Airflow control devices based on active materials
First Claim
1. An air deflector for a vehicle comprising:
- an active material comprising an elongated body having one end fixedly attached to a stationary surface, wherein the active material is adapted to change a flexural modulus property in response to an activation signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An airflow control device comprises a body and an active material in operative communication with the body. The active material, such as shape memory material, is operative to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The active material can change its shape, dimensions and/or stiffness producing a change in at least one feature of the airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness to control vehicle airflow to better suit changes in driving conditions such as weather, ground clearance and speed, while reducing maintenance and the level of failure modes. As such, the device reduces vehicle damage due to inadequate ground clearance, while increasing vehicle stability and fuel economy. An activation device, controller and sensors may be employed to further control the change in at least one feature of the airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness of the device. A method for controlling vehicle airflow selectively introduces an activation signal to initiate a change of at least one feature of the device that can be reversed upon discontinuation of the activation signal.
99 Citations
26 Claims
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1. An air deflector for a vehicle comprising:
an active material comprising an elongated body having one end fixedly attached to a stationary surface, wherein the active material is adapted to change a flexural modulus property in response to an activation signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An air deflector for a vehicle comprising:
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a hinge comprising an active material adapted to hingingly communicate with a stationary surface, wherein the active material is adapted to change a flexural modulus property in response to an activation signal; and
a rigid flap fixedly attached to the hinge. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A method of operating an air deflector, comprising:
activating an active material to change at least one attribute of the active material, wherein the air deflector comprises an elongated body of the active material having one end fixedly attached to a stationary surface and an other end in an impinging airflow path, wherein the change in the at least one attribute changes a deflection angle of the air deflector. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26)
Specification