Vehicle Spoiler Multi-Link Geometric Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spoiler mechanisms for vehicles face challenges in resisting substantial vertical loads, such as aerodynamic and snow loads, without using complex actuators with brakes or anti-back-driving features, which add weight and cost.
Innovation Solution
A spoiler mechanism utilizing a multi-link assembly with pivot points and a rotary actuator that transitions through stowed and deployed positions, providing geometrically locked positions to resist loads without the need for additional braking mechanisms, by using a mounting bracket and links of varying lengths to maintain stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If actuators incorporate a brake or other feature to prevent back-driving, then the spoiler can resist vertical loads, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the brake mechanism from the actuator by extracting the load-resisting function and relocating it to the multi-link assembly geometry. The actuator becomes a simple rotary motor without back-driving prevention features, while the multi-link assembly's geometric configuration (three pivot points in a plane at deployed positions) provides the load resistance through mechanical advantage and geometric locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-link assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the simple rotary actuator and the spoiler. It translates the actuator's rotational motion into spoiler deployment while providing the geometric locking function that prevents back-driving loads from affecting the actuator. This intermediary structure enables the actuator to remain simple while still achieving load resistance.
2Strength
If actuators incorporate a brake or other feature to prevent back-driving, then the spoiler can resist vertical loads, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the expensive brake mechanism from the actuator and replaces it with a simpler multi-link assembly that achieves load resistance through geometric configuration rather than active braking components. This extraction significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the required load-resisting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex actuator brakes with simpler, more cost-effective mechanical linkages. The multi-link assembly uses basic pivot points and links that are cheaper to manufacture than precision brake mechanisms, achieving the same functional outcome at lower cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spoiler is deployed to multiple positions, then the aerodynamic control is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic multi-link assembly that automatically transitions between geometric configurations based on the spoiler's position. As the spoiler moves through different deployment angles, the pivot points naturally align to create geometrically locked positions without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms for each position. The system adapts its geometry to the required position.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-link assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the deployment mechanism, provides geometric locking at deployed positions, and enables multi-position capability. This universal mechanism replaces what would otherwise require separate systems for each function, reducing overall complexity while achieving versatile aerodynamic control.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A spoiler mechanism (13) for a vehicle (10) includes a spoiler (16) that has a stowed position and first and second deployed positions. An actuator (22) is configured to move the spoiler (16) though the stowed and first and second deployed positions in response to a command. A multi-link assembly (20) is interconnected by pivot points. The multi-link assembly (20) is operatively connected to the spoiler (16). In the first deployed position at least three pivot points are aligned with one another in a plane and provide a first geometrically locked position. In the second deployed position a second geometrically locked position is provided in which a link of the multi-link assembly (20) abuts another structure.