Vehicle Air Guide Device with Coupled Lateral Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air guiding devices for vehicles lack a simple method to adjust their transverse extent, which limits their ability to optimize rear axle output coefficient while maintaining a consistent drag coefficient.
Innovation Solution
The air guiding device features a coupling mechanism that synchronizes the linear or translational adjustment of lateral additional air guiding elements with the central main air guiding element, allowing simultaneous movement from a retracted to an extended position and vice versa, using a mechanical coupling device to actuate the lateral elements relative to the main element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lateral additional air guiding elements are adjusted independently after main air guiding element displacement, then adjustment flexibility is improved, but device complexity and adjustment time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjustment of lateral additional air guiding elements with the displacement of the main air guiding element by using a coupling device. This ensures that both adjustments occur simultaneously during a single actuation cycle, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adjustment flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the displacement of the main air guiding element into coordinated linear adjustment of the lateral additional air guiding elements. This mediator ensures synchronized movement without requiring independent control systems for each component.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple independent actuating devices are used for main and lateral air guiding elements, then adjustment precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuation functions by using a single actuating device for the main air guiding element that automatically triggers the adjustment of lateral elements through the coupling device. This unified approach maintains adjustment precision while significantly reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs compared to multiple independent actuating devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device enables the lateral additional air guiding elements to adjust themselves automatically based on the displacement of the main air guiding element. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate actuating devices while maintaining precise coordination between all components.
3Loss of time
If lateral additional air guiding elements are adjusted simultaneously with main air guiding element displacement, then adjustment time is reduced, but mechanical coupling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device serves as a mechanical intermediary that efficiently translates the displacement motion of the main air guiding element into coordinated linear adjustment of lateral elements. This intermediary mechanism achieves simultaneous adjustment without requiring complex multi-axis coordination systems or synchronized control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic synchronization systems with a purely mechanical coupling device that inherently coordinates the movement of all air guiding elements. This mechanical substitution simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for sensors, controllers, and software synchronization while achieving simultaneous adjustment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an air guide device (13) for a vehicle, in particular for a passenger car, which is arranged in a rear area (10) of the vehicle and comprises at least one central main air guide element (14) which can be moved from a retracted rest position to an extended operating position, wherein lateral auxiliary air guide elements (15, 16) can be moved together with the main air guide element (14). According to the invention, the auxiliary air guide elements (15, 16) are adjustable relative to the main air guide element (14) essentially linearly or translationally in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in order to move them from a retracted rest position to an extended operating position, wherein each auxiliary air guide element (15, 16) is guided in a guide device (20, 21) and can be moved along it.