Vehicle Air Conduction Element with Multipoint Joint Gap Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conduction devices for motor vehicles create additional air resistance due to gaps between the air conduction elements and the vehicle body, leading to turbulence and increased fuel consumption, as they are not securely integrated in their operating position.
Innovation Solution
The air conduction device features a movably configured air conduction element with multipoint joint kinematics and a connection element that closes the joint gap, using a plate-shaped joint plate with reinforcing ribs, and a cover element to minimize air flow behind the device, reducing air resistance by ensuring secure and stable adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the air conduction element is completely spaced apart from the body in its operating position to enable adjustment, then the air conduction device can be adjusted between positions, but additional air resistance is caused due to gaps creating turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
A cover element is introduced as an intermediary component that closes the gap between the air conduction element and the body in the operating position. The cover element is connected to the air conduction element and extends to close the gap, preventing air from flowing through the joint gap and reducing turbulence while allowing the air conduction element to remain adjustable.
2Ease of operation
If the air conduction element is spaced apart from the body to allow movement, then adjustment kinematics can be implemented, but flow channels in the form of gaps create breaks in air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element serves as a mediator that maintains air flow continuity by closing the gap created by the movable air conduction element. It is positioned to extend from the air conduction element toward the body, preventing air from accessing the joint gap and ensuring smooth air flow along the intended path.
3Reliability
If joint planes are spaced apart to form adjustment kinematics, then the air conduction element can be positioned, but a joint gap is created that allows air to flow behind the device
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element acts as a blocking intermediary that prevents air from flowing through the joint gap between the first and second joint planes. By extending to close this gap, it eliminates the energy loss pathway while preserving the positioning functionality of the spaced-apart joint planes.
Data Source
AI summary
An air conduction device for a motor vehicle including an air conduction element and a movement device with adjustment kinematics. The air conduction element is movable relative to the remaining body as at least part of a tail side part of the vehicle body. The air conduction element moves between an inoperative position and at least one final operating position. The tail side part has a flow guiding area along which air flows which is designed to face an area surrounding the motor vehicle. The air conduction element has a surface which is at least part of the flow guiding area. The air conduction element is configured in its final operating position to lengthen the flow guiding area in the direction of a longitudinal body axis (X) of the body. The adjustment kinematics are configured in the form of multipoint joint kinematics.