US 2016/0236728 A1Published application

Dynamically adjustable airfoil system for road vehicles

OwnerMustafa Ali Hussain AL-HUWAIDERinventor

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Abstract

The dynamically adjustable airfoil system for road vehicles includes a pair of airfoils having their respective inner ends pivotally mounted to a central, vertical base on the rear of a road vehicle. An airfoil lift assembly is coupled to an outer end of each airfoil and to a rear wheel suspension system to facilitate dynamic adjustable positioning of the airfoils in response to movements of the suspension system. A split flap is pivotally mounted to each airfoil. A split flap actuator assembly is mounted inside each airfoil and coupled to a corresponding split flap to selectively and independently open or close the respective split flap. Opening of the split flap to various angles increases downforce exerted on the rear suspension system for improved performance. A controller controls deployment and angular disposition of the split flaps, depending on driving conditions.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A dynamically adjustable airfoil system for road vehicles, comprising:

a vertical base adapted for mounting to a rear of a vehicle;
a pair of airfoils, each of the airfoils having an inner end pivotally mounted to the vertical base;
an airfoil lift assembly connected to an outer end of each of the airfoils and adapted for connection to a rear suspension system of the vehicle, the airfoil lift assembly raising and lowering the corresponding airfoil in response to movements of the rear suspension system;
wherein said airfoil lift assembly comprises:
a slanted base adapted for mounting to a rear suspension system of a rear tire, the slanted base having a beveled upper surface;
a damper extending upward from the beveled face;
a spring coupled to the damper, the damper and the spring absorbing shocks from the rear tire during use;
and
an elongate airfoil lift tie rod pivotally connected to the damper at one end, the other end of the airfoil lift tie rod being pivotally connected to a corresponding one of said airfoils;
a split flap pivotally mounted to each of the airfoils, the split flap being pivotal between a closed position and an open position;
a split flap actuator assembly disposed inside each of the airfoils and coupled to the corresponding split flap, the split flap actuator assembly selectively opening and closing the corresponding split flap to increase and decrease downforce respectively;
and
a controller connected to each of the split flap actuator assemblies, the controller controlling deployment of each of the split flaps independently in response to driving conditions;
wherein selective deployment of the split flaps increases downforce on rear wheels of the vehicle to increase maneuverability and performance.

11 more elements

A dynamically adjustable airfoil system for road vehicles, comprising:

a vertical base adapted for mounting to a rear of a vehicle;
a pair of airfoils, each of the airfoils having an inner end pivotally mounted to the vertical base;
an airfoil lift assembly connected to an outer end of each of the airfoils and adapted for connection to a rear suspension system of the vehicle, the airfoil lift assembly raising and lowering the corresponding airfoil in response to movements of the rear suspension system;
a split flap pivotally mounted to each of the airfoils, the split flap being pivotal between a closed position and an open position;
a split flap actuator assembly disposed inside each of the airfoils and coupled to the corresponding split flap, the split flap actuator assembly selectively opening and closing the corresponding split flap to increase and decrease downforce respectively;
and
a controller connected to each of the split flap actuator assemblies, the controller controlling deployment of each of the split flaps independently in response to driving conditions;
wherein selective deployment of the split flaps increases downforce on rear wheels of the vehicle to increase maneuverability and performance;
wherein each said split flap comprises a substantially flat wing section having an end and at least one hinge pivotally connecting a corresponding said airfoil and the end of the wing section.

6 more elements

A dynamically adjustable airfoil system for road vehicles, comprising:

a base adapted for mounting to a rear of a vehicle;
a pair of airfoils, each of the airfoils having an inner end pivotally mounted to the base and an outer end;
an airfoil lift assembly coupled to the outer end of each of the airfoils and adapted for connection to a rear suspension system of the vehicle, the airfoil lift assembly raising and lowering the corresponding airfoil in response to movements of the rear suspension system;
at least one hinge mounted to each of the airfoils at one of the ends of the airfoil;
a split flap pivotally mounted to the at least one hinge on a corresponding one of the airfoils, the split flap being pivotal between a closed position and an open position;
and
a split flap actuator assembly disposed inside each of the airfoils and connected to the corresponding split flap, the split flap actuator assembly selectively opening and closing the corresponding split flap to increase and decrease downforce, respectively;
wherein selective deployment of the split flaps increases downforce on the rear of the vehicle to increase maneuverability and performance.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 14/798,389Filed 13 Jul 2015
Priority: 13 Feb 2015
Published: 18 Aug 2016
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification9 codes

B62D 35/007
Vehicle bodies characterised by streamlining: rear spoilers
B60G 17/00
Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for
B60G 99/00
Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
B62D 37/02
Stabilising vehicle bodies without controlling suspension arrangements: by aerodynamic means