System and apparatus for increasing downward force exerted on the aft end of a motor vehicle

US11390335B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR STOCK CAR AUTO RACING, LLC · US

Inventors

• Brandon Thomas · Concord, US
• John Probst · Concord, US
• Eric Jacuzzi · Concord, US
• Christopher A. Popiela · Concord, US
• Timothy S. Murphy · Concord, US
• Donald E. Krueger · Taylorsville, US
• Luca Pignacca · Salsomaggiore Terme, IT
• Alex Timmermans · Speedway, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 28, 2020
• Grant date: Jul 19, 2022
• Expiry date: Jan 20, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T10/88
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A system and apparatus for increasing the safety of motor vehicles traveling at high speeds in the rearward direction is provided. An air dam hingedly secured to the aft end of a vehicle may remain in a stowed position while the motor vehicle is traveling in a forward direction so as not to interfere with aerodynamic performance. When a motor vehicle begins to enter a spin, the air dam may deploy and increase the downward force on the vehicle and as well as act as an air brake, thereby reducing the likelihood of the aft end of the vehicle lifting from the surface during a spin-out at high speeds.