Revolvable Active Diffuser for Vehicle Aerodynamics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods to reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption in vehicles, such as weight reduction and electric vehicles, compromise vehicle stability and safety or incur high tire costs, and are limited by immature technologies.

Innovation Solution

A revolvable active diffuser for vehicles, comprising a diffuser bracket, an electrical motor, a driving rod, and a connecting rod, which rotates a diffuser inner plate to create an airflow channel, improving aerodynamics and reducing emissions while maintaining safety and aesthetic appeal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If weight reduction measures are taken to improve aerodynamics performance, then fuel consumption is reduced, but vehicle stability and safety are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidvehicle stability and safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The diffuser inner plate is designed to be rotatable relative to the diffuser bracket, allowing the aerodynamic configuration to dynamically adapt to different driving conditions. The electrical motor enables active adjustment of the diffuser angle, optimizing downforce at high speeds while maintaining stability at lower speeds, thus improving fuel consumption without compromising safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the aerodynamic parameters by rotating the diffuser inner plate to different angles. At high speeds, the diffuser is extended to maximize downforce and aerodynamic efficiency, reducing fuel consumption. At lower speeds, the diffuser can be retracted to maintain vehicle stability and safety, resolving the contradiction between fuel efficiency and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If a variable spoiler device is implemented to improve aerodynamics, then air flow efficiency is increased, but device complexity increases due to pivotable link mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow efficiencyVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex pivotable link mechanism from the system and replaces it with a simpler electrical motor-driven rotation system. The diffuser inner plate rotates directly on fixing shafts with bearing blocks, eliminating the need for multiple linkages and pivots while maintaining the ability to adjust aerodynamic characteristics, thus improving air flow efficiency without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional mechanical pivotable link mechanism is replaced with an electrical motor system. The electrical motor provides rotational motion to the diffuser inner plate through a driving rod, substituting complex mechanical linkages with a more compact and controllable electromechanical system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining aerodynamic performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enhances aerodynamic performance, reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and ensures driving safety without the safety risks associated with weight reduction, while maintaining a streamlined appearance.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical motor fixed on the diffuser bracket and a driving rod driven by the electrical motor to rotate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an edge of the diffuser inner plate is fixed to the diffuser bracket by means of a plurality of fixing shafts and bearing blocks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentEP3792163B1Revolvable active diffuser for vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 YANFENG PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTOMOTIVE EXTERIOR SYST CO LTD
  • EP3792163B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3792163B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3792163B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A revolvable active diffuser (100) for vehicle (200) comprises a diffuser bracket (1) immovably fixed relative to a vehicle body, an electrical motor (2) fixed on the diffuser bracket and a driving rod (3) driven by the electrical motor to rotate. The diffuser (100) further comprises a diffuser inner plate (5) mounted on the diffuser bracket, a middle part of the diffuser inner plate being connected to the driving rod by means of a connecting rod (4). Under the driving of the electrical motor, the diffuser inner plate performs rotation movement relative to the diffuser bracket, so as to form an airflow channel for air to flow between the diffuser inner plate and the diffuser bracket.