Reversibly Deployable Spoiler Using Active Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle airflow control devices, such as spoilers, are of fixed geometry and stiffness, unable to adapt to changing driving conditions, leading to inefficiencies in aerodynamic performance and increased complexity and maintenance costs due to the need for additional actuators.
Innovation Solution
The development of reversibly deployable spoilers using active materials like shape memory alloys, electroactive polymers, and magnetorheological fluids that can change stiffness and dimensions in response to actuation signals, allowing for on-demand adjustment of airflow control features such as translation, rotation, or morphing of airflow control surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed geometry spoilers are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler is designed with movable components that can change position relative to the vehicle body. The airflow control member can translate between retracted and deployed positions, and the cam mechanism can rotate to different angles, allowing the spoiler to dynamically adapt to varying driving conditions such as different speeds and weather conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spoiler system changes geometric parameters including position (through translation of the airflow control member), orientation (through rotation of the cam), and shape (through the flexible surface conforming to the cam profile). These parameter changes enable adaptation to different driving conditions without requiring complex mechanical linkages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic or mechanical actuators are used for spoiler adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler employs a flexible surface that conforms to the shape of the cam mechanism. This flexible membrane allows for complex shape changes and position adjustments without requiring complex mechanical linkages, hinges, or fasteners. The flexible surface simplifies the actuation mechanism while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes traditional complex actuation systems (hydraulic cylinders, mechanical linkages, electrical motors) and replaces them with a simplified cam-and-follower mechanism actuated by a single actuator. This extraction of unnecessary complexity reduces manufacturing costs and maintenance requirements while preserving the essential adjustability function.
3Ease of operation
If traditional actuators with multiple components are used, then positioning control is achieved, but reliability decreases due to increased failure modes
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is designed to be self-latching through its geometric profile. When the flexible surface conforms to the cam shape, the system maintains its position without requiring additional locking mechanisms or continuous actuation force. This self-service positioning reduces the number of moving parts and potential failure points while maintaining precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions (positioning, shaping, and locking) into a single integrated cam mechanism. The cam profile simultaneously defines the position, orientation, and shape of the flexible surface, eliminating the need for separate actuators for each degree of freedom. This merging reduces component count and increases reliability.
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
This solution simplifies the device, reduces failure modes, and decreases energy requirements while enabling adaptive airflow control to enhance vehicle performance and stability without compromising ground clearance or durability.
Implementation Method 1
The development of reversibly deployable spoilers using active materials like shape memory alloys, electroactive polymers, and magnetorheological fluids that can change stiffness and dimensions in response to actuation signals
Implementation Method 2
The development of reversibly deployable spoilers using active materials like shape memory alloys, electroactive polymers, and magnetorheological fluids that can change stiffness and dimensions in response to actuation signals
Implementation Method 3
The development of reversibly deployable spoilers using active materials like shape memory alloys, electroactive polymers, and magnetorheological fluids that can change stiffness and dimensions in response to actuation signals
Data Source
AI summary
A reversibly deployable spoiler for a vehicle comprises a body and an active material in operative communication with the body. The active material, such as shape memory material, is operative to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The active material can change its shape, dimensions and/or stiffness producing a change in at least one feature of the active spoiler airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness to control vehicle airflow and downforce to better suit changes in driving conditions such as speed, while reducing maintenance and the level of failure modes. An activation device, controller and sensors may be employed to further control the change in at least one feature of the active spoiler airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness. A method for controlling vehicle airflow selectively introduces an activation signal to initiate a change of at least one feature of the device that can be reversed upon discontinuation of the activation signal.