Integrated Running Board Aero Shield for Drag and Ground Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large vehicles face challenges in meeting industry and regulatory fuel economy requirements due to the added weight and aerodynamic inefficiencies caused by running boards, which are compounded by the complexity and interference issues in existing automated running board and aerodynamic side panel systems.
Innovation Solution
An active rocker aerodynamic shield is integrated into an automated running board, using existing linkages for mounting, eliminating the need for a dedicated motor and attachment scheme, and allowing the shield to tuck away for ground clearance at lower speeds and deploy to reduce air resistance at higher speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an automated running board is added to large vehicles, then ease of operation is improved, but weight increases and fuel economy worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the automated running board system with the aerodynamic side panel system into a single integrated assembly. The running board and aerodynamic panel share common mounting structures, linkages, and control systems, allowing both functions to be achieved without the full weight penalty of separate systems. This merging directly addresses the weight-fuel economy contradiction by reducing overall system mass while maintaining ease of operation benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the step function for ease of operation, delivers aerodynamic benefits to improve fuel economy, and offers ground clearance protection. By making the running board structure multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing weight while maintaining operational benefits.
2Loss of energy
If aerodynamic panels are added below the rocker panel, then fuel economy is improved, but ground clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic panels are designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. They can change position or configuration based on vehicle operating conditions, allowing the system to provide maximum aerodynamic benefit during highway cruising while maintaining adequate ground clearance during low-speed operations or when obstacles are present. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between fuel economy and ground clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerodynamic panels are nested within or integrated into the running board structure itself. When the running board is retracted, the aerodynamic panels can be stored within the same space, eliminating the need for additional external structures that would reduce ground clearance. This nesting approach allows aerodynamic benefits without the permanent clearance penalty.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate automated running board and aerodynamic side panel systems are mounted, then both functions are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the automated running board and aerodynamic side panel into a single unified assembly with shared components. The mounting structures, linkage mechanisms, motors, and control systems are common to both functions, eliminating the complexity of having two separate systems. This merging maintains full functionality while dramatically reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly uses universal components that serve both the running board function and the aerodynamic function. For example, the same motor and linkage system that deploys the running board also positions the aerodynamic panels. This multi-functionality approach achieves both desired functions without duplicating systems, thereby reducing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An active rocker aerodynamic shield integrated into an automated running board for a motor vehicle. By using the existing automated running board linkages as a mounting location for the panels, the addition of a dedicated motor, linkage/pivot, and vehicle attachment scheme is no longer need for the aero benefit since components can be shared. The use of the moving linkages (Inner link, outer link, & lower mount) as attachment points for a panel(s) that is used to limit the flow of air to the underbody of a vehicle. When the miming board is in its stowed position. The panel is also stowed out of the line of sight and airflow. When the benefit of the aero panel is desired, the running board moves to the deployed position, orienting the aero panel in a position to reduce the amount of airflow under the vehicle.