Rotatable Side Spoiler Control for Ground Clearance and Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobility vehicles face challenges with air resistance, which affects fuel efficiency and ground clearance due to the installation of side skirts, leading to potential damage and driving restrictions.
Innovation Solution
A side spoiler device with rotatable and divisible side spoilers controlled by a power transfer unit and controller, adjusting deployment angles based on driving conditions and road conditions to optimize aerodynamic performance and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a side skirt is installed on the lower part of the mobility vehicle to block air flow, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but ground clearance is lowered causing potential damage and driving restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The side spoiler is designed to be rotatable between a deployed position (providing aerodynamic benefits) and a stowed position (maintaining ground clearance). The rotatable mechanism allows the spoiler to dynamically adjust its position based on driving conditions, resolving the contradiction between aerodynamic performance and ground clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The side spoiler is divided into multiple independently controllable segments along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. This segmentation allows different portions of the spoiler to be deployed or stowed independently, optimizing aerodynamic performance while maintaining adequate ground clearance in different regions.
2Reliability
If the side spoiler is fixed to the lower part of the mobility vehicle to maximize aerodynamic improvement, then aerodynamic performance is enhanced, but ground clearance is reduced restricting driving capability
Solution Approach 1:
The side spoiler incorporates a rotatable mechanism that enables it to switch between deployed and stowed positions. This dynamic capability allows the vehicle to adapt to different driving conditions, maintaining both aerodynamic performance when needed and driving capability when ground clearance is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment angle of the side spoiler can be adjusted to different positions (fully deployed, partially deployed, or fully stowed). This parameter change allows optimization of aerodynamic performance while preserving driving capability across various operational scenarios.
3Use of energy by moving object
If side spoilers are deployed to control air flow and improve fuel efficiency, then aerodynamic performance is optimized, but the spoilers may be damaged on slopes or high-speed bumps
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable side spoiler can be dynamically adjusted between deployed and stowed positions. When approaching slopes or high-speed bumps, the spoiler can be retracted to prevent damage, while maintaining aerodynamic performance during normal driving conditions for improved fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors to detect road conditions and automatically adjusts the side spoiler position accordingly. When obstacles or uneven terrain are detected, the spoiler is retracted to prevent damage, while maintaining optimal aerodynamic positioning during normal driving for fuel efficiency improvement.
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
Improves aerodynamic performance by optimizing air flow control and maintaining ground clearance, enhancing fuel efficiency and preventing spoiler damage across various driving scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a side spoiler (100) installed to be able to rotate in a lower part (10) of a vehicle body
Data Source
AI summary
In the present disclosure, the side spoiler is provided on a lower side of a mobility vehicle so that aerodynamic performance is improved, and a deployment angle of the side spoiler is controlled according to driving conditions and road conditions so that desired aerodynamic performance is realized, and damage to the side spoiler is prevented. In addition, introduced is a side spoiler device for the mobility vehicle, in which the side spoiler is divided into a plurality of side spoilers so that aerodynamic performance for each driving situation is optimized through individual control of each side spoiler.