Vehicle Air Guide Control for Early Malfunction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerodynamic devices for motor vehicles do not effectively detect malfunctions before reaching operational speed, which can compromise operational safety.
Innovation Solution
An aerodynamically effective device with a control unit that performs a function test of the air guide element and its drive unit before reaching the operational speed threshold, using a position sensing device to detect malfunctions and activate counter-measures, including automatic stabilization and driver notification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the aerodynamic device is activated only after reaching the first vehicle speed threshold, then the device operates under optimal aerodynamic conditions, but malfunction detection is delayed until it is too late to prevent safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs a function test of the drive unit before the aerodynamic device is activated (below the first vehicle speed threshold). This preliminary test checks whether the drive unit can move the air guide element from the position of rest to a function test position, enabling early malfunction detection before the device becomes operational and before safety hazards can develop
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the air guide element is moved to a function test position for testing, then malfunction detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The movement range of the air guide element is segmented into distinct positions: position of rest, function test position, and operating position. The function test position is a specific intermediate position between rest and operating positions, allowing the drive unit to be tested at a defined location without requiring full deployment to the operating position
Solution Approach 2:
A function test position serves as an intermediary state between the position of rest and the operating position. This intermediate position allows the control unit to verify drive unit functionality without committing to full device activation, providing a safety checkpoint that simplifies the overall control logic compared to continuous monitoring
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
Enhances operational safety by enabling early detection and mitigation of malfunctions, ensuring the air guide element functions correctly and preventing potential hazards during vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
The position sensing device can be, for example, a Hall sensor or a micro switch
Data Source
AI summary
An aerodynamically effective device for a motor vehicle has an air guide element that can be moved between a position of rest and at least one operating position, a drive unit for moving the air guide element, and a control unit. The control unit is adapted to instruct the drive unit to move the air guide element from the position of rest into the operating position, on reaching a first vehicle speed threshold value. Furthermore, the control unit is adapted to carry out a function test of the drive unit below the first vehicle speed threshold value.