Vehicle Body Deflector Dynamics for Aerodynamic and Impact Trade-offs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle body lower structures face challenges in achieving optimal aerodynamic performance while also ensuring the deflector can smoothly transition from a deployed to a stowed position without damage when encountering obstacles.

Innovation Solution

The vehicle body lower structure incorporates a deflector that is movable between a stowed and a deployed position, maintained in the deployed position by its own weight or an elastic member, and transitions to the stowed position upon impact, utilizing a shaft member and optional elastic or buckle mechanisms for smooth movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the deflector is maintained in the deployed position by rigid fixation, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the deflector cannot smoothly transition to the stowed position when encountering obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoidability to transition position

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the deflector movable rather than fixed. The deflector is connected to the vehicle body through a shaft member that allows rotation, enabling it to dynamically transition between the deployed position (for aerodynamic performance) and the stowed position (when encountering obstacles). This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its state based on operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the deflector is made movable to allow transition between positions, then adaptability is improved, but structural stability and aerodynamic performance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to transition positionVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft member connection provides controlled mobility while maintaining structural integrity. The rotational joint allows the deflector to change position smoothly without compromising the overall structural stability of the vehicle body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft member acts as an intermediary between the deflector and the vehicle body, providing a controlled connection that allows movement while maintaining structural stability. This intermediary component enables the transition between positions without direct rigid attachment, resolving the contradiction between movability and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the deflector is held firmly in the deployed position, then aerodynamic performance is maximized, but impact damage occurs when obstacles are encountered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoidresistance to impact damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The movable connection through the shaft member allows the deflector to dynamically respond to impact forces by transitioning to the stowed position, thereby avoiding damage while maintaining aerodynamic performance during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the positional parameter of the deflector based on operating conditions. During normal operation, the deflector is in the deployed position for optimal aerodynamics. When impact is detected or anticipated, the deflector transitions to the stowed position, changing the geometric parameter to avoid damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This design enhances aerodynamic performance and prevents damage to the deflector by allowing it to smoothly move from the deployed to the stowed position when encountering obstacles, thus improving both aerodynamics and structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

the deflector is maintained in the deployed position protruding downward by its own weight

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

an elastic member, disposed between the vehicle body and the deflector to apply force on the deflector. The deflector is maintained in the deployed position protruding downward further by the force applied by the elastic member, and when receiving an impact load from below, the elastic member is compressed, allowing the deflector to move from the deployed position to the stowed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12280836B2Vehicle body lower structure

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

The disclosure provides a vehicle body lower structure. The vehicle body lower structure includes: a deflector, disposed on a vehicle body and movable between a stowed position covering a lower part of the vehicle body and a deployed position protruding downward; and a shaft member, extending in a vehicle left-right direction and rotatably connecting a front end of the deflector to the vehicle body. The deflector is maintained in the deployed position protruding downward by its own weight, and receiving an impact load from below, the deflector moves from the deployed position to the stowed position.