Ride-Height Aero Actuation for Sensorless Underbody Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle aerodynamic systems do not automatically adjust to changes in ride height without affecting the stowed position of aerodynamic elements, requiring additional sensors or electronic components for control, and fail to optimize aerodynamic positions based on ride height modes.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable ride height aerodynamic system using hydraulic actuators synchronized with vehicle suspension, allowing the aerodynamic elements to change positions synchronously with ride height adjustments, maintaining a predetermined spatial relationship and deploying at varying angles based on ride height modes without additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If aerodynamic elements are deployed while driving to change aerodynamic characteristics, then vehicle aerodynamic performance is improved, but the stowed position of aerodynamic elements is affected and additional sensors or electronic components are required for control
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's existing ride height adjustment mechanism to automatically control aerodynamic element deployment. The ride height actuator serves dual purposes: adjusting ride height and controlling aerodynamic element position, eliminating the need for separate sensors or electronic control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the ride height adjustment function with the aerodynamic element control function into a single integrated system. The ride height actuator and aerodynamic element control actuator work together through a mechanical linkage to achieve coordinated adjustment without requiring independent control systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If aerodynamic elements are deployed at fixed positions, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but the system cannot automatically accommodate ride height changes between comfort and sport modes
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed aerodynamic element positions to dynamic, adjustable positions that automatically adapt to ride height changes. The aerodynamic element can be deployed at different angles and positions depending on whether the vehicle is in comfort or sport mode, providing flexibility while maintaining manufacturability through a standardized actuator mechanism.
3Measurement precision
If additional sensors or electronic components are used to control aerodynamic positions, then precise control is achieved, but system complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for additional sensors by using the existing ride height actuator position and vehicle speed information to automatically determine the appropriate aerodynamic element position. The control logic is embedded in the actuator system itself, reducing complexity while maintaining precision.
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
Enables continuous switching of aerodynamic elements between comfort and sport modes, optimizing aerodynamic characteristics and ground clearance without reliance on additional sensors, enhancing vehicle performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an aerodynamic element ride actuator adapted to extend and retract synchronously when a vehicle ride height is respectively increased and decreased
Implementation Method 2
an aerodynamic element angle actuator adapted to extend and retract respectively to deploy and to stow the aerodynamic element
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable ride height vehicle aerodynamic system comprises an aerodynamic element ride actuator and an aerodynamic element angle actuator connected in series and mounted in a vehicle. An aerodynamic element is adapted to rest in an inactive stowed position and to move from the stowed position to at least one active deployed position at an angle in relation to a vehicle underbody under the control of the aerodynamic element angle actuator to alter vehicle aerodynamic characteristics. The aerodynamic element ride actuator is adapted to extend and retract synchronously with a respective vehicle ride height increase and decrease, and the aerodynamic element angle actuator is adapted to extend and retract respectively to deploy and to stow the aerodynamic element.