SINGLE FORM MULTI-AIRFOIL ELEMENT REAR AERODYNAMIC WING

• US 20170297636A1
• Filed: 04/13/2016
• Published: 10/19/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 04/13/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: FCA US LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Original Assignee: FCA US LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Inventors: Shinedling, Michael M., Pakkam, Sriram S., Guzman-Magana, Arturo
• Granted Patent: US 9,944,335 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 35/007 Rear spoilers B62D35/001 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/82 Elements for improving aerodynamics

Abstract

A multi-airfoil element wing includes a central single-airfoil element and an outer dual-airfoil element positioned outboard of each side of the central single-airfoil element. The single-piece member defines aerodynamic surfaces of the central airfoil element and both of the outer dual-airfoil elements. The single-piece member includes a carbon fiber resin hollow body forming at least a portion of the central single-airfoil element and of both outer dual-airfoil elements.

Claims

1. A multi-airfoil element wing comprising:

a central single-airfoil element;

an outer dual-airfoil element positioned outboard of each side of the central single-airfoil element;

wherein a single-piece member defines aerodynamic surfaces of the central airfoil element and both of the outer dual-airfoil elements.

2. The multi-airfoil element wing of claim 1, wherein the single-piece member is an upper member that defines upper aerodynamic surfaces of the central airfoil element and both of the outer dual-airfoil elements, and further comprising a lower single-piece member that defines lower aerodynamic surfaces of the central airfoil element and both of the outer dual-airfoil elements joined to the upper single-piece member to form a hollow body.

3. The multi-airfoil element wing of claim 1, wherein the single-piece member comprises a carbon fiber resin hollow body forming at least a portion of the central single-airfoil element and of both outer dual-airfoil elements.

4. The multi-airfoil element wing of claim 1, further comprising a pair of stanchions for mounting the wing above a rear surface of an automobile, wherein the central single-airfoil element spans fully between the stanchions, and the outer dual-airfoil elements are positioned and extend outboard of the stanchions.

5. The multi-airfoil element wing of claim 4, further comprising a smooth transition between the central single-airfoil element each of the dual-airfoil elements.

6. The multi-airfoil element wing of claim 1, wherein the single-piece member comprises a concave leading edge and a convex terminating edge in top plan view.

7. The multi-airfoil element wing of claim 1, wherein, in top plan view, the single-piece member comprises a convex terminating edge and the wing is designed to provide aerodynamic down-force when mounted on an automobile having a convex terminating rear end in top plan view.

8. The multi-airfoil element wing of claim 1, wherein, in side elevation view, the single-piece member comprises a rear upwardly curved shape and the wing is designed to provide aerodynamic down-force when mounted on an automobile having a rear upwardly curved shape in side elevation view.