Speed-Sensitive Sub Spoiler for Vehicle Aerodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing front spoiler devices are prone to damage when reversing from a pavement onto a lower-lying street or when the front wheels encounter a curb, due to their design which does not effectively manage airflow and structural integrity at varying speeds.
Innovation Solution
A speed-sensitive sub spoiler is integrated between the underside of a motor vehicle's radiator and a main spoiler, featuring a film hinge and spring elements that adjust the spoiler's position in response to airflow, ensuring sealing and protection from damage during reversing and curb encounters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the front spoiler protrudes downwards to seal the space between the radiator and the main spoiler, then airflow sealing is improved, but the spoiler becomes vulnerable to damage when reversing from pavement or encountering curbs
Solution Approach 1:
The front spoiler is designed with dynamic movement capability through a hinge connection to the vehicle body and spring elements for force application. The spoiler can actively change its position between a lowered sealing position during normal driving and a raised protection position when encountering obstacles, allowing it to adapt to different operational conditions and avoid damage while maintaining sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements are pre-loaded to store potential energy that is released when the spoiler encounters an obstacle or needs to return to its sealed position. This preliminary energy storage enables the spoiler to automatically raise for protection or return to the sealing position without requiring active control systems, ensuring both protection and sealing functions are achieved
2Strength
If the spoiler is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but the spoiler cannot adapt to varying speeds and airflow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The front spoiler transitions from a rigid fixed structure to a dynamic movable structure hinged at the vehicle body. This allows the spoiler to rotate and adjust its angle relative to the airflow based on vehicle speed and aerodynamic forces, optimizing performance across different driving conditions while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement
Solution Approach 2:
The spoiler's operational parameters (position, angle, height) are changed in response to varying vehicle speeds and airflow conditions. The spring elements and hinge mechanism enable continuous adjustment of the spoiler's configuration, allowing it to optimize aerodynamic performance at different speeds rather than maintaining a fixed rigid position
3Strength
If the spoiler is made movable to avoid damage, then damage resistance is improved, but the sealing effectiveness between radiator and main spoiler deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The front spoiler utilizes dynamic positioning to resolve the contradiction between damage resistance and sealing effectiveness. During normal driving, the spoiler moves to a lowered position that maintains contact or proximity to the main spoiler, ensuring effective airflow sealing. When obstacles are detected or during reversing, the spoiler raises to a protective position, demonstrating that the same movable mechanism can serve both sealing and protection functions based on operational conditions
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
The solution ensures the spoiler remains sealed and intact during reversing and curb encounters, maintaining airflow efficiency and preventing damage by adjusting its position dynamically with vehicle speed, thereby enhancing the vehicle's aerodynamics and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring element, in particular two spring elements, which are arranged on the spoiler and rest on the support part in the rest position of the spoiler
Implementation Method 2
the spoiler can be pivoted in the clockwise direction (arrow B) and in the counterclockwise direction (arrow C)
Implementation Method 3
A spoiler 14 is integral with the supporting part 10 and is connected via an area that acts as a film hinge 12
Implementation Method 4
The force resulting from the air flow moves the air deflector towards its lower end position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The front spoiler device has a spoiler (14) which is rotated around an axle running in transverse direction of a vehicle by an air flow with increasing vehicle speed from a resting position into a maximum effect position. A spring unit (18,20) flexibly pressurizes the spoiler into a resting position, where the spoiler is formed in resting position of an air conducting surface.