Airflow control devices based on active materials
First Claim
1. An air deflector apparatus hosted by a vehicle defining a longitudinal axis, said apparatus comprising:
- an air deflector having a flap that is fixedly coupled at one end to the vehicle, presenting a longitudinal orientation substantially traverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis and to an air flow when the vehicle is moving, and manipulable between a first position sufficient to occlude and block at least a portion of the air flow, and a second position wherein a different portion of the flow is occluded and blocked;
an active material responsive to an activation signal by changing between first and second attributes, and drivenly coupled to the flap, such that the change in attribute results in the manipulation of the flap, so as to block said different portion of the air flow;
a controller communicatively coupled to the material and operable to selectively generate and deliver to the material the activation signal; and
a sensor communicatively coupled to the controller, operable to detect a condition, and configured to cause the controller to deliver the signal when the condition is detected.
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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.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. An air deflector apparatus hosted by a vehicle defining a longitudinal axis, said apparatus comprising:
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an air deflector having a flap that is fixedly coupled at one end to the vehicle, presenting a longitudinal orientation substantially traverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis and to an air flow when the vehicle is moving, and manipulable between a first position sufficient to occlude and block at least a portion of the air flow, and a second position wherein a different portion of the flow is occluded and blocked; an active material responsive to an activation signal by changing between first and second attributes, and drivenly coupled to the flap, such that the change in attribute results in the manipulation of the flap, so as to block said different portion of the air flow; a controller communicatively coupled to the material and operable to selectively generate and deliver to the material the activation signal; and a sensor communicatively coupled to the controller, operable to detect a condition, and configured to cause the controller to deliver the signal when the condition is detected. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification