Vehicle Spoiler Lip Rest Position Holder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air guiding devices for motor vehicles suffer from aerodynamic and noise issues due to the elastic design of the holding means, which can lead to spring deformation and complete failure when the spoiler lip folds forward, especially during reverse driving.

Innovation Solution

An inelastic rest position holder that securely locks the spoiler lip in place, decoupling and recoupling with the spoiler lip to maintain its position independently of restoring forces, using a magnetic or magnetizable element to grasp and hold the spoiler lip, and adjusting its position for optimal aerodynamics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an elastic spring is used as the holding means for the spoiler lip in the rest position, then the spoiler lip can be returned to the rest position after actuation, but the spoiler lip swings and moves in the rest position causing aerodynamic effects and noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverest position return functionVSAvoidaerodynamic effect and noise in rest position
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the holding function from the restoring function. The restoring device (spring) is extracted from the holding means, and a separate rest position holder is introduced to hold the spoiler lip firmly in the rest position without elastic movement, thereby eliminating aerodynamic effects and noise while maintaining the return function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the restoring device (spring) that provides the return force, and the rest position holder that provides firm positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without the compromises required by a combined elastic holding means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If an elastic spring is used as the holding means, then the spoiler lip can be held in the rest position, but the spring can be plastically deformed when the spoiler lip folds forward causing complete failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding capability in rest positionVSAvoidresistance to plastic deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The holding function is extracted from the elastic spring and assigned to a separate rest position holder. This allows the spring to be optimized solely for providing restoring force without bearing the load of holding the spoiler lip, eliminating the risk of plastic deformation while maintaining holding capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The rest position holder is designed to accommodate and absorb the impact forces when the spoiler lip folds forward during reverse driving. This pre-positioned protective structure prevents the transmitting of excessive forces to the spring, thereby preventing plastic deformation before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the holding means is made inelastic to prevent movement in rest position, then aerodynamic effects are eliminated, but the spoiler lip cannot be easily returned to rest position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamic effect in rest positionVSAvoidrest position return function
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the holding function (performed by the inelastic rest position holder) from the restoring function (performed by the elastic spring). This segmentation allows the holder to be inelastic for aerodynamic stability while the spring provides the necessary elastic restoring force for easy return to rest position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring acts as an intermediary that transfers energy to move the spoiler lip to the rest position, where the inelastic rest position holder then takes over to maintain the position without movement. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction between inelastic holding and easy return.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 spoiler lip remains almost motionless in the rest position, eliminating undesirable aerodynamic effects and preventing spring deformation, ensuring reliable operation and consistent aerodynamics across varying vehicle speeds.

Implementation Method 1

the holding element is designed as an at least magnetic or magnetizable holding element, which detects the spoiler lip with its magnetic effect and holds it in the rest position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic effect: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP1935764B1Air guiding device for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2011.04.27 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG
  • EP1935764B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1935764B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1935764B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The spoiler (5) includes a flap (6) moving between closed (passive) and open (active) positions (RS, WS). An inflatable actuator (7) moves it out into the open position, from which it can be returned to the closed position, where it is held. In novel design, the holder (19, 20) is inelastic. The flap can be uncoupled from it and subsequently re-coupled, when moved between the positions. The flap is held against an end stop (21). The flap itself provides the return force (RK). The holder is magnetic.