Commercial Vehicle Rear Spoiler Single Actuator Linkage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear spoiler devices for commercial vehicles are complex, difficult to attach, and do not provide reliable adjustment between deployed and folded positions, affecting aerodynamics and accessibility of rear doors.
Innovation Solution
A rear spoiler device with a single actuator-driven combining mechanism that coordinates the sequential deployment and folding of a top and side panel, using a pneumatic or electromechanical actuator, allowing for automatic adjustment based on vehicle speed and ensuring smooth aerodynamic alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple actuators are used to control top panel and side panel independently, then each panel can be adjusted separately, but the device complexity increases and installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuation functions into a single actuator that controls both the top panel and side panel through a shared mechanical linkage system. The actuator arm is connected to both panels via linkages, allowing one actuator to coordinate the movement of both panels simultaneously, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator serves multiple functions by controlling both the top panel and side panel through its mechanical linkage connections. This multi-functional actuator replaces what would traditionally require separate actuators for each panel, simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving coordinated adjustment of both panels.
2Device complexity
If panels are deployed simultaneously without sequence control, then adjustment is simpler, but panel collision occurs compromising reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical linkage system is designed so that the actuator arm naturally sequences the deployment of panels through its geometry and connection points. The linkage configuration ensures that one panel is positioned or prepared before the other panel moves into its final position, preventing collision through the inherent mechanical sequence rather than complex electronic control.
3Loss of energy
If rear spoiler device is added to improve aerodynamics, then fuel consumption decreases, but accessibility of rear doors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rear spoiler device incorporates movable panels (top panel and side panel) that can be dynamically adjusted between deployed and retracted positions. When rear door accessibility is needed, the panels can be retracted or positioned to clear the door opening path, allowing the aerodynamic device to adapt to different operational requirements rather than permanently obstructing door access.
Data Source
AI summary
A rear spoiler for a commercial vehicle includes a top panel adjustable between a folded basic position and an unfolded deployed position, thereby extending a vehicle roof of the vehicle in a rearward direction. A side panel is adjustable between its folded basic position and its unfolded deployed position, thereby extending a side wall of the vehicle in the rearward direction. The rear spoiler furthermore includes an adjusting device for adjusting the top panel and the side panel between their unfolded positions and their folded positions, respectively. The adjusting device includes a single actuator and a combining mechanism driven by the single actuator. The side panel and the top panel together are adjustable by the combining mechanism, wherein the top panel and the side panel are displaceable between their positions in a predetermined sequential order relative to each other.