Vehicle Spoiler Four-Bar Linkage Height and Angle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow guiding devices for motor vehicles, such as spoilers, have limited extension height and achievable positions, restricting their ability to provide effective aerodynamic enhancements and air braking functions.
Innovation Solution
A flow guiding device with a compact design integrated into the movable trunk lid, utilizing two four-bar linkages for height and angle adjustments, and a two-stroke mechanism for overextended positions, allowing for multiple operating positions including an air braking function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple pivoting movement mechanism is used for the spoiler, then the device complexity is reduced, but the extension height and achievable positions are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is divided into two independent four-bar linkages: the first four-bar linkage controls the installation height of the spoiler, while the second four-bar linkage controls the inclination angle (angle of attack). This segmentation allows each linkage to independently adjust one degree of freedom, enabling the spoiler to achieve multiple operating positions including air brake function without requiring an overly complex single-mechanism solution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable four-bar linkages where the geometric parameters (link lengths, pivot positions) can be modified to change the spoiler's trajectory and operating positions. This dynamic adjustability allows the same mechanism to provide multiple functions (downforce generation, air braking) by reconfiguring the linkage parameters, thereby increasing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
2Length of moving object
If the extension height of the air guide profile is increased to improve aerodynamic effect, then the spoiler reaches its extended position behind the rear of the vehicle, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The four-bar linkage mechanism provides dynamic adjustability of the spoiler's installation height through modification of the linkage geometric parameters. By changing the link lengths or pivot positions, the desired extension height can be achieved while keeping the spoiler tip within acceptable spatial limits (not extending behind the vehicle rear). This parametric adjustment allows optimization of both extension height and manufacturability
3Device complexity
If a compact design integrated into the movable trunk lid is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the ability to achieve multiple operating positions including air brake function is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The compact integrated design achieves multiple operating positions by segmenting the adjustment function into two independent four-bar linkages, each controlling one degree of freedom (height and angle). This segmentation allows the compact structure to provide full versatility for aerodynamic adjustments and air brake function without requiring a complex single-mechanism solution
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable four-bar linkage mechanism provides multi-functionality, allowing the same compact integrated structure to perform multiple functions: generating downforce at various driving conditions and providing air brake function by adjusting to specific positions. The geometric parameters of the linkages can be optimized to achieve different operating modes from a single mechanism
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 device achieves a high degree of variability in aerodynamic settings, enabling effective downforce generation and air braking, with a compact design that minimizes complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
the spoiler's downforce effect
Implementation Method 2
aerodynamic properties of a vehicle
Implementation Method 3
placed in a position of high air resistance to act as an 'air brake,' thus enhancing the effect of conventional brakes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The invention relates to a flow guide device (10) of a motor vehicle (1), comprising a spoiler (12) attached to a tailgate (6) of the motor vehicle, and an adjustment kinematic device (20) for adjusting the spoiler (12) between a rest position in which the spoiler (12) is arranged flush with the tailgate (6) and at least one functional position in which the spoiler is extended above the vehicle contour or the surface of the tailgate (6) with respect to height and/or angle in order to achieve a downforce effect and/or braking effect and/or aerodynamic improvement during the driving of the motor vehicle (1), wherein the adjustment of the adjustment kinematic device (20) is effected by means of controllable drive means.This flow guide device shall be further developed in such a way that, with a compact design and integration into the movable tailgate (6), a large number of operating positions of the spoiler can be set, whereby at least one operating position shall fulfill the function of an air brake.For this purpose, the adjustment kinematic arrangement (20) comprises at least one adjustment kinematic unit (20A) which is formed from a first adjustment kinematic (24) and a second adjustment kinematic (26) coupled to it, wherein the first adjustment kinematic (24) is designed as a four-bar linkage and is used to adjust a projection height and the second adjustment kinematic (26) is designed as a four-bar linkage and is used to adjust a projection angle and an adjustment of the spoiler (12) is a superimposed kinematic adjustment movement of the first and second adjustment kinematic (24, 26), and wherein the first adjustment kinematic (24) comprises at least one fixed pivot axis (S1) which can be pivoted via an electric motor (60) as a drive means and wherein the second adjustment kinematic (26) comprises a fixed pivot axis (S6) which can be pivoted via a separately controllable electric motor (61) as a drive means.