein the rear spoiler device has an air guiding element (12) for attachment to a lateral rear zone of a vehicle, wherein the air guiding element (12) can be pivoted between a travel position for contour extension and aerodynamic air guidance with the rear door closed and a position in which it is hinged inwards with the rear door open. To this end the air guiding element (12) can be received in a hinge (6) of the rear door (4), and the rear spoiler device has a spring device (15) which presses the air guiding element (12) in the travel position thereof against a counter-stop (17) formed on the hinge (5), preferably on a hinge plate (6) fastened to the rear door (4).