Vehicle Spoiler Arcuate Hinge Lever Toggle Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spoiler apparatuses for vehicles are complex and require significant installation space, with limited efficiency in aerodynamic adjustment and control.
Innovation Solution
The use of arcuate hinge levers and a toggle lever mechanism with an electric motor, connected via an electronic control unit, allows for precise and space-efficient pivoting of the spoiler blade, with adjustable positions based on vehicle speed and braking conditions, and includes displacement detection for safety and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional four-bar linkage or pivoting link arrangements are used for spoiler adjustment, then the spoiler can be adjusted between rest and operating positions, but the device complexity and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler blade is divided into multiple segments that can be independently adjusted. Each segment has its own bearing points and can be positioned separately, allowing complex aerodynamic adjustments without requiring a complex overall mechanism. This segmentation enables simplified individual adjustment mechanisms for each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimension of adjustment by allowing the spoiler blade to be positioned not only in terms of angle but also in terms of longitudinal position along the vehicle body. This multi-dimensional positioning capability is achieved through a simplified mechanism that combines linear and rotational movements, reducing the complexity compared to traditional four-bar linkages that rely solely on angular adjustments.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple bearing points and complex linkage mechanisms are used for precise spoiler positioning, then positioning accuracy improves, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler blade is segmented into multiple sections, each with its own bearing points. This segmentation allows precise positioning of each segment independently while using compact bearing mechanisms that require minimal installation space. The segmented approach distributes the positioning function across multiple simple points rather than requiring one complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical linkage systems with a simplified bearing-based mechanism. Instead of using four-bar linkages or pivoting links that require significant space, the patent uses bearing points that allow direct rotation and positioning with minimal mechanical intervention, thereby achieving high precision in a compact footprint.
3Device complexity
If the electric motor is mounted centrally on the vehicle body, then the adjustment mechanism is simplified, but the control precision and response time for aerodynamic adjustments are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler blade is segmented into multiple sections that can be adjusted independently. This segmentation allows the central electric motor to control each segment separately, maintaining control precision despite the centralized motor location. Each segment responds to control signals independently, enabling rapid aerodynamic adjustments without requiring the motor to be positioned at multiple locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds longitudinal positioning capability to the spoiler segments in addition to angular adjustment. This multi-dimensional control from a central motor location enables precise aerodynamic management by adjusting both the angle and position of each segment, achieving rapid response times without requiring distributed motor placement.
4Ease of operation
If traditional hinge mechanisms are used for spoiler blade mounting, then the pivot function is achieved, but the installation space and mechanical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical hinge mechanisms with bearing-based pivot points. These bearing points provide the necessary rotational function with minimal mechanical complexity and significantly reduced installation space. The bearing points allow direct rotation of the spoiler blade segments without requiring complex hinge linkages, achieving the same pivoting function in a compact form.
Solution Approach 2:
Each segment of the spoiler blade is equipped with its own bearing points located at specific positions along the blade. This local placement of bearing points allows each segment to pivot independently with minimal space requirements, rather than using a centralized hinge mechanism that would require more installation space and mechanical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A spoiler apparatus for a vehicle has a spoiler blade that is pivotally mounted about a transverse vehicle axis. An electric motor moves the spoiler blade between operating positions. The spoiler blade has a first mounting location on each end and is pivotally mounted there on the spoiler housing by way of a hinge. The hinges are advantageously each formed by an arched hinge lever, the hinge lever being rotatably mounted on one end on the spoiler housing fixed to the vehicle and mounted on the other end on the spoiler blade for conjoint rotation. Viewed transversely to the direction of the vehicle, the electric motor is fixed on the spoiler housing between the first mounting locations and, by way of a toggle lever mechanism, is operatively connected thereto in a second mounting location of the spoiler blade.