Reversibly deployable spoiler
US7607717B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 2006 |
| Grant date | Oct 27, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D35/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A reversibly deployable spoiler for a vehicle 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 active spoiler airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness to control vehicle airflow and downforce to better suit changes in driving conditions such as speed, while reducing maintenance and the level of failure modes. An activation device, controller and sensors may be employed to further control the change in at least one feature of the active spoiler airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness. 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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.