Actuatable Wheel Deflector for Offset Impact Wheel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
During certain vehicle impacts, such as offset frontal collisions, the wheels can be driven rearward and inboard, leading to potential loss of vehicle control and increased damage due to the offset nature of the impact.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle wheel deflector system utilizing a linear actuator, pyrotechnic material, and pivotally connected members to move from a stowed to a deployed position, deflecting the wheel outboard during impacts to maintain vehicle stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wheel is allowed to move freely during impact, then the vehicle structure absorbs more impact energy, but the wheel can be driven rearward and inboard causing loss of vehicle control
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel deflector is positioned in advance within the wheel well to counteract the harmful rearward and inboard wheel displacement before it occurs during impact. The deflector creates preliminary resistance to wheel movement in the harmful directions, preventing loss of vehicle control while allowing the vehicle structure to absorb impact energy.
2Reliability
If a wheel deflector system is deployed to prevent wheel displacement, then vehicle control is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel deflector system transitions from a static to a dynamic configuration through the linear actuator. The actuator enables the deflector to move between a stowed position (reducing complexity and interference with normal wheel operation) and a deployed position (providing wheel control during impact). This dynamic adaptability maintains vehicle control while minimizing device complexity during normal operation.
3Reliability
If the linear actuator moves the deflector from stowed to deployed position, then wheel deflection capability is activated, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linear actuator operates periodically rather than continuously, activating the wheel deflector only during impact events when wheel control is needed. The actuator moves the deflector from stowed to deployed position during impact, then returns it to the stowed position when normal operation resumes. This periodic action minimizes energy consumption while maintaining wheel deflection capability when required.
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
The system effectively manages wheel kinematics during offset impacts, enhancing vehicle control and reducing damage by deflecting the wheel outboard, thereby improving safety and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The linear actuator may include pyrotechnic material
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a vehicle body having a wheel well. The vehicle includes a linear actuator supported by the vehicle body vehicle-rearward of the wheel well. The vehicle includes a first member extending between a first end and a second end, the first end pivotally connected to the vehicle body. The vehicle includes a second member extending between a first end and a second end, the first end of the second member pivotally connected to the second end of the first member, the second end of the second member connected to the linear actuator. The linear actuator, the first member, and the second member movable from a stowed position toward the wheel well to a deployed position.